From Here to Eternity

In February 1941, Private Robert E. Lee Prewitt, known as 'Prew', arrives at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii to join G Company. His reputation as a skilled bugler precedes him, but after challenging a fellow bugler's promotion, he faces a demotion as he begins this new chapter in his military career.

Captain Dana 'Dynamite' Holmes, the commanding officer of G Company, quickly identifies Prew's boxing potential and pressures him to compete. Despite his reluctance due to a tragic past in the ring, Holmes's interest in his boxing can significantly impact the morale and reputation of the unit.

Prew becomes the target of 'The Treatment', a brutal hazing ritual imposed by Sergeant Galovitch and the other soldiers. These extreme measures are intended to break his spirit, yet Prew remains resolute, refusing to box or succumb to humiliation, signaling his determination.

First Sergeant Milt Warden distinguishes himself as a leader who genuinely cares for his men. Unlike Holmes, who is focused on his ambitions, Warden's bond with Prew deepens, fostering an environment of trust amidst the growing chaos in their military lives.

Warden discovers that Captain Holmes's wife, Karen, is involved in infidelity, which complicates his feelings. Their relationship deepens as they navigate the fallout from her hysterectomy, ultimately leading to a secretive affair that grows against a backdrop of military tensions.

Prew forms a close friendship with Private Angelo Maggio, a soldier known for his defiance. They support each other through their struggles, providing solidarity against the pressures from military authority and the personal challenges they face.

During his nights out, Prew encounters Lorene, a charming prostitute with aspirations for a better life. Their complicated relationship grows, yet Lorene chooses not to engage with Prew for marriage, indicating her desire for someone more substantial than he appears to be.

Tensions culminate in a violent brawl between Prew and Private First Class Isaac Bloom. This confrontation not only tests Prew's strength but also leaves Bloom unexpectedly victorious, sowing seeds of uncertainty about his future in the boxing ring.

News shocks the unit as Bloom takes his own life, devastating those who knew him. Prew grapples with the emotional aftermath, compounded by his incarceration in the stockade and the harsh treatment he witnesses there.

Maggio concocts a plan to escape the brutal environment of the stockade by feigning insanity. As he undergoes extreme treatment for his ruse, their paths diverge, highlighting the harsh realities soldiers face even among friends.

In a moment of clarity, Prew witnesses the brutal conduct of Staff Sergeant Judson towards fellow inmates, leading him to vow revenge. Upon his return to G Company, Prew's encounter with Judson results in a lethal confrontation, changing the course of his life irrevocably.

Following the tumultuous events, Prew recuperates at Alma's home, battling feelings of despair and an absence of future prospects. Alma's decision to leave for Oregon without him deepens his existential plight as he grapples with his identity within and outside of the Army.

After a period of hiding due to his AWOL status, Prew faces the looming consequences of his actions. Determined to evade capture, he finds solace in Alma as the harsh realities of military life catch up with him.

The attack on Pearl Harbor serves as a watershed moment, forcing Prew to confront the reality of the war and his responsibilities as a soldier. As G Company prepares for deployment, he realizes that he must make life-altering decisions and say goodbye to Alma.

In the midst of military chaos, Prew is tragically apprehended by guards, leading to a confrontation that results in his death. As Warden gathers his belongings, the reverberations of Prew's sacrifices remind everyone of the harsh realities faced by soldiers during wartime.