From Here to Eternity Ending Explained: Check the Plot Here
by Ayisha
Updated Jun 24, 2023
From Here to Eternity Ending Explained
The ending of the film "From Here to Eternity" is a significant and poignant conclusion to the story. In order to fully understand the ending, it's important to consider the events leading up to it.
Throughout the film, the audience follows the journey of the protagonist, Prewitt, a soldier stationed in Hawaii prior to the Pearl Harbor attack. Prewitt faces numerous challenges and conflicts within the army, but he remains dedicated and resilient.
As the attack on Pearl Harbor occurs, Prewitt displays great courage and loyalty by risking his life to rejoin his fellow soldiers in the fight against the Japanese. Meanwhile, another key character, Warden, takes on the role of a leader, commanding a machine gun and engaging in combat with enemy planes.
Tragically, Prewitt meets his demise in a manner that is both ironic and devastating. Although the Japanese never attempted a land invasion of Hawaii, a U.S. soldier mistakes Prewitt for an ejected Japanese pilot and fatally shoots him. This turn of events underscores the theme of mistaken identity and the cruel nature of war.
Prewitt's death carries a profound significance. On one hand, it is a tragic ending as he is killed by his own comrades while trying to rejoin them. However, it also serves as a testament to his heroism, highlighting his unwavering dedication and genuine qualities as a soldier and a man. Warden recognizes Prewitt's exceptional commitment and requests that his body be buried in the Army's permanent cemetery as a mark of respect and honor.
Following Prewitt's demise, the film shifts its focus to the characters Karen Holmes and Alma Burke. In the final scene, they are seen together on a ship departing from Hawaii. They engage in a conversation reflecting on the beauty of Hawaii while expressing their melancholy. The symbolism of the leis (flower garlands) they drop into the ocean adds depth to the scene.
Karen suggests that if the garlands float back towards the island, it would indicate their eventual return. Conversely, if the garlands float out to sea, Karen and Alma would not come back. Alma, who had previously claimed not to want to marry Prewitt, reveals that her fiancé died in the attack, although she manipulates the truth by stating that he was a pilot who died in combat.
Karen, who is likely aware of the real events surrounding Prewitt's death, is struck by his name when Alma mentions it. This suggests that she knows the truth about his demise and recognizes the romanticized version of the story that Alma presents. The use of Prewitt's name serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made during wartime.
The final shot of the film depicts the garlands floating in the ocean, their destination unknown. The original screenplay indicated that the garlands would float out to sea, but in the movie, their direction remains ambiguous. This leaves the possibility open for interpretation, symbolizing the uncertainty of the future and the characters' respective fates.
Overall, the ending of "From Here to Eternity" conveys the brutal reality of war, the sacrifices made by individuals, and the profound impact it has on their lives. It explores themes of mistaken identity, heroism, and the uncertainty of the future. By examining the characters' journeys and the symbolism woven into the final scene, the audience is left to contemplate the lasting effects of war and the profound emotional toll it exacts on those involved.
Movie From Here to Eternity Cast
Actor
Character
Burt Lancaster
First Sergeant Milton Warden
Montgomery Clift
Private Robert E. Lee Prewitt
Deborah Kerr
Karen Holmes
Donna Reed
Alma Burke / Lorene
Frank Sinatra
Private Angelo Maggio
Philip Ober
Captain Dana "Dynamite" Holmes
Mickey Shaughnessy
Corporal Leva
Harry Bellaver
Private First Class Mazzioli
Ernest Borgnine
Staff Sergeant James R. "Fatso" Judson
Jack Warden
Corporal Buckley
John Dennis
Sergeant Ike Galovitch
Merle Travis
Private Sal Anderson
Tim Ryan
Sergeant Pete Karelsen
Arthur Keegan
Treadwell
Barbara Morrison
Mrs. Kipfer
George Reeves
Sergeant Maylon Stark (uncredited)
Claude Akins
Sergeant "Baldy" Dhom (uncredited)
Alvin Sargent
Nair (uncredited)
Robert J. Wilke
Sergeant Henderson (uncredited)
Carleton Young
Colonel Ayres (uncredited)
Kristine Miller
Georgette (uncredited)
From Here to Eternity Plot
In 1941, Private Robert E. Lee Prewitt, a bugler and career soldier, transfers from Fort Shafter to Schofield Barracks on the island of Oahu. Captain Dana "Dynamite" Holmes, aware of Prewitt's boxing skills, wants him to join the regimental team. However, Prewitt declines the offer. As a result, Holmes subjects Prewitt to a series of hardships and eventually orders First Sergeant Milton Warden to initiate a court-martial. Warden proposes an alternative punishment by doubling Prewitt's company penalty. Prewitt faces mistreatment from other non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and finds solace in his close friend, Private Angelo Maggio.
Prewitt and Maggio become members of a social club, where Prewitt becomes attracted to a woman named Lorene. He confides in her that he quit boxing after accidentally blinding his sparring partner. At the club, Maggio gets into a heated argument with stockade Sergeant "Fatso" Judson. Later, at a local bar, Judson instigates a confrontation with Maggio, which is diffused by Warden's intervention.
Despite being warned of the consequences, Warden risks his own imprisonment by engaging in an affair with Holmes' wife, Karen. Karen's marriage to Holmes is marred by infidelity, further strained by the loss of their stillborn child and Karen's subsequent infertility. Karen encourages Warden to pursue an officer position, which would allow her to divorce Holmes and marry him.
Maggio is sentenced to the stockade after he walks off guard duty and becomes intoxicated, becoming a target of Judson's unmerited and unauthorized wrath. Prewitt discovers that Lorene's real name is Alma, and she aspires to earn enough money at the club to return to the mainland. Prewitt expresses his commitment to his military career, leaving both of them uncertain about their future together.
A member of Holmes' boxing team, Sergeant Galovitch, provokes a fight with Prewitt. Holmes witnesses the altercation without intervening. Upon learning that Galovitch instigated the fight, Holmes refrains from punishing Prewitt. The regimental commander, who observes Holmes' behavior, orders his resignation instead of a court-martial following an investigation. Captain Ross replaces Holmes, reprimands the other NCOs, demotes Galovitch to private, and declares that promotions based on boxing will no longer be allowed.
Maggio escapes from the stockade but suffers a brutal beating from Judson, leading to his death in Prewitt's arms. Seeking revenge, Prewitt confronts Judson in a back alley knife fight and kills him, although he sustains severe injuries in the process. He seeks refuge with Lorene while Warden covers for his absence.
Karen informs Warden that Holmes' resignation is forcing them to return to the mainland. However, Warden reveals his disinterest in pursuing an officer position, effectively ending their relationship. Warden assures Karen that they may meet again in the future.
The following morning, the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor, prompting the men at Schofield Barracks to take action. Warden assumes command and orders the breach of the ammunition supply room and the preparation of coffee. Despite Lorene's pleas for Prewitt to stay with her, he attempts to rejoin his company but is fatally shot by military police when he refuses to halt. Warden acknowledges him as a good soldier but stubborn.
Several days later, Karen and Lorene coincidentally find themselves standing next to each other on a ship heading to the mainland. Karen tosses her leis into the sea, contemplating if she will ever return to Hawaii. Lorene informs Karen that she is not returning and falsely claims that her "fiancé," whom she identifies as Prewitt, was a heroic bomber pilot who died during the Pearl Harbor attack and was posthumously awarded a Silver Star. Karen recognizes the name but chooses not to disclose her knowledge.
From Here to Eternity Final Scene
The final scene of "From Here to Eternity" takes place against the backdrop of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. As the chaos ensues and the men at Schofield Barracks are called to action, First Sergeant Milton Warden assumes command and takes charge of the situation. He orders the breach of the ammunition supply room and instructs the soldiers to prepare coffee, displaying his leadership skills in the face of the crisis.
Meanwhile, Private Robert E. Lee Prewitt, who had been involved in a tumultuous journey throughout the film, decides to make a brave and selfless choice. Despite his deep connection with Lorene, he feels a sense of duty towards his fellow soldiers and attempts to rejoin his company in the midst of the attack. However, tragedy strikes as military police, misunderstanding Prewitt's intentions, shoot and kill him when he refuses to halt.
The impact of Prewitt's death is profound, as it signifies the ultimate sacrifice made by a dedicated soldier who had faced numerous challenges and injustices within the army. First Sergeant Warden, upon identifying Prewitt's lifeless body, acknowledges his courage and loyalty, recognizing him as a good soldier despite the conflicts they had endured. Prewitt's death highlights the complexities and sacrifices of military life.
In a parallel narrative, Karen, the wife of Captain Dana Holmes, and Lorene find themselves coincidentally standing next to each other on a ship bound for the mainland. Karen, grappling with the consequences of her affair with Warden and her failed marriage, contemplates her future and the possibility of returning to Hawaii. Symbolically, she tosses her leis into the sea, uncertain if she will ever come back.
Lorene, on the other hand, reveals a fabricated story to Karen about her relationship with Prewitt. She falsely claims that Prewitt was her fiancé and a heroic bomber pilot who lost his life during the Pearl Harbor attack, receiving a posthumous Silver Star. This revelation surprises Karen, who recognizes the name but chooses not to disclose her knowledge or correct Lorene's false account.
The final moments of the film leave open-ended questions about the fate of both women and their relationships. Karen's path forward is uncertain, as she faces the consequences of her actions and must navigate her future without Warden. Lorene, having lost Prewitt, contemplates her own choices and the possibility of starting anew. The scene captures the emotional weight of the events that have unfolded, emphasizing the impact of love, war, and personal sacrifices on the characters' lives.
Overall, the final scene of "From Here to Eternity" combines the turmoil of the Pearl Harbor attack with the individual journeys and sacrifices of the film's central characters, leaving the audience with a sense of introspection and contemplation about the complexities of human relationships and the enduring effects of war.
From Here to Eternity Ending Explained - FAQs
The final scene takes place during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, thrusting the characters into a state of chaos and requiring them to respond to the crisis.
First Sergeant Milton Warden takes charge and demonstrates his leadership skills by ordering the breach of the ammunition supply room and organizing the soldiers.
Prewitt, driven by a sense of duty, attempts to rejoin his company amidst the attack. However, he is mistakenly shot and killed by military police who misunderstand his intentions.
Upon identifying Prewitt's body, Warden acknowledges his bravery and loyalty, describing him as a good soldier despite their conflicts throughout the film.
Karen tosses her leis into the sea, symbolizing her uncertainty about returning to Hawaii and her contemplation of the consequences of her actions and relationships.
Lorene falsely claims that Prewitt was her fiancé, a heroic bomber pilot who died during the Pearl Harbor attack and was posthumously awarded a Silver Star.