When Hell Was in Session

I am a Sergeant in the United States Army and I write to celebrities as a hobby. I am very proud to say that I have gotten two letters from Retired Rear Admiral Jeremiah Denton, a true American hero. Denton attended the US Naval Academy in Jimmy Carter's class of 1946 and from then until 1965, he built a brilliant career as a US Naval Officer. He was shot down over North Vietnam on June 18, 1965 and was a prisoner of war until February of 1973, seven and a half years of hell. They did everything to him except kill him. At one point, Admiral Denton was kept in a tiny isolation cell for over three and a half years. He and his fellow POWs are our greatest national treasure. They are men made more of steel then flesh. Hal Holbrook is an amazing actor (you only have to watch him playing Mark Twain to realize this simple fact!). He brings this quality to the role of Admiral Denton. He makes you feel this man's pain but also his courage, bravery and determination as the one prisoner of war that the North Vietnemese could not break no matter what. In fact, Admiral Denton performed a heroic act I wanted to mention. The Viet Cong tortured him horribly until he agreed to make a propaganda statement for them. While he was reading this statement, he blinked his eyes in Morse code to form out the words TORTURE. He told the US authorities about the horror that the POWs were made to endure, this amazing act earned him the Navy Cross when he was released. A word to the squemish, this movie is hard to watch especially during the torture scenes, but every American needs to hear Admiral Denton's incredible story. You will be much the better for it.

Such is war. Another reason to avoid it. POWs on both sides suffered, those who survived probably suffered longer. Watched "The Winter Soldier" immediately before this film. Together they provide as much about the Vietnamese experience, as the Americans'. So much better now we don't need to fight the threat of global communism. A good made-for-TV with a solid cast with Mako, Holbrook, and Saint.

I was fortunate enough to see this film back in the early 80's on late night television (long before cable and satellite TV). I only saw it once, but it left a very lasting impression on me. To see the torture on POW's like that is a total cry against humanity. I was literally fighting back tears watching this film, finding it hard to believe that this sort of activity occurs during wartime. My hat goes off to Col. Denton, and I hope more people will learn of his account. He is worthy of all the highest military honors possible. I hope this film doesn't gather dust for too long, and will be shown again soon!