This version of the story of Ira Hayes was certainly an uncommon movie for Hollywood in 1961. It was also somewhat uncommon for pretty boy Tony Curtis to play such a downbeat and totally sympathetic character. Curtis proved here that he was a first class actor who could turn in well rounded performances - displaying a wide range of human emotions. While it could be said the script took some liberties with certain aspects of the facts (but don't they all) it fairly well represents a reasonable outline of this tragic man's life and the dangers of propaganda 'Hero' worship. Fine direction, cinematography and production values maintain the sombre atmosphere needed to bring this realistic drama to vivid life. The public don't seem to take very well to stories that tell it like it sadly can be for some - so this classic disappeared and rarely surfaced following its initial release. With many above average elements making up this compelling story it's worth finding on DVD to see this rare, almost overlooked mini masterpiece. The theatrical trailer of the day was one of the few commercial promos that gave audiences an accurate introduction to the power of the story it was selling - that's also rare & commendable. Don't be distracted by Curtis playing a Pima Indian he carries the role admirably and there were very few performers of the day who could have done better.

The true story of Ira Hayes is uncompromisingly brought to life in this arresting movie. You will find no sugary sentiment here, no phony romantic interludes, no box office conclusion. A tragic story, well acted, based on an excellent script by Stewart Stern, which in turn was based on Bradford Huie's book, "The Hero of Iwo Jima". For once, Delbert Mann's direction is quite cinematic. Although, as we might expect from a trained in TV director, there are plenty of close-ups, Mann often goes out of his way to use extreme long-shots. And he has elicited a marvelous performance from Gregory Walcott as the tough boot sergeant. Other great production values lie in Joseph La Shelle's superlative photography and Marjorie Fowler's astute film editing.

The official U.S. release date of "The Outsiders" is given as December, 1961, but in late August/early September of 1961, Tony brought the movie to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, CA. to give all us Marines a sneak peek. He had filmed much of the movie at MCRD, plus in Oceanside and downtown San Diego, so he let us "locals" have the first look. Before and after the showing, Curtis came on the stage at the base theater along with his wife Janet Leigh and MCRD Commannder Gen. Victor Krulak, and we jar-heads were totally impressed with ourselves for getting the VIP treatment from such bigshots. Curtis didn't play the usual featherweight role as Ira Hayes, but gave a tough, gritty performance as an alcoholic on the skids. I don't notice "The Outsiders" listed among Tony Curtis's credits in all these obituaries, but if you get a chance to see it don't pass it up.

the outsider was an excellent movie and a great example of how we gave fame to someone at the top and then just dumped them at the bottom to rot this is a movie so good it stirs emotions so well it makes you want to scream at our government wake up!!!!!!! you don't give something and then abruptly takes it away but then that is typical of what the us government has done to the American Indian for how many hundreds of years NOW ? yet alone the American public bravo to ira Hayes why didn't the pima indians holler out why didn't the American public wake up America!!!!! all veterans yes this is 21st century and vets have more rights now than ever from one Indian to another ira Hayes your memory shall never die nor shall your death be in vein bravo to tony curtis for a fantastic performance!!!!