This biopic is based on the life of Pima Indian Ira Hamilton Hayes who helped raise the flag on Mt. Suribuchi with 5 other Marines during the battle of Iwo Jima, Feb. 23, 1945. He was born on the Gila River Indian reservation near Sacaton, Arizona, Jan. 12, 1923. After the war he was unable to deal with his "heroism" and became an alcoholic. He died on the reservation Jan. 24, 1955, and is buried in Arlington Cemetery.
Production:
Ira Hayes
Tony Curtis
Released by Universal Pictures in 1961, 105 mins., black and white 35mm negative, 1.37:1 screen ratio, mono sound
