“A Town Like Alice” (AKA The Rape of Malaya) (1956). Regarding the town, Alice Springs is in the heart of Australia, in the south region of the Northern Territory.

The story takes place in Malaysia during Japanese occupation. A group of civilian POWs -- women -- could not be properly processed at the regular interment camp. They were informed they had to walk to another town across several miles to receive food and lodging.

That in itself doesn't sound bad, but add to this the fact that only the Japanese forces were permitted to move around in Malaysia, and the fact that all belongings, all foods, all properties were confiscated. There was no food. there was no lodging.

Arriving at the next town, they are told that the directing Japanese soldier who sent them was wrong. The town they want is on the other side of the island nation. This is repeated several times.

A man from the town of Alice Springs, Australia (played by England’s Peter Finch), is accompanying the women. Angered at the treatment and the lack of food and water, he complains to a Japanese officer. Out of ‘respect’ for his religion, he is crucified on a tree.

Viewer comments.

An excellent film (and on my shelf),
Dan