---
title: "Tarawa Beachhead"
year: 1958
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/tarawa-beachhead-1958"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 162270
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 77
community_rating: 6.6
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "NR"
---

# Tarawa Beachhead (1958) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/tarawa-beachhead-1958

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Tarawa Beachhead is a 1958 war and drama film released in the United States with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes. It was directed by Paul Wendkos and stars Kerwin Mathews in his first leading role, alongside Ray Danton, Julie Adams, Karen Sharpe, and Onslow Stevens.

The cultural significance of the film is tied to its status as a Columbia Pictures release featuring an early starring role for Kerwin Mathews, alongside the casting of husband and wife Ray Danton and Julie Adams. The film explores the provocative dilemma a Marine faces when he witnesses his commanding officer breaking the law.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A Marine faces a difficult dilemma after seeing his commanding officer break the law."

### Why Watch
- Features Columbia Pictures contract star Kerwin Mathews in his first leading role.
- Includes performances by the husband and wife team of Ray Danton and Julie Adams.
- Presents a provocative narrative about military duty versus the law.

### Caveats & Content Note
- No streaming availability or duration details are provided in the sources.
- Tone & Suitability: This is a war and drama film from 1958 with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #war-drama, #military-conflict, #command-dilemma, #1950s-cinema, #columbia-pictures

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/tarawa-beachhead-1958#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Paul Wendkos
- **Networks / Studios**: Morningside Productions

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Kerwin Mathews** as *Sgt. Thomas A. 'Tom' Sloan*
- **Julie Adams** as *Ruth Nelson Campbell*
- **Ray Danton** as *Lt. Joel Brady*
- **Karen Sharpe** as *Paula Nelson*
- **Onslow Stevens** as *Gen. Nathan Keller*
- **Russell Thorson** as *Casey Nelson*
- **Eddie Ryder** as *Lt. Lou Gideon*
- **John Baer** as *Johnny Campbell*
- **Michael Garth** as *Maj. Westerly (as Mike Garth)*
- **Larry Thor** as *Col. Kempler*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where can I stream Tarawa Beachhead?
The provided sources do not contain information on where to stream the film.

### Q: Is Tarawa Beachhead worth watching?
It holds a user score of 60% on Kinobox and is notable for starring Kerwin Mathews in his first leading role.

### Q: What is the binge duration for Tarawa Beachhead?
The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes.

### Q: What are the essential episodes of Tarawa Beachhead?
Tarawa Beachhead is a feature film rather than a television series with episodes.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Tarawa Beachhead — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/162270)
- [Tarawa Beachhead (1958) | ČSFD.cz](https://www.csfd.cz/film/133731-tarawa-beachhead/prehled/)
- [Tarawa Beachhead - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarawa_Beachhead)
- [Tarawa Beachhead 60% (1958) | Kinobox.cz](https://www.kinobox.cz/film/178958-tarawa-beachhead)
- [Tarawa Beachhead (1958)](https://www.sms.cz/film/tarawa-beachhead)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*