Johnny Got His Gun 1971

In the midst of the ravages of war, Timothy Bottoms (Joe Bonham) finds himself trapped in a prison of flesh, his body mangled beyond recognition after an artillery shell leaves him without eyes, ears, mouth, nose, or limbs. Despite the catastrophic damage, Joe’s mind remains lucid, tormented by the memories of his pre-war life with his Christian Science family and his beloved Kareen (Kathy Fields). His recollections are intermingled with vivid fantasies, as he forms a poignant bond with a compassionate nurse (Diane Varsi) who senses the depths of his despair.

As Joe’s desperation grows, he resorts to an extraordinary form of communication: tapping out Morse code on his pillow by banging his head against it. The message is clear: “help”. But when the medical team fails to respond to his plea, Joe’s distress turns to anguish as he begs for euthanasia, only to be met with the cold reality that such a wish is impossible. The U.S. Army will not grant him the mercy of death or the indignity of being exhibited in a freak show.

Crushed by the cruel fate that awaits him, Joe’s nurse, moved by his plight, attempts to end his suffering by clamping his breathing tube. However, her supervisor intervenes just in time, leaving Joe to realize that he will be forced to endure the remainder of his natural life trapped in his state of entrapment. As the weight of his reality settles upon him, Joe’s cries for help are reduced to a haunting whisper: “S.O.S. Help me.”