Coincidentally, I watched From Here to Eternity (again) last week when Turner Classic Movies ran a tribute to Ernest Borgnine. Anyone who saw Frank Sinatra act knew that he did not need Mafia help to earn movie roles; he was terrific as Private Maggio.
And Borgnine as Fatso—wow! I had just watched Marty (on right before FHTE), and moviegoers must have been shocked to see Borgnine’s performance as the gentle butcher after having seen him as Fatso.
You’re right, Borgnine could act up a storm.
Dittos on the acting ability of Sinatra and Borgnine. Another actor who never got full credit for his ability (probably due to his pretty boy image) was Tony Curtis.