This is considered one of director John Ford's career landmark films.
Film critics like Leonard Maltin praise it as one of the best WWII
films of the era.
They Were Expendable is based upon some of the wartime experiences
of Navy Lt. John Bulkeley who was also a friend of John Ford. It follows
the story of a motor torpedo (PT) squadron during the early months
of the war following Pearl Harbor in 1942. Two navy lieutenants (one
played by real-life naval officer Montgomery) differ on the
effectiveness of the small, nimble, plywood boats against the growing
enemy threat. After one dangerous sortie, Lt. Rusty Ryan is injured and
placed in the care of no-nonsense army nurse, Sandy Davyss, played by
Donna Reed. Sparks fly at first, a natural precursor to an intense but
brief romance between the two characters. The drama of war, which
initially brought them together, sends them apart again on uncertain
journeys as Bataan and Corregidor fall to enemy occupation.
The picture flows very well, especially aided by Joseph August's
photography and Ford's distinctive direction. The confidence of
Donna's character is convincingly portrayed and consistent, winning
her a memorable spot in WWII cinema's history.
Cast
- Lt. John Brickley - Robert Montgomery, Comdr., USNR
- Lt. (J.G.) "Rusty" Ryan - John Wayne
- 2nd Lt. Sandy Davyss - Donna Reed
- Gen. Martin - Jack Holt
- "Boats" Mulcahey C.B.M. - Ward Bond
- Ens. "Snake" Gardner - Marshall Thompson
- Ens. "Andy" Andrews - Paul Langton
- Maj. James Morton - Leon Ames
- Seaman Jones - Arthur Walsh
- Lt. (J.G.) "Shorty" Long - Donald Curtis
- Ens. George Cross - Cameron Mitchell
- Ens. Tony Aiken - Jeff York
- "Slug" Mahan T.M. 1c - Murray Alper
- "Squarehead" Larsen SC 2c - Harry Tenbrook
- "Doc" - Jack Pennick
- "Benny" Lecoco St 3c - Alex Havier
- Adm. Blackwell - Charles Trowbridge
- The General - Robert Barrat
- Elder Tompkins M.M. 2c - Bruce Kellogg
- Ens. Brant - Tim Murdock
- "Ohio" - Louis Jean Heydt
- "Dad" Knowland - Russell Simpson
- Army Doctor - Vernon Steele
