They Were Expendable

This is, to my mind, a much under-rated film - about a little-known aspect of WW2.

The film is about the work of the US Navy PT Boats - small patrol boats, ... more >

This is, to my mind, a much under-rated film - about a little-known aspect of WW2.

The film is about the work of the US Navy PT Boats - small patrol boats, whose unsung and 'pirate-like' activities, were a million miles away from life in the big ships. John Ford himself, as a US Navy Commander in the Pacific in WW2, made this film with real feeling and understanding, and based it on the activities of a USN war hero commanding these boats. Indeed, PT109 was commanded by one Lieutenant John F Kennedy USN, though I am not certain in which Pacific theatre the future President was active.

The film works well as a tribute to some 'unsung heroes'. It is a salute to all, as you say, but moreover it's a salute to a few! It's also testimony to the outstanding work of a great film director; it was, I believe, one of his favourites. < less

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Film Details

Cast

John Wayne, Robert Montgomery, Donna Reed, Ward Bond

Technical Details