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They Were Expendable (1945)

They Were Expendable (1945)
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5 out of 5.0 stars 5 Ratings (5 Reviews)

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Product Details: They Were Expendable (1945)

Edition:DVD
MPAA Rating:Unrated
Release Date:05/22/2007
UPC:012569798625

Synopsis: They Were Expendable (1945)

John Ford's poetic adaptation of William White's book about a PT boat squadron in the South Pacific during World War II may be the best feature film on the war in that theater and is considered by some scholars, including British director Lindsay Anderson, as Ford's greatest work. Just before the outbreak of the war, Lt. John Brickley (Robert Montgomery) is assigned to...
John Ford's poetic adaptation of William White's book about a PT boat squadron in the South Pacific during World War II may be the best feature film on the war in that theater and is considered by some scholars, including British director Lindsay Anderson, as Ford's greatest work. Just before the outbreak of the war, Lt. John Brickley (Robert Montgomery) is assigned to take his Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron to Manila Bay to defend against a possible Japanese attack in the Philippines. Once there, he finds that the top brass, amused by the idea that the small crafts can be of use in combat, relegates the PT boat to messenger duty. Angered by that reaction, Brickley and his crew must wait for the war to begin to show what they can do. When it does, they shoot down three Japanese planes during an attack on their base, but when the base is closed Brick's squadron is reassigned to Bataan, where they once again are ordered to run messages, and Brickley's fiery executive officer, Lt. Rusty Ryan (John Wayne), fed up with such meaningless duty, asks to be transferred to a destroyer. The embodiment of Milton's tag that "they also serve who stand and wait," Ford's elegiac film pays tribute to all who donned a uniform during the war, whatever their role. Montgomery, who shared in the film's direction, gives the best noncomic performance of his career as the evenhanded CO. But in a visually arresting film that could provide a formidable emotional impact even without the use of sound, it's the eloquent compositions of director of photography Joseph H. August that resonate most powerfully.
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Other Available Editions: They Were Expendable (1945)

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Features: They Were Expendable (1945)

Full Frame - 1.33
Audio:
2 Track Mono 2M English

User Reviews: They Were Expendable (1945)

  • Overall:

    GOOD MOVIE

    By Yahoo! Shopping User  Dec 6, 2001 | 1 out of 1 found this They Were Expendable (1945) review helpful

    OUTSTANDING MOVIE FOR A 1945

  • Overall:

    Picture:

    Sound:

    Features:

    They Were Expendable

    By Yahoo! Shopping User  Feb 25, 2005

    Pros: Evidence of American faith/character/courage no longer publically visible, Visually appealling/Beautifully shot, Great big picture film not just John Wayne, Very solid supporting cast.

    Cons: John Wayne/ Donna Reed's soft chemistry.

    John Ford masterfully puts together a film combining personal ambition/desire, poignant relationships, historical settings/incidents, romance, in a a context larger than the individuals portrayed. America's faith and values, underscoring the char...acter displayed, are not seen or perceived today at this level. Some of John Wayne's greatest films are those where he is cast in the story rather than the film starring him. This is one of those. Robert Montgomery's greatness is obvious, if not easily taken for granted, but for the strength of character seemingly reserved for this hour; this destiny. Sure, but unwavering, his leadership heads off loose cannons while giving rein to prosecute the enemy to the full extent of the law. Common character uncommon today; so normal in the day that it was assumed in persons of position. His personal sacrafices are many and deep to the end. Donna Reed is beatiful, tough, romantic, and kind in a role crediting sacrafices by women made during difficult circumstances. Her relationship to John Wayne in the movie seems stretching at times, but was well done and very touching in scenes with those two and interplay with others in the navy unit they were attached. Probably very accurate to many peple circumstances of the day. The movie still plays well today and is well worth the time and place in your colection. Read more Less

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