In the Year of Our Lord 1941, Lieutenant Robert Montgomery (as John "Brick" Brickley) mans a torpedo boat. He helps defend the Philippines from Japan, and is summoned to the Hawaiian islands after the Japanese attack the US base there, at Pearl Harbor. Junior grade Lieutenant John Wayne (as "Rusty" Ryan) is the most valuable player in Mr. Montgomery's crew. When a mishap lands Mr. Wayne in the hospital, he bides time with attractive nurse Donna Reed (as Sandy Davyss). Then, it's back to the Pacific...
Montgomery and director John Ford had just returned from serving in the war, and are credited with their "U.S.N.R." (United States Navy Reserve) military title. Wayne conspicuously receives no military title; surprisingly, he wasn't a World War II fighter. "They Were Expendable" refers to the many who lost their lives fighting the Axis Japanese during WW II. Mr. Ford's film is respectful, reverent, and relatively realistic - but not very engrossing. Ms. Reed contributes an especially impressive dramatic performance.
***** They Were Expendable (12/19/45) John Ford ~ Robert Montgomery, John Wayne, Donna Reed, Marshall Thompson
Montgomery and director John Ford had just returned from serving in the war, and are credited with their "U.S.N.R." (United States Navy Reserve) military title. Wayne conspicuously receives no military title; surprisingly, he wasn't a World War II fighter. "They Were Expendable" refers to the many who lost their lives fighting the Axis Japanese during WW II. Mr. Ford's film is respectful, reverent, and relatively realistic - but not very engrossing. Ms. Reed contributes an especially impressive dramatic performance.
***** They Were Expendable (12/19/45) John Ford ~ Robert Montgomery, John Wayne, Donna Reed, Marshall Thompson