Before you run out and rent Command Decision thinking it'll be another Wake Island, you should know it's not a war movie. It's based off a play, and it's very wordy. There are no battle scenes, but instead it's full of inner conflict (talked out) by the men who make the big decisions. So if you don't think two hours of talking about war will be as fun as watching soldiers fight it out, skip this one.
If you do rent it, you'll see Clark Gable, Walter Pidgeon, and Brian Donlevy, all sharing pretty much equal screen time - but not equal billing. Brian Donlevy should never have received a lower billing than Van Johnson (who got second billing), playing Clark Gable's assistant. He has no real character, but instead gives sarcastic quips upon entrances and exits. John Hodiak, Charles Bickford, and Edward Arnold also join in on the fun. With six powerful screen presences (and Van Johnson popping in every so often to say hello), you should expect a never-ending competition for screen time and audience favoritism. It's all in good fun, I'm sure. Although they spend the entire movie arguing with each other, you can imagine them all going out for drinks at the end of a long day.
If you do rent it, you'll see Clark Gable, Walter Pidgeon, and Brian Donlevy, all sharing pretty much equal screen time - but not equal billing. Brian Donlevy should never have received a lower billing than Van Johnson (who got second billing), playing Clark Gable's assistant. He has no real character, but instead gives sarcastic quips upon entrances and exits. John Hodiak, Charles Bickford, and Edward Arnold also join in on the fun. With six powerful screen presences (and Van Johnson popping in every so often to say hello), you should expect a never-ending competition for screen time and audience favoritism. It's all in good fun, I'm sure. Although they spend the entire movie arguing with each other, you can imagine them all going out for drinks at the end of a long day.