They Were Expendable

They Were Expendable is a 1945 American World War II war film directed by John Ford and produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The film is based on the 1942 book by journalist William L. White, which chronicles the exploits of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron Three following the Attack on Pearl Harbor. Starring Robert Montgomery, John Wayne, and Donna Reed, it is noted for its somber, realistic portrayal of the early American defeats in the Pacific War.

Plot

The narrative follows Lieutenant John Brickley (Robert Montgomery) and his second-in-command, Lieutenant (junior grade) "Rusty" Ryan (John Wayne), officers in the U.S. Navy's PT boat service in the Philippines. After the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, their squadron conducts valiant but ultimately futile torpedo attacks against the Imperial Japanese Navy, such as during the Battle of the Sunda Strait. The story depicts their desperate rear-guard actions, the evacuation of key personnel like General Douglas MacArthur from Corregidor to Australia, and the eventual fall of the Bataan Peninsula. The film concludes with the surviving crew ordered to escape to fight another day, highlighting the theme of strategic sacrifice.

Cast

* Robert Montgomery as Lieutenant John Brickley * John Wayne as Lieutenant (j.g.) "Rusty" Ryan * Donna Reed as Lieutenant Sandy Davyss * Jack Holt as General Martin * Ward Bond as "Boots" Mulcahey * Marshall Thompson as Ensign "Snake" Gardner * Paul Langton as Ensign "Andy" Andrews * Leon Ames as Major James Morton * Arthur Walsh as "Ohio" * Donald Curtis as Lieutenant (j.g.) "Shorty" Long * Cameron Mitchell as Ensign George Cross * Jeff York as "Slug" Mahan * Murray Alper as "Slug's" Crewman * Harry Tenbrook as "Cookie" Arbaugh * Jack Pennick as "Doc"

Production

The film was directed and produced by John Ford, a United States Navy Reserve commander who had documented the war for the Navy's Field Photographic Branch. The screenplay was written by former naval aviator Frank Wead. Principal photography, led by cinematographer Joseph H. August, took place in Florida, with the U.S. Navy providing significant support, including actual PT boats. John Wayne, who had not served in the military, was coached on naval demeanor by co-star Robert Montgomery, a genuine PT boat veteran who had commanded a squadron during the Normandy landings. The production was marked by Ford's characteristically demanding style and his insistence on authenticity.

Reception

Upon its release in December 1945, the film was met with critical acclaim for its gritty realism and emotional depth, a contrast to more triumphalist war films. Bosley Crowther of The New York Times praised its "honesty and restraint." It was nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Sound Recording and Best Special Effects. While not a major box office hit initially, its reputation has grown significantly over time, with many modern critics and historians, such as those from the American Film Institute, considering it one of the finest war films ever made and a poignant tribute to the United States Armed Forces in the early, dark days of the war.

Historical accuracy

The film is based closely on the non-fiction account by William L. White, which itself detailed the real experiences of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron Three under Lieutenant John D. Bulkeley (the basis for Brickley). Key events, such as the failed attacks on Japanese cruisers and the evacuation of General Douglas MacArthur from Corregidor to Mindanao via PT boat, are accurately portrayed. Bulkeley was awarded the Medal of Honor for these actions. However, as with most dramatizations, characters are composites, timelines are condensed, and the romantic subplot involving Lieutenant Davyss (Donna Reed) is fictionalized. The film's overall tone captures the spirit of desperation and sacrifice during the Philippines campaign (1941–1942).

Category:1945 films Category:American war films Category:Films directed by John Ford