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John Ford directs a moving salute to the torpedo crews in the Pacific during World War Two. Lt Brickley and the brash Rusty (John Wayne and Robert Montgomery) are two American skippers determined to prove that their PT boats can be used as weapons against larger Japanese cruisers. Their point is proved with devastating results.
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18 of 19 people found the following review helpful
By Odysseas
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This black and white film was made just after the end of WWII, and so it might be expected to be very gung ho, but that is far from the case. It is a contemplative film about US servicemen and women living a desperate situation in the Philippines during the Japanese invasion in 1941, scripted by Frank 'Spig' Wead, himself a serving naval officer during the war.
The story surrounds Motor Torpedo Squadron 3, led by Lieutenants Brickley and Ryan (Montgomery and Wayne), and is loosely based on the real-life Lieutenants Bulkeley and Kelly. The squadron with just a handful of plywood boats was virtually the only US naval force available to fight the entire Japanese invasion fleet, and the sense of hopelessness allied to a desire to fight pervades the entire film. We follow them as they get forced back from one base to another, always looking to the horizon in the hope that the US fleet will steam in to save the day. At the time, few on the islands were aware of the magnitude of the Pearl Harbor disaster, and so it only gradually dawns on the characters that there is not going to be any help.
Certainly the squadron portrayed in the film sinks rather more ships than it did in real life, and the way the boats go about attacking ships is chosen for its screen impact rather than its realism (that's Hollywood I suppose, but it does make for some very exciting scenes). However, the essentials of the story are very well portrayed - the acting and screenplay are both first class. John Wayne plays second fiddle to Robert Montgomery, with the result that his feet are kept fairly firmly on deck and his heroics remain in check. Fine performances from Donna Reed, Ward Bond and several others help to create a very convincing atmosphere.... Read more ›
The story surrounds Motor Torpedo Squadron 3, led by Lieutenants Brickley and Ryan (Montgomery and Wayne), and is loosely based on the real-life Lieutenants Bulkeley and Kelly. The squadron with just a handful of plywood boats was virtually the only US naval force available to fight the entire Japanese invasion fleet, and the sense of hopelessness allied to a desire to fight pervades the entire film. We follow them as they get forced back from one base to another, always looking to the horizon in the hope that the US fleet will steam in to save the day. At the time, few on the islands were aware of the magnitude of the Pearl Harbor disaster, and so it only gradually dawns on the characters that there is not going to be any help.
Certainly the squadron portrayed in the film sinks rather more ships than it did in real life, and the way the boats go about attacking ships is chosen for its screen impact rather than its realism (that's Hollywood I suppose, but it does make for some very exciting scenes). However, the essentials of the story are very well portrayed - the acting and screenplay are both first class. John Wayne plays second fiddle to Robert Montgomery, with the result that his feet are kept fairly firmly on deck and his heroics remain in check. Fine performances from Donna Reed, Ward Bond and several others help to create a very convincing atmosphere.... Read more ›
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
John Wayne made several war movies, and some that stepped back in time to earlier conflicts, especially during that period after the USA had entered WWII.
'They Were Expendable' is perhaps one of the best and there were many others. From one movie to the next, he went from airman to soldier to marine to sea captain and yet more! His personal explanation was that he was showing his support for the various arms of the services and that they would each take their turn.
In reality, Wayne served in none! One interpretation was that he wanted to support his family and he could best do that by not risking his life or health. That sounds more like a publicist justifying Wayne's actions than Wayne himself. The probable truth was that Wayne's income from his production company, Batjac which he fully owned, was derived from him being the star of his movies and from the studio and production fees associated with those activities which would have very minimal had he not continued making and starring in his movies!.
This movie portrays the activities of the fast torpedo boats in the Pacific. The boats were themselves not armoured and constructed mostly of marine ply, fitted with very powerful engines and armed with light machine guns or small naval guns and a few torpedoes. They were very light and extremely fast vessels capable of speeds of around 40 knots, a fact that could sometimes help them escape danger. However, it did not take much to set one alight or to sink one and they were very susceptible to air attack and had no defence against heavy naval guns - hence the title.
An excellent vehicle for Wayne and probably reasonably truthful and authentic, it is a very enjoyable movie and something of a favourite.
'They Were Expendable' is perhaps one of the best and there were many others. From one movie to the next, he went from airman to soldier to marine to sea captain and yet more! His personal explanation was that he was showing his support for the various arms of the services and that they would each take their turn.
In reality, Wayne served in none! One interpretation was that he wanted to support his family and he could best do that by not risking his life or health. That sounds more like a publicist justifying Wayne's actions than Wayne himself. The probable truth was that Wayne's income from his production company, Batjac which he fully owned, was derived from him being the star of his movies and from the studio and production fees associated with those activities which would have very minimal had he not continued making and starring in his movies!.
This movie portrays the activities of the fast torpedo boats in the Pacific. The boats were themselves not armoured and constructed mostly of marine ply, fitted with very powerful engines and armed with light machine guns or small naval guns and a few torpedoes. They were very light and extremely fast vessels capable of speeds of around 40 knots, a fact that could sometimes help them escape danger. However, it did not take much to set one alight or to sink one and they were very susceptible to air attack and had no defence against heavy naval guns - hence the title.
An excellent vehicle for Wayne and probably reasonably truthful and authentic, it is a very enjoyable movie and something of a favourite.
18 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
It is a film which did not appeal to me on first viewing. I have since seen it many times and it just imporves like fine wine (its one of those films which needs many viewings to 'connect') It is not easily accessible, especially for the modern generation but it weaves its own beautifully elegiac and sombre melody - more so for those who understand its sad history.
It is a surprisingly intelligent film, which some may find hard to follow, since it contains a bit of strategic talk and such, but it has some heart-rendingly poignant moments, especially the scenes between Wayne and Reed - for instance the candle lit dinner, THAT beautiful shot of the both of them staring into the distance during the dance, and the last phone call.
Some may argue that it is only sporadically great. The 'lesser' moments perhaps sit a bit naked in comparison to the masterstroke scenes mentioned above. Also it may be criticised as being patriotic (dare I say it, propaganda?), but it never feels as such. The japanese are never shown in negative light, in fact they don't ever appear in the film. This was a film made by Ford to commemorate those who fought and its a fitting tribute. 'A Matter of Life and Death' was subject to the same initial criticisms - and that is a masterpiece.
Those with shorter concentration spans may be a bit bored, but make no mistake this is one of the most haunting, and poignant war films around, and captures the mood and tragedy of the time. Along with The Thin Red Line the greatest war films ever made.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By Robert Morris
TOP 100 REVIEWER
Format:DVD
More than 60 years ago, Japanese forces attacked Pearl Harbor. During the months which followed, the United States struggled to recover as Japanese military victories continued throughout the Pacific. This film is based on William Lindsay White's interviews of four members of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron Three, published as They Were Expendable in 1942. John Ford and Robert Montgomery co-directed and Montgomery also stars as Lieutenant John Brickley. Throughout much of this film, Brickley's squadron only provides courier service between Bataan and Corregidor. When given the opportunity, however, Squadron Three does manage to sink several of the enemy's ships as the Japanese complete their conquest of the Philippines, eventually forcing the American forces to surrender.
With regard to the film's title, not all of those involved with resisting the Japanese were expendable. General Douglas Mac Arthur is ordered by President Roosevelt to relocate with his family and staff to Australia. Brickley's squadron makes their escape possible. As the film ends, he and Lieutenant J.G. "Rusty" Ryan (John Wayne) return to the United States on the last plane out. Their men will now be fighting on foot...at least for a while. In the final scene, as they trudge proudly down the beach and the plane carrying Brickley and Ryan rises above them, the soundtrack offers a muted choral rendition of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." A distinctive Ford touch.
... Read more ›
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A sadly underrated war film, which deserves to be rediscovered
A brilliant account of the fall of the Philippine Islands, seen through a squadron of torpedo boats (instrumental in the evac of General McArthur). Read more
Published 5 months ago by Philippe TRIFFAULT
4.0 out of 5 stars
They Were Commendable
It's WW2 and the seemingly unstoppable Nipponese juggernaut is sweeping across the Pacific theatre. Pearl Harbour is bombed and the consequences are soon to be visited on the... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Seatinthestalls
4.0 out of 5 stars
A top drawer war movie
This an exciting adventure story dealing with the United States Navy sailors who fought against Japanese Navy forces in small motorised torpedo boats soon after the attack on Pearl... Read more
Published 11 months ago by stunsail
5.0 out of 5 stars
DVD
What a film, i mean they don't or can't make them like this anymore, a real must for anyone who fancys this sort of episode. Read more
Published 14 months ago by al
5.0 out of 5 stars
they were expendable
This film was delivered in good time and was very enjoyable for people who like a good story and action. in a more mild ways of film classics like this one very happy.
Published 16 months ago by David Thomas
5.0 out of 5 stars
Cracker
This film is an absolute cracker. Authentic in almost every way. I found it an absolute joy to watch with plenty of action and some good acting from almost everybody. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Geordie70
4.0 out of 5 stars
They Were Expendable
This War film was made in 1945 just after the War ended I think. Obviously part of the euphoria of supporting America at the time, sometimes overly sentimental, but nonetheless... Read more
Published on 1 Oct 2010 by G. Coles
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good watchable film
They Were Expendable wase made in 1945 and as such that is what you get. A good film for the time, with the 'perfect' hero's fighting the evil enemy for the good of the... Read more
Published on 28 Jun 2007 by "Smith" Reader
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