They Were Expendable

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Trailer—They Were Expendable

They Were Expendable

This is more than a war film it is a heartfelt tribute to America's fighting men and women everywhere. John Ford and Robert Montgomery lead a cast of many veterans who were also great actors in their own right. A very intelligent film with the right amount of strategic talk blended with heart-rending poignant moments. I loved John Wayne's many roles in this. He was great playing the lesser role to Montgomery, the love interest of Lt. Sandy Davyss (Donna Reed), the ever-ready warrior willing to sacrifice for the troops. Ward Bond brilliantly led a wonderful cast of supporting actors. Great to see Jack Pennick as "Doc". Pennick, an actual veteran of several wars. They Were Expendable with great directing, acting and a story that must be told for the great sacrifice our heroes have made for freedom.

This movie was a Saturday afternoon TV staple for kids who grew up in the 1950s and 60s. I remember watching it as a kid and being bored with the "adult" stuff and wanting John Wayne and company to sink "Jap" ships and win the war. It was only later, as I matured and had did a stint in the service myself that I revisited this movie. Made as the war was ending; it is a sentimental, but hard look at the early days of the war in the Philippines. Ford masterfully weaves the personal stories into the bigger picture of the onslaught of the Japanese machine through the Philippines. SPOILER ALERT: The scene of the old man not wanting to leave what he had built with the strains of "Red River Valley" playing in the background and him sitting with a rifle and looking down the road where the Japanese army will surely come, is a powerful image of the hopelessness that must have pervaded many at that time. An excellent movie and one that should be on anyone's list.

Anyone who thinks that they have John Wayne holed up into a stereo-typed box, believing that John Wayne was capable of only mustering up cartoonish cowboy (or cowboy-like) characters, or of cranking out rank propaganda vehicles, please watch this movie. You see a different John Wayne here. You see a John Wayne who is humbled. You see a John Wayne who can play second fiddle (to Robert Montgomery). You see that John Wayne was a very good actor, an actor with charisma. This is a great war movie. This is a realistic war movie. Maybe the best WWII movie. Robert Montgomery had seen action in the Navy aboard PT Boats, so his contribution here was significant. The movie oozes verisimilitude.

I'm in my late 70s and a 'Brit' and I've watched war films all my life. My father was killed in WW2 flying as a navigator on a Halifax bomber so, although I hate war, I think I have a right to comment. In my opinion, this movie is, by far, the very best WW2 movie ever made. It is understated in its dialogue and scenes. It is, in some ways, a documentary drama of those days just after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour with utter confusion by the American forces. It is clear that many of the actors and others involved with the making of the film had served in WW2. As you watch the movie, notice the number of times when actors move away and you don't hear what they're saying and the Director leaves it to you to imagine what's being said. They can't make films like this nowadays!

One reveiwer critices this film about lack of action he misses the point,all the characters are well developed which makes the ending so painfull. The acting is first rate every part is played with a great belief,,there are so many great scenes that touch the heart.The men are bonded together by their actions and when the bonds are broken through death or orders it hurts us all. Donna Reed is gorgeous to look at ,only a small role but well acted. At the end of the film you feel a lump in your throat and a tear forms in your eye,I love this movie.9/10