They Were Expendable (1945)

This is a dramatized story of the role of PT boats in World War II, especially in the defense of the Philippines. John Wayne and Robert Montgomery star as officers in the fledgling PT command. Wayne is trying to build a reputation, so he is asking to be moved out of the PTs. Early in the show the attack on Pearl Harbor is announced. Donna Reed provides the necessary romantic aspect.

There are some great night action scenes. Woven into the movie is a great quasi-documentary depiction of the siege of Corregidor and the history evacuation of General Douglas MacArthur. If you want your kids to learn some history, this is a good vehicle to do it.

One of the great quotes from the movie is by Charles Trowbridge (playing Admiral Blackwell): "Listen, son. You and I are professionals. If the manager says sacrifice, we lay down a bunt and let somebody else hit the homeruns."


Reed