Onscreen credits include the following written acknowledgment: "We hearby tender our deep appreciation to the United States Navy, Army, Coast Guard and Office of Strategic Services whose splendid cooperation made this production possible." Before embarking on the dangerous journey, Rusty telephones Sandy to bid her what may be a final farewell. The torpedo squadron shoots down three of the Japanese planes, but the Japanese succeed in destroying much of the base, which is later ordered closed by Admiral Blackwell. 77 videos Play all Popular Videos - They Were Expendable They Were Expendable - Topic 189th AHC Ghostriders First Tour 1970 - Duration: 25:49. I saw "They Were Expendable" for the umteenth time tonight and reminisced the first time I saw the movie when I was 11 years old.
Despite promises by the Army that they will be returned to the Philippines with a stronger force to fight the Japanese, Brick and Rusty refuse the reassignment and try to stay on the island with the rest of their squadron. The torpedo squadron's attacks against the Japanese forces continue with great success, though Brick loses some of his men and boats in combat. Though both boats survive the mission, Rusty's boat is later destroyed in an aerial attack. The film also contains the following written foreword, signed by General Douglas MacArthur: "Today the guns are silent. They Were Expendable is a 1945 American war film directed by John Ford, starring Robert Montgomery and John Wayne, and featuring Donna Reed. In 1941, the 3rd Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron of the U.S. Navy is sent to Manila Bay to help defend the Philippine Islands against invasion by the Japanese army.
In 1941, at a boxing match in Cleveland, Ohio, pandemonium breaks out when Jake La Motta, an up-and-coming young boxer, loses a decision to Jimmy Reeves, suffering his first ... At an outdoor dedication ceremony, a tramp is discovered sleeping in the arms of a statue as it is being unveiled before a crowd. The squadron, under the command of Lt. John Brickley, arrives at its island post only to be ridiculed by some of the top military leaders, who do not believe that the small torpedo boats can be effective. Brick's squadron is then sent to Sisiman Cove, on the island of Bataan, to run a messenger service.
A great tragedy has ended.
Oscar and Golden Globe-winner and Emmy-nominee Donna Reed ("It's a Wonderful Life") and Oscar-nominee Robert Montgomery ("Night Must Fall") co-star.
The film also contains the following written foreword, signed by General Douglas MacArthur: "Today the guns are silent. At least in the movie (assuming, didn't see) they had support from the US, unlike today.
The PT boat unit Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron Three defends the Philippines from Japanese invasion during World War II.
They Were Expendable. Directed by John Ford, Robert Montgomery.
They were Expendable (1945): Music and Excerpts from the Classic, John Ford WWII Picture about the Men Who Served on the PT Boats in the War’s Darkest Days Re-posted by Nicholas Stix The first time I saw this picture, I missed the first half, and found it hokey.
Great movie, what a shame within a year of this picture hollyweird became a anti American communist propaganda machine, McCarthy warned us and tried to stop them but the then communist takeover of the press he was stopped Well done, from start to finish. The two torpedo boats encounter a barrage of enemy fire at sea, but succeed in destroying their target. Oscar and Golden Globe-winner and Emmy-nominee Donna Reed ("It's a Wonderful Life") and Oscar-nominee Robert Montgomery ("Night Must Fall") co-star.