They Were Expendable (1945)

  • NR
  • 12/19/1945 (US)
  • Drama, War
  • 2h 15m

A Tribute to Those Who Did So Much... With So Little!

Overview

After a demonstration of new PT boats, navy brass are still unconvinced of their viability in combat, leaving Lt. "Rusty" Ryan frustrated. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, however, Ryan and his buddy Lt. Brickley are told they can finally take their squadron into battle. The PT boats quickly prove their worth, successfully shooting down Japanese planes, relaying messages between islands, and picking off a multitude of enemy ships.

John Ford

Director

Frank Wead

Screenplay

Cast

Robert Montgomery's headshot

Robert Montgomery

Lt. John Brickley
John Wayne's headshot

John Wayne

Lt. (J.G.) 'Rusty' Ryan
Donna Reed's headshot

Donna Reed

Lt. Sandy Davyss
Jack Holt's headshot

Jack Holt

General Martin
Ward Bond's headshot

Ward Bond

"Boats" Mulcahey, Chief Boatswain's Mate
Marshall Thompson's headshot

Marshall Thompson

Ens. 'Snake' Gardner
Paul Langton's headshot

Paul Langton

Ens. 'Andy' Andrews
Leon Ames's headshot

Leon Ames

Major James Morton

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