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When their base is attacked they shoot down three enemy warplanes,
a feat that brings praise from their peers, but the top brass
are not impressed and re-assign them to Bataan to carry messages.
Brickley's executive officer Rusty Ryan (John Wayne), frustrated
by the lack of action, applies for transfer to a destroyer.
He's too late; they're soon in the thick of combat as General
Douglas McArthur endeavours to escape to Australia.
John Ford's portrayal of an outnumbered, outwitted and outmanoeuvred
army, navy and air force is splendid.
He captures the ordinary guy's loyalty, bravery, and the
bewilderment of staff officers when the enemy play by different
and dirtier rules.
All the supporting cast are convincing in their roles.
John Wayne is himself, about to win WWII. Robert Montgomery
provides a brilliantly low-key portrait of a hero.
Special mention should be made of the visually arresting
pictures of Director of Photographer Joseph H. August, which
capture the excitement and terror of America's darkest hour.
They Were Expendable is one of the best of Hollywood's war
epics.
Being produced at the end of the war by professionals who
had served their country it avoids excessive jingoism and
is closer to reality than earlier films.
Conclusion: 90% Extras: 25%.
Continued: DVD
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