They Were Expendable
This is probably John Ford's best WWII film. It's a solid film that boasts Ford's assured direction, and a couple of strong performances from Robert Montgomery and John Wayne (who surprisingly received second billing, probably for the last time in his career). Despite its strengths it still can't match what still may be the finest WWII film of the era (and possibly of any era), Allan Dwan's The Sands of Iwo Jima. Montgomery and Wayne play a couple of PT boat captains in the Philippines, despite the fact that the Navy doesn't hold PT boats in high regard (thus the title). It's a solid, patriotic war film that never resorts to overt flag-waving or ham-handed inspirational speeches. Ford and co. know better and make the movie to prove it. There are some excellent and well-choreographed action sequences that had me scanning to see if they were faked, but as far as I can tell, they weren't. Donna Reed also has good, minor role.
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