They Were Expendable
They Were Expendable is a 1945 American war film directed by John Ford, starring Robert Montgomery and John Wayne, and featuring Donna Reed. The film is based on the 1942 novel of the same name by William Lindsay White, relating the story of the exploits of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron Three, a United States PT boat unit defending the Philippines against Japanese invasion during the Battle of the Philippines (1941–42) in World War II.
Plot
In December 1941, Lieutenant John "Brick" Brickley (Robert Montgomery) commands a squadron of unproven U.S. Navy PT boats based at Cavite in the Philippines. He puts on a demonstration of their maneuverability and seakeeping capabilities for the senior area commander, Admiral Blackwell (Charles Trowbridge), who remains unimpressed by their diminutive size and lightweight construction. Lieutenant (j.g.) "Rusty" Ryan (John Wayne), Brick's immature executive officer (XO), is eager to see combat. Disgusted by the admiral's close-minded dismissal, he's drafting a transfer request when news of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor arrives by radio.
Cast
- Blake Edwards
- Cameron Mitchell
- Charles Trowbridge
- Donald Curtis
- Donna Reed
- Emmett Vogan
- George Magrill
- Harry Tenbrook
- Jack Cheatham
- Jack Holt
- Jack Mower
- Jack Pennick
- John Wayne
- Kermit Maynard
- Leon Ames
- Louis Jean Heydt
- Marshall Thompson
- Murray Alper
- Paul Langton
- Pedro de Cordoba
- Philip Ahn
- Robert Barrat
- Robert Emmett O'Connor
- Robert Montgomery
- Russell Simpson
- Steve Barclay
- Vernon Steele
- Wallace Ford
- Ward Bond
- William B. Davidson