A national bestseller when it was originally published in 1942 and the subject of a 1945 John Ford film featuring John Wayne, They Were Expendable offers an account of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron Three's heroic actions during the disastrous Philippine campaign early in World War II. I'm sure Frank Capra would have conceded he stole that from Ford.The story is first and foremost about some very desperate American armed forces who after Pearl Harbor were at the Japanese mercy. Neither knows what happened to Sandy who was trapped on Bataan. Another patient, "Ohio" (Louis Jean Heydt) is also attracted to Sandy. He also gets a fling in the romance department with Navy nurse Donna Reed.During that interlude John Ford had some of the crew outside singing Dear Old Girl in a comic vein. Written by Finally, the last boat is turned over to the Army for messenger duty. No late fees. I'm thinking that John Ford wisely decided that World War II being recently over, the country's mood was joyous, but somber in terms of the heavy human cost.They Were Expendable has the benefit though of the American audience knowing the ultimate victory. Lt. J.G. He turned to Montgomery, who had actually commanded a PT boat, to temporarily take over for him as director. Defeat of the Americans by the Japanese in the early days of World War ll and the disintegration of Motor Torpedo Squadron Three (MTB-3). Made near the end of WWII in 1945, They were Expendable, tells the story of how PT boats came to be used by the United States Navy. Brick, Ryan and the rest of the squadron are frustrated for a time, as they are assigned non-combat duties, mostly messenger runs. Brick's boats sink the cruiser, after which the squadron is unleashed, achieving increasing success, though at the cost of both boats and men. Expecially noted by the smooth facial contours (despite the thin moustache), and the long narrow hands. Montgomery did so well that within a few years he began directing films. "Rusty" Ryan (John Wayne), Brick's executive officer and friend, becomes disgusted and is writing his request for a transfer when news arrives of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He gradually comes around though. At Fort Apache, an honorable and veteran war captain finds conflict when his regime is placed under the command of a young, glory hungry lieutenant colonel with no respect for the local Indian tribe. Eventually, their superior has no choice but to order them to attack a large Japanese cruiser. Read Less. They Were Expendable (1945) - Mr. Ryan's Guest They Were Expendable (1945) - Rather LIke Back Home They Were Expendable (1945) - Lay Down That Sacrifice They Were Expendable (1945) - … And Donna Reed got serenaded on her "Hawaiian" honeymoon with James Stewart in It's a Wonderful Life with Ward Bond once again being one of the serenaders. As he and his second-in-command, Lieutenant "Rusty" Ryan, desperately try to prove the newly-founded naval unit's worth, the enemy launches a devastating all-out attack--and despite the PT boat flotilla's undeniable success--the considerably outnumbered and outgunned American soldiers are fighting a losing battle. 1-month free trial! now playing They Were Expendable (1945) -- (Movie Clip) What Is Your Rank? 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