They Were Expendable (1945)

NR12/07/1945Drama, War2h 15m
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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.

Top Billed Cast

  1. Cast 1

    Robert Montgomery

    Lt. John Brickley

  2. Cast 1

    John Wayne

    Lt. (J.G.) 'Rusty' Ryan

  3. Cast 1

    Donna Reed

    Lt. Sandy Davyss

  4. Cast 1

    Jack Holt

    General Martin

  5. Cast 1

    Ward Bond

    "Boats" Mulcahey, Chief Boatswain's Mate

  6. Cast 1

    Marshall Thompson

    Ens. 'Snake' Gardner

  7. Cast 1

    Paul Langton

    Ens. 'Andy' Andrews

  8. Cast 1

    Leon Ames

    Major James Morton

  9. Cast 1

    Arthur Walsh

    Seaman Jones

"Brick" (Robert Montgomery) is an US Navy lieutenant desperate to prove that his motorised torpedo boats can do more for the war effort than deliver the mail. Luckily, he's got "Rusty" (John Wayne) as his number two and plenty of opportunity to test their theories against the advancing Japanese as with things looking terrible for the Americans in Manila, they have their work cut out for them. Even though things are relentless and perilous, "Rusty" still finds time for a little romance with nurse "Sandy" (Donna Reed) and we've also got Ward Bond and a lively few scenes from "Dad" (Russell Simps...