SummaryThe PT boat unit Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron Three defends the Philippines from Japanese invasion during World War II.
Directed By:John Ford, Robert Montgomery
Written By:William L. White, Frank Wead, Norman Corwin, George Froeschel, Jan Lustig
They Were Expendable
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
86
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Metascore
Universal Acclaim
100% Positive
9 Reviews
9 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
100
Beautifully photographed in black and white by Commander Joseph August, this moving picture has images and sequences that show Ford at his poetic and humanistic best. [13 Aug 2006, p.20]
100
In direct contrast to the flag-waving, jingoistic propaganda films typical of Hollywood during WWII, John Ford's They Were Expendable is a somber and moving account of America's defeat in the Philippines early in the war.
90
It is nostalgic, warm with sentiment and full of fight in every foot. It is hard to commend any actor above the rest. Each plays his part well.
90
Brilliantly intertwined intensely personal stories with magnificently epic narrative.
80
A war movie with enough honour and heroism to make a grown man weep.
70
The picture vividly portrays the big job the little boats did. The battle scenes in which the P-Ts go after Jap cruisers and supply ships were exceptionally well directed.
70
The tugs of docudrama, emotionalism and sheer timing produced a major work of surprisingly downbeat romanticism.
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Production Company:
- Loew's
Release Date:Dec 31, 1945
Duration:2 h 15 m
Tagline:A Spine-Tingling Thundering Saga Of The Sea!
Awards
Academy Awards, USA
• 2 Nominations
Photoplay Awards
• 3 Wins & 3 Nominations




























