They Were Expendable

Name: They Were Expendable
Genre: Drama, War
Released: 1945
Duration: 135 min
Cast: Robert Montgomery, John Wayne, Donna Reed, Jack Holt, Ward Bond

1945 · 135 min · Director: John Ford

They Were Expendable (1945) is a war drama, directed by John Ford. It stars Robert Montgomery and John Wayne. It unfolds against the backdrop of World War II. The 135-minute film holds an audience score of 6.5/10.

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Cast

What They Were Expendable Is About

The Philippines, 1941. The navy does not believe small fast torpedo boats are of use in a real war; after Pearl Harbor the two officers who run them are finally sent into action. What follows is not a victory: American forces are pulling out of the Philippines, and these men are counted as expendable to cover the withdrawal. Ford shot it as the war was ending, and it is strangely mournful, close to an elegy; even the fights they win look like losses. Robert Montgomery, who plays one lead, had actually commanded PT boats in the war.

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Trailer

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is They Were Expendable about?

The Philippines, 1941. The navy does not believe small fast torpedo boats are of use in a real war; after Pearl Harbor the two officers who run them are finally sent into action.

Where can I watch They Were Expendable?

They Were Expendable is available to watch on digital platforms such as Philo, TCM, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store. Current rent and buy options are listed in the "Where to Watch" section on this page.

How long is They Were Expendable?

They Were Expendable runs for 135 minutes (2h 15m).

When did They Were Expendable come out?

They Were Expendable was released in 1945.

Who directed They Were Expendable?

They Were Expendable was directed by John Ford.

Who stars in They Were Expendable?

They Were Expendable stars Robert Montgomery, John Wayne, Donna Reed, Jack Holt.

What is They Were Expendable's rating?

They Were Expendable holds 7.2/10 on IMDb and 6.5/10 on TMDB. Its Pulse Score is 71 out of 100.