They Were Expendable, 1945, Approved, 2 hr 15 min

They Were Expendable

Age Rating: Approved

Runtime: 135 minutes

Studio: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

A somber and realistic portrayal of sacrifice, courage, and perseverance among American PT boat crews during the early days of World War II in the Pacific.

Ratings:

My Rating: 7.8/10

The Dove Foundation: Not Rated

IMDb: 7.1/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 95%

Metacritic: 86/100

TMDb: 6.9/10

Plot Summary:

Set during the opening months of the Pacific War after the attack on Pearl Harbor, They Were Expendable follows Lieutenant John Brickley and his fellow officers serving in the U.S. Navy’s PT boat squadrons in the Philippines. The film focuses on the frustration faced by these men as military leadership initially underestimates the effectiveness of the small, fast attack boats compared to traditional battleships and cruisers.

As Japanese forces rapidly advance across the Pacific, the PT crews undertake dangerous missions including reconnaissance, supply transport, rescue operations, and attacks against enemy ships. Despite inadequate supplies, constant retreat, and overwhelming odds, the sailors continue fighting with determination and loyalty. The film also explores the emotional toll of war through Brickley’s relationship with Army nurse Sandy Davyss and the growing realization that many of these men are unlikely to survive the conflict.

Rather than glorifying combat, the story emphasizes endurance, duty, brotherhood, and quiet heroism during one of America’s darkest wartime periods.

Critics Review:

They Were Expendable is widely regarded as one of the most mature and emotionally restrained war films of the 1940s. Critics praised its realistic tone, understated performances, and refusal to romanticize combat. Director John Ford, himself a Navy veteran who served during World War II, brought authenticity and emotional weight to the film’s depiction of military life.

The film received acclaim for portraying war as exhausting and tragic rather than triumphant spectacle. Robert Montgomery, who had real wartime naval experience, was particularly praised for his grounded performance. The movie’s black-and-white cinematography, strong ensemble cast, and detailed naval sequences helped establish it as one of the definitive PT boat films ever made.

Some modern viewers find the pacing slower than contemporary war films, but many critics view this as a strength because it allows the human cost of war and the emotional fatigue of the characters to develop naturally. The film has continued to earn respect for its historical realism and thoughtful depiction of military sacrifice.

Christian Perspective:

From a Christian perspective, They Were Expendable strongly emphasizes virtues such as courage, self-sacrifice, humility, loyalty, perseverance, and service to others. The men repeatedly risk their lives not for personal glory but to protect fellow soldiers and fulfill their duty under impossible circumstances. Themes of brotherhood, endurance in suffering, and sacrificial leadership align closely with biblical principles regarding service and laying down one’s life for others.

The movie avoids excessive glorification of violence and instead presents war as tragic and costly. Characters demonstrate integrity, discipline, compassion, and emotional restraint even while facing fear and despair. Romantic elements remain relatively restrained by modern standards, and the film’s moral framework generally respects honor, duty, and personal responsibility.

The story also presents an important lesson about perseverance during defeat and uncertainty. The sailors continue doing what is right despite setbacks and hopeless conditions, reflecting biblical themes of faithfulness and endurance under trial.

Family Friendliness:

Not recommended for young children due to wartime violence, emotional intensity, combat deaths, and mature wartime themes. However, for teens and adults, especially families interested in historical military dramas, the film is comparatively restrained and morally serious compared to many modern war movies. Violence is mostly non-graphic by contemporary standards, with limited profanity and no explicit sexual content.