They Were Expendable

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.

Directed by John Ford

Top cast

Robert Montgomery

Lt. John Brickley

John Wayne

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

Donna Reed

Lt. Sandy Davyss

Jack Holt

General Martin

Ward Bond

"Boats" Mulcahey, Chief Boatswain's Mate

Marshall Thompson

Ens. 'Snake' Gardner

Paul Langton

Ens. 'Andy' Andrews

Leon Ames

Major James Morton

Arthur Walsh

Seaman Jones

Donald Curtis

Lt. (J.G.) 'Shorty' Long

Cameron Mitchell

Ens. George Cross

Louis Jean Heydt

'Ohio'

Jeff York

Ens. Tony Aiken

Murray Alper

'Slug' Mahan T.M. 1c

Harry Tenbrook

'Squarehead' Larsen SC 2c

Jack Pennick

'Doc'

Alex Havier

'Benny' Lecoco ST 3c

Charles Trowbridge

Admiral Blackwell

Robert Barrat

The General

Bruce Kellogg

Elder Tompkins M.M. 2c

Details