They Were Expendable (1945) | Streaming Guide & Showtimes
They Were Expendable (1945) — After a demonstration of new PT boats, navy brass are still unconvinced of their viability Streaming on HBO...
They Were Expendable (1945) Storyline
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.
Full Cast & Crew
- Robert Montgomery as Lt. John Brickley
- John Wayne as Lt. (J.G.) 'Rusty' Ryan
- Donna Reed as Lt. Sandy Davyss
- Jack Holt as General Martin
- Ward Bond as "Boats" Mulcahey, Chief Boatswain's Mate
- Marshall Thompson as Ens. 'Snake' Gardner
- Paul Langton as Ens. 'Andy' Andrews
- Leon Ames as Major James Morton
- Arthur Walsh as Seaman Jones
- Donald Curtis as Lt. (J.G.) 'Shorty' Long
- Cameron Mitchell as Ens. George Cross
- Louis Jean Heydt as 'Ohio'
- Jeff York as Ens. Tony Aiken
- Murray Alper as 'Slug' Mahan T.M. 1c
- Harry Tenbrook as 'Squarehead' Larsen SC 2c
Why Watch They Were Expendable?
The Vibe: They Were Expendable is a emotionally complex and thought-provoking drama movie that firmly establishes itself as a must-watch from 1945. The pacing and atmosphere are perfectly calibrated to keep you engaged from start to finish.
Fan Reception: While holding a polarized score of 6.5/10, it retains a dedicated audience who appreciate its specific stylistic choices and unique premise.
Who Should Watch It: Highly recommended for viewers who appreciate deep character studies and powerful performances. If you enjoy character-driven arcs layered with drama-specific tropes, this deserves a spot on your watchlist.
Movie Details & Production
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