

They Were Expendable
DirectorJohn Ford
“A Tribute to Those Who Did So Much... With So Little!”
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.
Sign in to add to your listWhat critics are saying
Verdicts use the same scale as your list: highly recommended through avoid — plus optional scores and blurbs.
Nobody on Critic, Sir! has logged a verdict for this title yet. The silence is either respectful or suspicious.
Sign in and use Add to My List below to share your own verdict.
Trailer
Trailer
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'
Watching Lists
Sign in to create and edit public lists.
Loading lists…
Purchase & Discovery
Find this title on Amazon
Digital
Prime Video & digitalAmazon mixes rent, buy, and Prime in one place — one search covers the usual options.
Physical edition
4K Blu-ray & physical releasesSearch on AmazonOfficial merchandise
Official-style merch searchApparel, collectibles, and moreAs an Amazon Associate, Critic, Sir! earns from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure