24 Apr 2021

Reel Classics: They Were Expendable (1945)

Reel Classics: They Were Expendable (1945)

Saturday 24 April: 1–4pm 

Members are invited to purchase an annual Reel McCoy membership at the discounted price of $20 (usually $50/year) upon presentation of their current ACT M&G membership card. 

Reel McCoy Film Society presents bi-monthly film screenings of classic cinema.


They Were Expendable (1945) 
135 MINUTES, USA 
DIRECTOR: JOHN FORD 
CAST: ROBERT MONTGOMERY, JOHN WAYNE, DONNA REED, JACK HOLT, WARD BOND 

John Ford made They Were Expendable just before the sudden end of the Pacific War. War films were now out of fashion, and it had limited release and critical reaction. It is now considered one of his greatest films. The title refers to small PT boats which had to prove themselves in combat. John Wayne and Robert Montgomery are commanding the boats. Robert Montgomery considered it his finest role – you’ll see why. There is a brief scene of General MacArthur being transported to safety. A touching romantic scene proves Ford could do romance before he made The Quiet Man. The ending is heart-breakingly powerful. 

Reel Classics: They Were Expendable (1945)

Saturday 24 April: 1–4pm 

Members are invited to purchase an annual Reel McCoy membership at the discounted price of $20 (usually $50/year) upon presentation of their current ACT M&G membership card.