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War drama

They Were Expendable (1945): Cast, Ratings & Plot

They Were Expendable (1945) movie poster

They Were Expendable is a 1945 war drama directed by John Ford, starring Robert Montgomery, John Wayne and Donna Reed. It runs 2 hours 15 minutes. Critics gave it 86 on Metacritic.

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They Were Expendable (1945) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 15m (135 min)
Director
John Ford
Genres
Drama , War
Original language
English
Studio
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is They Were Expendable About?

The premise of They Were Expendable without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, a squadron of PT-boat sailors in the Philippines find themselves facing a determined enemy and frustrating obstacles within their own Navy. These skilled operators must navigate treacherous waters, dodging Japanese torpedoes while battling bureaucratic indifference and risking their lives in a desperate fight for survival. Their courage and defiance are tested as they strive to prove their worth and make a difference in the Pacific theater.

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Cast & crew

They Were Expendable Cast

Robert Montgomery leads the cast, with John Wayne and Donna Reed. Directed by John Ford; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in They Were Expendable

· 6 more
From the director

More from John Ford

More films directed by John Ford, best-rated first: The Grapes of Wrath, The Searchers, Young Mr. Lincoln and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.

Full filmography
Ratings

They Were Expendable Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave They Were Expendable 86 on Metacritic.

Plot

They Were Expendable Plot Summary

What happens in They Were Expendable from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In December 1941, Lieutenant John “Brick” Brickley (Robert Montgomery) commands a squadron of small yet nimble U.S. Navy PT boats stationed at Cavite in the Philippines. As he attempts to demonstrate their remarkable agility and seakeeping abilities to Admiral Blackwell (Charles Trowbridge), the senior commander remains unenthusiastic, brushing off their small size and light construction. This dismissal leaves Lieutenant Junior Grade “Rusty” Ryan (John Wayne) increasingly frustrated, as his urge to engage in combat intensifies. When the news of the Japanese assault on Pearl Harbor breaks through a radio bulletin, Rusty’s agitation only escalates, highlighting his fervent aspiration to join the fight.

Full summary

The whole story of They Were Expendable, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

They Were Expendable Trailers & Videos

4 videos: 1 trailer, 2 clips and 1 featurette.

Trailer
  • Clip Air Raid on the U.S. Base
  • Clip Destroying a Japanese Cruiser
  • Featurette Ed Neumeier on THEY WERE EXPENDABLE
Quiz

How Well Do You Know They Were Expendable?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who is the main character leading the squadron of PT boats?
Cars

Cars in They Were Expendable

12 cars on screen, including the 1942 Ford GPW and the 1942 Autocar U-7144-T.

All 12 cars
  • 1942 Ford GPW in They Were Expendable 1942 Ford GPW Important role
  • 1942 Autocar U-7144-T in They Were Expendable 1942 Autocar U-7144-T Minor role
  • 1941 Dodge WC in They Were Expendable 1941 Dodge WC Minor role
  • 1942 Ford De Luxe in They Were Expendable 1942 Ford De Luxe Minor role
Details

They Were Expendable Also Known As

19 alternative titles, including “I sacrificati di Bataan” and “Les sacrifiés”.

Also known as
  • I sacrificati di Bataan
  • Les sacrifiés
  • Ein verlorener Haufen
  • 데이 워 익스펜더블
  • Schnellboote vor Bataan
  • No eran imprescindibles
  • I sacrificati
  • Fomos os Sacrificados
  • Felhasználhatóak voltak
  • Они были незаменимыми
  • 菲律宾浴血战
  • Fuimos los sacrificados
+7 more
  • Ci których przewidziano na straty
  • 그들은 희생양이다
  • Byli obětováni
  • 菲律賓浴血戰
  • He antoivat kaikkensa
  • No eren imprescindibles
  • De skulle offras

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FAQ

They Were Expendable FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of They Were Expendable, each answered in a sentence.

How long is They Were Expendable?

They Were Expendable runs 2 hours 15 minutes (135 minutes).

When was They Were Expendable released?

They Were Expendable was released on December 31, 1945.

Who directed They Were Expendable?

They Were Expendable was directed by John Ford.

More films by John Ford

Who is in the cast of They Were Expendable?

They Were Expendable stars Robert Montgomery, John Wayne and Donna Reed, among 10 credited actors.

How is They Were Expendable rated?

They Were Expendable has 86 on Metacritic and 65% on TMDB.

Does They Were Expendable have a post-credit scene?

No. They Were Expendable has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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