Backdrop image for movie They Were Expendable

They Were Expendable (1945)

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.

  • Drama
  • War

Top billed cast

  • Photo of Robert MontgomeryRobert MontgomeryLt. John Brickley
  • Photo of John WayneJohn WayneLt. (J.G.) 'Rusty' Ryan
  • Photo of Donna ReedDonna ReedLt. Sandy Davyss
  • Photo of Jack HoltJack HoltGeneral Martin
  • Photo of Ward BondWard Bond"Boats" Mulcahey, Chief Boatswain's Mate
  • Photo of Marshall ThompsonMarshall ThompsonEns. 'Snake' Gardner
  • Photo of Paul LangtonPaul LangtonEns. 'Andy' Andrews
  • Photo of Leon AmesLeon AmesMajor James Morton
  • Photo of Arthur WalshArthur WalshSeaman Jones
  • Photo of Donald CurtisDonald CurtisLt. (J.G.) 'Shorty' Long

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