Another enormously engaging exercise in simplicity in the recognisably Fordian style. He takes us into the war in the Philippines, focusing on the Motor Patrol Group 3rd Squadron, and the growing respect for what they're capable of. Robert Montgomery leads the group with John Wayne (second billed) at his side, with the action taking place over several years in typically episodic fashion. Like Fort Apache (see, I know a lot about Ford - haven't even seen that one yet) ends on a failure - the withdrawal of troops, being overwhelmed by the Japanese - but 'We'll be back'. A bit of an epic for Ford, clocking in at 2 hours 10.
Very exciting and well-made action scenes mix with good natured banter, loss, and even romance as Wayne falls for a proficient nurse, Donna Reed (he and '11,000 other men'). And as usual lots of great little touches, like the sailor who deflates his returning colleagues' tales of action with 'we had blueberry muffins for breakfast - you missed them', and the way one of the boats picks up a very senior army figure and his family (MacArthur, or someone like him), and whatever thanks he gives our guys we don't hear it as it's in long shot. And the cat. And my favourite scene, Donna coming to dinner with the officers, which is in the main comprised of just two shots, the long shot with her at the end of the table, and the closer shot of the sailors singing below. (Actually it's not that simply filmed - it just looks like it is.)
It was written by aviator turned screenwriter Frank Wead, himself the subject of Ford's biography Wings of Eagles, from William White's book, photographed by Joseph August, for MGM. Filmed in Florida, believe it or not.
With: Jack Holt (General), Ward Bond, Marshall Thompson, Paul Langton, Leon Ames (Major), Arthur Walsh, Donald Curtis, Cameron Mitchell, Jeff York, Jack Pennick, Russell Simpson ('Dad').
 |
| Robert Montgomery was a real Patrol Torpedo Commander in the war |
 |
| Wayne did not serve, causing Ford to rebuke him endlessly during filming... until Montgomery shut him up. |
No comments:
Post a Comment