WAR DOUBLE FEATURE. THE WERE EXPENDABLE & FLYING LEATHERNECKS DVD.
They Were Expendable (1945) is a World War II drama starring John Wayne as Lieutenant John “Brick” Brickley and Robert Montgomery as Lieutenant “Rusty” Ryan. Directed by John Ford, the film follows a squadron of U.S. Navy PT (Patrol Torpedo) boat officers during the early months of the Pacific War after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. As American and Filipino forces struggle to defend the Philippines from advancing Japanese troops, the PT boat crews carry out dangerous missions despite limited resources and overwhelming odds.
Unlike many traditional war films, They Were Expendable focuses less on battlefield victories and more on the courage, sacrifice, and determination of ordinary servicemen facing impossible circumstances. The movie portrays the hardships, losses, and personal relationships that develop during wartime, while honoring the real PT boat crews who served in the Pacific. John Wayne delivers a strong, understated performance in one of his most respected wartime roles, helping make the film a classic tribute to military service and heroism.
FLYING LEATHERNECKS
Flying Leathernecks (1951) is a World War II war drama starring John Wayne as Major Dan Kirby, a tough and demanding commander of a U.S. Marine fighter squadron in the Pacific Theater. The film follows Kirby as he takes charge of the struggling squadron and pushes his pilots through grueling combat missions. While his strict leadership style helps improve their effectiveness in battle, it also creates tension and resentment among the men who serve under him.
As the war intensifies, the pilots face dangerous aerial combat, personal sacrifices, and the emotional toll of constant warfare. The story contrasts Kirby's hard-nosed discipline with the more compassionate approach of his executive officer, Captain Carl Griffin, played by Robert Ryan. Through action-packed air battles and character-driven drama, Flying Leathernecks explores themes of leadership, duty, courage, and the difficult decisions military commanders must make during wartime. The movie remains a classic example of John Wayne's military roles and offers an engaging look at Marine aviation during World War II.