Review of They Were Expendable

Most of the reviews I've read seem to miss the point of this poignant, moving story. With respect to the film itself, it is well acted, brilliantly directed, and the B&W cinematography conveys the grittiness of the subject matter. To gain a better appreciation of the true story of MTB Squadron 3, read William L. White's magnificent book (same title). Lt. John Brickley = Lt. (later Admiral) John Bulkeley; Lt. Rusty Ryan = Lt. Robert Kelly; Ens. Tony Aiken = Ens. Anthony Akers; Ens. George Cross = Ens. George Cox. These were REAL people! I don't understand why John Ford didn't use their real names. Basically, these servicemen & women were on the Titanic with all the lifeboats gone, and they knew it. There was no relief coming; the prospect of capture by the Japanese was, perhaps, worse than death; these people knew what the Japanese had done to captives in China and Southeast Asia. This is the story of remarkable grace and bravery under the worst possible conditions. Perhaps only the story of the siege of Wake Island (Dec. 7-23, 1941) rivals it for pure, true drama (too bad the movie about that one was all propaganda).