In Harms Way (1965)

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  • IN HARMS WAY


    PRODUCED AND DIRECTED BY OTTO PREMINGER
    MUSIC BY JERRY GOLDSMITH
    AN OTTO PREMINGER FILM
    PARAMOUNT PICTURES


    Photo with the courtesy of lasbugas


    INFORMATION FROM IMDb


    Plot Summary
    Captain Rockwell Torrey and Commander Paul Eddington
    are part of the Navy's effort to recuperate from, and retaliate for,
    the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
    Torrey is romantically involved with nurse Maggie Haynes,
    and also tries to restore his relationship with his estranged son,
    Jeremiah, a young Naval officer.
    Summary written by Jim Beaver.


    Full Cast
    John Wayne .... Capt. Rockwell Torrey
    Kirk Douglas .... Eddington
    Patricia Neal .... Maggie
    Tom Tryon .... Mac
    Paula Prentiss .... Bev
    Brandon De Wilde .... Jere
    Jill Haworth .... Annalee
    Dana Andrews .... Admiral Broderick
    Stanley Holloway .... Clayton Canfil
    Burgess Meredith .... Commander Egan Powell
    Franchot Tone .... CINCPAC1
    Patrick O'Neal .... Commander Neal Owynn
    Carroll O'Connor .... Lt. Commander Burke
    Slim Pickens .... C.P.O Culpepper
    James Mitchum .... Ensign Griggs
    George Kennedy .... Colonel Gregory
    Bruce Cabot .... Quartermaster Quoddy
    Barbara Bouchet .... Liz Eddington
    Tod Andrews .... Captain Tuthill
    Larry Hagman .... Lt. J.G. Cline
    Stewart Moss .... Ensign Balch
    Richard LePore .... Lt. J.G. Tom Agar (as Richard Le Pore)
    Chet Stratton .... Ship's doctor
    Soo Yong .... Tearful woman
    Dort Clark .... Boston
    Phil Mattingly .... PT Boat skipper
    Henry Fonda .... CINCPAC II
    Yankee Chang .... Mortuary clerk (uncredited)
    Christopher George .... Sailor (uncredited)
    Jerry Goldsmith .... Piano player (uncredited)
    Christian Haren .... (uncredited)
    Don McCurry .... Extra (uncredited)
    Hugh O'Brian .... U.S. Army Air Corps major (Liz Eddington's lover) (uncredited)


    Writing Credits
    James Bassett novel Harm's Way
    Wendell Mayes


    Cinematography
    Loyal Griggs


    Stunts
    Paula Dell .... stunts (uncredited)
    Bob Herron .... stunts (uncredited)
    John Indrisano .... stunts (uncredited)
    Loren Janes .... stunts (uncredited)
    Hal Needham .... stunts (uncredited)
    Ronnie Rondell Jr. .... stunts (uncredited)
    Dean Smith .... stunts (uncredited)


    Trivia
    The naval battle sequences were done with models that were so large in scale (for the sake of greater detail) that they could be operated from the inside.


    Cameo: [Jerry Goldsmith] Early in the film, prior to the Pearl Harbor attack, the composer can be seen as the pianist signaling the orchestra to stop playing.


    Until recently Adms. Kimmell and Nimitz were identified in the credits simply as CINCPAC1 and CINCPAC2. Neither of them is referred to by name in the movie and any reference to them is always as 'CINCPAC'.


    During the filming, Kirk Douglas sponsored a Yom Kippur service for the Jewish naval personnel being used as extras in the film.


    The Cruiser used for filming was the USS Saint Paul (CA-73).


    Kirk Douglas wrote that John Wayne wanted him for the role of Commander (later Captain) Eddington. Douglas was surprised as they did not know each other and did not socialize, and their political opinions were very different. Nonetheless, the collaboration was a success and the two later co-starred in The War Wagon (1967) and Wayne had a cameo in Douglas' ode to Israel, Cast a Giant Shadow (1966).


    Henry Fonda, who plays the second Commander-in-Chief-PacificFleet (CINCPAC II), was actually a naval veteran of World War II who served in the Pacific Theater. After making The Ox-Bow Incident (1943), Fonda enlisted in the Navy to fight in World War II, saying, "I don't want to be in a fake war in a studio." He served in the Navy for three years, as a Quartermaster 3rd Class on the destroyer USS Satterlee, then, after receiving a commissioned as Lieutenant Junior Grade (O-2) in Air Combat Intelligence. For his service, he won the Bronze Star, the fourth highest award for bravery or meritorious service in conflict with the enemy. Fonda later reprised the role of CINCPAC in the docudrama Battle of Midway (1976), where the character was identified as Adm. Chester Nimitz.


    John Wayne was suffering from lung cancer and by the end of filming he was coughing up blood. Two months after filming ended his entire left lung and several ribs were removed.


    In addition to John Wayne, Franchot Tone was also suffering from lung cancer during filming.


    The escape of a destroyer from the Pearl Harbor attack with only junior officers aboard is based on the action of the USS Aylwin (DD-355).


    The film's title comes from a quote by Revolutionary War captain John Paul Jones: "I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast, for I intend to go in harm's way."


    The fictional ship in the movie is a composite of several WWII cruisers. 1. The USS Salt Lake City was known as the "Swayback Maru". The ship in the movie and in the novel the movie is based on was known as "Old Swayback". 2. The USS San Francisco was the flagship of a squadron of ships in the famous naval battle of November 12, 1942, in the Solomon Islands area. The fictional ship in the movie was also the flagship of a squadron of ships in an important naval battle. 3. The two ships mentioned above survived WWII. The fictional ship in the movie was sunk, so it could also be based on any US Navy cruiser that was sunk during the Solomon Islands campaign.


    The islands identified by Torrey as Gavabutu, Levu Vana and Tokaroa are actually San Cristobal, Guadalcanal and Malaita. Pala Passage would become known as Ironbottom Sound because of the number of ships that would be sunk there in coming battles. Cape Titan probably refers to the Japanese base at Rabaul on New Britain, about 650 miles from Guadalcanal. The battle for Guadalcanal began on 7 Aug., 1942 and would not end until February, 1943. Although they say that the majority of forces are with MacArthur in the Solomons, Guadalcanal, is in the eastern Solomons. The dividing line between MacArthur's area of responsibility and Nimitz's was the 159 degrees east.


    According to John Huston's autobiography, this is the movie that nearly drove Tom Tryon out of the acting business. He had heard rumors of Otto Preminger's demanding nature, and was understandably nervous. Preminger saw this, and instead of trying to reassure the agitated Tryon, first chewed him out for his fears in front of other cast members, then walked behind him and screamed "RELAX!" in his ear. Tryon reportedly almost quit that day, but castmates talked him out of it.


    The original Clemson-class destroyer DD-298 was the USS Percival (commissioned 1920, decommissioned 1930). Its first commander was Commander Raymond A. Spruance who lead the 5th Fleet in WWII.


    Goofs
    * Anachronisms: Features a US Navy Albatross, not built until after the end of WW II.


    * Crew or equipment visible: When Torrey says goodbye to his son, one of the 1952 GMC trucks belonging to the production company can be seen in the background.


    * Anachronisms: M-151 "Jeep"-type vehicles used in many scenes were from the 1960s not 1940s. Note horizontal grill bars. The M151 MUTT was the successor to the Korean War M38 and M38A1 jeep Light Utility Vehicles and was produced from 1959 through 1982.


    * Anachronisms: Powell drives a 1946 Ford convertible in 1941.


    * Factual errors: CAPT. Eddington, while flying over the Japanese Battleship Yamato, states that "she's got twelve (12) big guns" while in the WWII combat footage shown, the Yamato and her nine (9) 18" guns can be seen clearly.


    * Factual errors: They refer to the Naval Academy as "Campus" when in fact it is referred to as the "Yard".


    * Continuity: Early in the movie while Liz Eddington and her lover are fleeing the Japanese attack in his Lincoln convertible, they crash into a truck and leave the road in flames and the Lincoln changes into a Ford.


    * Continuity: At the meeting in the bomb shelter, Clayton Canfil changes position between shots.


    * Continuity: When Captain Paul Eddington absconds with the long range bomber to scout out the Japanese, he scrambles into the plan leaving the entry door open, hanging down. There is no one to close the door, and Eddington leaves seconds later with the entry door closed.


    * Revealing mistakes: When Torrey throws a note from the R4D (DC-3 Dakota) to the Para Marines and Canfil on the island, the streamer points into the wind, in the direction of travel of the aircraft, not away from it.


    * Anachronisms: Mrs. MacConnell tells her husband, "Mac, you've got that brainwashed look again." The term "brainwashing" wasn't used until the POW scandals of the Korean War.


    * Factual errors: In the beginning Captain Torey sends a radio message to Pearl requesting a tanker to refuel his battle group. Anyone in the Navy would call a ship that does refueling an "Oiler".


    * Miscellaneous: When McConnel's destroyer is getting ready to get underway during the Pearl Harbor attack, the engineering officer says "cut in all burners, release jacking gear" - but this is erroneously stated on the subtitles as "checking gear".


    * Anachronisms: The "Powell-Hyde" cable car prominently featured is the present day Powell Street style of car that was running on the route in the 1960s when the film was made, but not in the 1940s at the time of the story. At that time both the style of the cars and the routing was different. California Street RR Company style cars ran on Hyde via the O'Farrell and Jones Street route.


    * Anachronisms: Nearly all female characters in the film wear popular and current 1965 clothing and hairstyles.


    * Continuity: The Japanese submarine in the Pearl Harbor attack changes appearance radically between shots - different models - at 0:23:16 and 0:23:54.


    * Boom mic visible: In the scene in the quonset hut when Admiral Torrey receives the phone call from Powell about Eddington's reconnaissance flight, the shadow of a mike boom can be seen on the wall to Torrey's left.


    * Factual errors: The model of the Yamato has its 6-inch secondary guns in double-barreled turrets. The real Yamato's 6-inch guns were in triple-barreled turrets.


    * Factual errors: During the surface battle, Torrey and his staff are all without life jackets or helmets. When at general quarters, battle stations, all topside personnel, those not in the enclosed compartments below the main deck, would be wearing life jackets. Almost all personnel would be wearing helmets.


    * Errors made by characters (possibly deliberate errors by the filmmakers): When Eddington takes the PBJ to scout the Japanese fleet, he sits in the right hand seat. The pilot of a fixed wing aircraft always sits in the left hand seat when the seats are side by side. This even applies to student pilots. The instructor will fly right seat.


    * Revealing mistakes: Torrey's first task force is referred to as a "bat blind" group with no radar, yet as the destroyer commanded by Mac McConnell leaves Pearl Harbor you can plainly see a radar dish on her mast.


    * Boom mic visible: (01:53:20) When Ensign Annalee Dorne (Jill Haworth) and Captain Paul Eddington (Kirk Douglas) break away from the beach party she goes over a short rise in the beach, as he pursues her and calls out to her, "Hey Dorn!", you can see the shadow of a boom mic in the sand.


    * Factual errors: The cruiser used in the beginning of the movie, U.S.S. St. Paul CA-73, did not enter service until 1945. It had twin 3" gun mounts in place of quad 40mm by the time the movie was filmed. Also the 3" has radar dishes clearly visible on each mount.


    * Factual errors: The action takes place in the Solomon Islands, though they are renamed. The IJN Yamato, never ventured into the Solomon's due to fuel consumption issues. Also, it was not until 1944 that the IJN Yamato fired her guns in combat.


    * Anachronisms: As the paratroop assault launches, an M-38A1 jeep can be seen moving on the runway. The M-38 (&A1) series was not produced until 1950.


    * Continuity: In the opening scene at the Navy dance, a bra strap can be seen across Liz Eddington's back as her dress opens up but as she takes off her dress at the beach, she is wearing no bra.


    * Audio/visual unsynchronized: When Torrey is leaving Maggie's house, he says "Thank you, Maggie" but his lips don't move.


    * Factual errors: When Eddington is killed and his plane is shot down, Admiral Torrey and the other officers present on base listening to his transmissions can hear the sounds of the plane's destruction coming through the radio on the plane. While this would be electronically possible, it is highly unlikely because Eddington or some other force would have to be holding the button on the microphone down to be transmitting a signal.


    * Factual errors: John Wayne's character makes a comment to Burgess Meredith's character about his marrying three Hollywood actresses. In reality, the man upon whom Meredith's character was based, Rear Admiral Gene Markey, USNR did not marry the third actress, Myrna Loy, until January, 1946 - four months after World War II had ended.


    * Revealing mistakes: When the boatswain's mate orders, "On deck, attention to port," the water in the background can be seen moving as if the ship (which has just anchored) is underway.


    * Factual errors: At the formalities bestowing Admiral Rank on Capt. Torrey, Admiral Nimitz said "After the formalities of the ceremonies peter out, join Egan and me." Admiral Torrey was briefed and then Adm Nimitz handed him is old 2 stars for the collar, and said, "If there was any luck in them, you're gonna need it." Torrey thanked him and then standing, still within his "zone" (to Adm. Nimitz) merely turned and left. In practice, this would never happen. Adm. Torrey would have taken one step rearward still facing Adm. Nimitz, came to attention, and then been "dismissed," which may have been an understood dismissed and not spoken, but no lower ranking officer ever leaves the presence of a higher rank without paying proper respect to the higher rank, i.e. Admiral Torrey to Admiral Nimitz with exchange of salutes.


    * Anachronisms: When morgue attendant is asked by Eddington to see the man that she was bought in with he says that the air force picked it by three days ago at that time it was the known as the army corps.


    * Continuity: In the scene where Eddington takes the reconnaissance plane, it is given to him with a machine gun clearly visible extending from the nose. In later shots of the plane in flight, it is gone.


    * Continuity: When Eddington's plane is shot down, the left wing is blown off and the plane is on fire. In the next shot, the fire is clearly coming from Eddington's right.


    * Boom mic visible: In the very opening scene at the dance, a boom mic shadow is clearly visible panning over the officers' hats.


    * Boom mic visible: When Capt. Torrey walks Eddington from the brig to the duty launch, a boom mic shadow is very clearly seen on Kirk Douglas and the background behind him.


    * Crew or equipment visible: When Torrey visits his son on the PT Boat, there is a "gun crew" in the background, but the gun nor any of the "men" ever move at all. This exact same "crew" is seen actually moving in the Torrey/Eddington scene after leaving the brig.


    * Errors made by characters (possibly deliberate errors by the filmmakers): After Eddington identifies the Yamato, Mac refers to it as an 80,000-ton vessel. At this point in the war, U.S. intelligence had only suspicions of the Yamato's existence; even when its presence in the Pacific was confirmed, it was believed to be a 40,000-ton ship and its actual full load was just shy of 73,000 tons.


    * Revealing mistakes: As the Cassidy is attacking the sub in the beginning of the film, we are given what is supposed to be Eddington's viewpoint through binoculars on the cruiser. The "view" we see is, however, clearly taken from an aircraft.


    * Continuity: When the 'Cassiday' is starting her run from Pearl Harbor during the attack, her stern depth charge racks are empty. Yet several minutes later when the captain and exec are astern trying to catch up, the stern depth charge racks are full.


    * Factual errors: John Wayne's character was promoted to Rear Admiral lower half who should wear a single star, yet he is seen later wearing two stars.


    * Revealing mistakes: SPOILER: In the hospital ship approaching Pearl Harbor, Rockwell Torrey is told that he had been asleep for almost three weeks. If this was the case, he would have been totally dependent upon intravenous feeding, yet there were no IV lines anywhere in sight.


    Memorable Quotes


    Filming Locations
    Hawaii, USA
    Hell's Half Acre District, Honolulu, O'ahu, Hawaii, USA
    San Diego, California, USA
    San Francisco, California, USA


    Watch this Trailer


    [extendedmedia]

    [/extendedmedia]


    Previous discussion:-
    In Harm's Way

  • In Harm's Way is a 1965 American epic war film
    produced and directed by Otto Preminger
    and starring John Wayne, Kirk Douglas, Patricia Neal,
    Tom Tryon, Paula Prentiss, Stanley Holloway,
    Burgess Meredith, Brandon deWilde, Jill Haworth,
    Dana Andrew
    s, and Henry Fonda.


    It was the last black-and-white World War II epic
    and the last black-and-white John Wayne film.
    It received a mixed response over the years
    as a war story that had a simple story,
    a charge leveled against Preminger's later movies, starting with this one.
    The screenplay was written by Wendell Mayes
    based on the novel Harm's Way by James Bassett.


    The film recounts the lives of several US naval officers and their wives or lovers
    while based in Hawaii as the US involvement in World War II begins.
    The title of the film comes from a quote from American Revolutionary
    naval hero John Paul Jones:
    "I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast,
    for I intend to go in harm's way."


    I enjoyed this film and thought the casting of the main parts was excellent.
    Although, not bosom friends, Duke and Kirk acted well together,as so did,
    Patricia Neal. whilst Henry Fonda, would always make a good Admiral..


    The only thing that spoils this film, and Kirk went to great lengths
    to point out, was the use of the mock model battle, at the end.
    At best, they could have tried the real thing, at worst they could have left
    it out altogether.


    Either of those two options, would have been better, then what we got!!
    When you think a crew of 40, spent one month, and $1million
    recording that scene, which lasts only 5 minutes, it makes you shudder!!



    User Review

  • Yes, the models were cheesy. But the rest of the film worked so well because the cast was perfect in just about every role. I enjoyed Burgess Meredith's role the most, next to Duke's of course. And George Kennedy was fun to watch as the marine in charge of the paratroopers. Not historically accurate but still a good movie.

    Life is hard, its even harder when your stupid!!
    -John Wayne

  • Got a little bit of trivia for you regarding this movie. In the scenes with Barbra Bouchet as Liz Eddington and Hugh O'Brian as the flyer, when they go to the beach and remove their clothes, Playboy magaizine back then had a little pictorial of that and it showed much more than you saw in the movie. Let's just say Miss Bouchet was rather well endowed.

  • Quote

    Originally posted by WaynamoJim@Jan 22 2006, 08:43 PM
    Got a little bit of trivia for you regarding this movie. In the scenes with Barbra Bouchet as Liz Eddington and Hugh O'Brian as the flyer, when they go to the beach and remove their clothes, Playboy magaizine back then had a little pictorial of that and it showed much more than you saw in the movie. Let's just say Miss Bouchet was rather well endowed.

    [snapback]25697[/snapback]



    You have the pics from that issue? :wub::wub: :lol: :lol:


    J/K!!!

    Life is hard, its even harder when your stupid!!
    -John Wayne

  • Quote

    Originally posted by SXViper@Jan 22 2006, 05:01 PM
    Yes, the models were cheesy. But the rest of the film worked so well because the cast was perfect in just about every role. I enjoyed Burgess Meredith's role the most, next to Duke's of course. And George Kennedy was fun to watch as the marine in charge of the paratroopers. Not historically accurate but still a good movie.

    [snapback]25685[/snapback]



    I agree with Viper's observations. Yeah, the models left a lot to be desired. Burgess Meredith was a delight. Stanley Holloway as the Australian coast watcher was a hoot!
    Of course, this was a work of fiction, but factual elements should be adhered to.
    The beginning with Barbara Bouchet and Hugh O'Brian being shot at by Japanese planes, causing the car to go over the cliff, was not historically accurate - no civilians were attacked by the Japanese - they concentrated strickly on military targets.
    In all, this remains one of my favorite John Wayne non-westerns.
    Cheers - Jay :D

    Cheers - Jay:beer:
    "Not hardly!!!"

  • Memorable Quotes


    There are many, many for this film, I have included a few, but click on
    the link below, for the rest:-


    Commander Paul Eddington: Old Rock of Ages, we've got ourselves another war. A gut bustin', mother-lovin' Navy war.


    Captain Rockwell Torrey: In case it slipped your mind, it's gunnery stations at 0830.


    Captain Rockwell Torrey: We both know what's eating you, Paul. You can't wash it out with booze.


    Captain Rockwell Torrey: Paul, you're forcing me to throw my weight at you. Fish, or cut bait. Get on your feet or take your troubles elsewhere. I've got a ship to run.


    Captain Rockwell Torrey: If you can hold a razor in that hand, you might shave before you come topside.
    Commander Paul Eddington: Aye, aye, Father Torrey.


    LTJG 'Mac' McConnel: Let's crawl back into a uniform. You make us look like a bunch of pirates.


    INFORMATION IMDb


    http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059309/quotes

    Best Wishes
    Keith
    London- England

  • Quote

    Originally posted by ejgreen77+Nov 28 2005, 09:45 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ejgreen77 @ Nov 28 2005, 09:45 PM)</div>


    <!--QuoteBegin-ejgreen77@Nov 29 2005, 03:34 PM
    If you ever read Kirk Douglas' autobiography, you'll see he agreed with you on Preminger's directing. He said that (in his opinion) Preminger was a good producer, but not a very good director (Preminger's two Academy-award nominations notwithstanding). I would tend to agree, but for a Preminger film, I find this to be a good one. Yes, Otto did put in a good bit of "adult" themes and scenes, but unlike many of his other films (Advise and Consent comes immediately to mind) in this one he did a much better job of working them into the storyline. But, that's just my opinion.

    [snapback]23459[/snapback]




    I posted this about In Harms Way on another thread a few months ago.


    E.J.


    Quote

    "I am not intoxicated - yet." McLintock!

  • Hi Ejgreen,
    Your comments are mighty interesting. I read your other comments too. One about Dark Command. May be it is off topic, but You mention Santa Fe Trail (I didn't think before that both films came the same year). But you didn't speak much about comparison and what you mean. May be you add a few words about that here.
    I myself like Santa Fe trail.
    Regards,
    Senta :rolleyes:

  • Senta,


    Well, we probably don't want to get too far off topic here. Maybe ethanedwards can set up a new thread for Dark Command soon so we can discuss it there.


    I'm glad you liked my reviews. I'd do more of them if I had more time. You should also check out the IMDb reviews of my fellow Buffalonian bkoganbing. He's a fan of JW as well and has written many good reviews of the Duke's films at:


    http://us.imdb.com/user/ur2483625/comments


    Quote

    "I am not intoxicated - yet." McLintock!

  • While I thought the movie was very good, I did feel it had a few weak spots, such as the battle at Pearl Harbor, some of the scenes of Japanese ships going through the ocean, and Kirk Douglas' character (a real jerk! :angry: ).


    The most enjoyable memory I have of this movie was the interaction between Patricia Neal and JW. The movie gave the appearance that they were made for each other.


    Both Deep Discount DVD and Amazon have this movie, for about the same reasonable price.


    Chester :newyear:

  • Hi,
    I have been researching all the threads, back to the start of the JWMB,
    looking for previous discussion, relating to the movies.
    I have found the following, comments, and have copied them here,
    so that they are now under one forum:-


    In Defense Of "in Harm's Way", No, not our pal here at DukeWayne.com...


    Quote

    smokey
    post Jul 8 2005, 03:41 PM


    i too like in harms way and i find it a good watch. i dont find the ending such a bummer as you because for a man who was sat behind a desk because he did his duty just after the attack on pearl who then went on to lead the men under his command to a victory admittly with great losses to be informed by the character played by henry fonda that he was going back state side to get a wooden peg attached so that he could come back and help lead them to victory at the helm of his warship even with his pegleg. and another thing that i liked was that the bloke who was incharge of the ship that gave him a tow in the beginning was also the one who saved him in the end which gave it a nice feeling ending


    cheers smokey


    Quote

    Jay J. Foraker
    post Jul 8 2005, 03:55 PM


    I've always liked "In Harm's Way," mainly because it is a character study set against the activities of WWII in the Pacific, which keeps the story from being mired into an overdone soap opera. I agree with Smokey that the ending is not a downer. It has the effect of saying "onward and upward" and could have actually led to an "In Harm's Way, Part II," if the producers had the mind-set of modern-day thinking. ^^
    Cheers - Jay :D


    Quote

    SXViper
    post Jul 8 2005, 04:32 PM


    I agree with the above posts. I thourghly enjoy the movie and would also put it into my top 5-7 movies all time for Duke.


    I especially liked Burgess Meredith's role. Not that it was a great performance or anything but, I just liked him in that type of role. Also Kirk Douglas was excellent and I don't think there could of been another actor that could have pulled off the performance that Kirk did. Excellent movie and about the only pitfall that I can see was the "toy boat" battle scences.





    Quote

    Cole Thornton
    post Jul 9 2005, 01:09 PM


    I have a lot of the scores listed above, and I have seen the Silva Screen "Hollywood Goes To War", which has a decent version of "The Rock" theme. "Police Story" is indeed a fine theme. I was lucky enough to get the (very rare) original soundtrack for Christmas and the funky underscore works wonders while driving. Reminds me of so many things about 1970s cop shows, like rooftop chases and very big cars!






    Best Wishes
    Keith
    London- England

  • Greetings All,


    I just added this one to my DVD collection on Monday....can't wait to see it and experience the entire sound field. The letterboxed versions are best since you get to see what the director intended. I love everything about this one.


  • I agree with the comments regarding the chemistry between Duke and Patricia Neal. The Duke is a true gentleman and Patricia Neal is indeed a lady. People could learn something about how to treat others by watching these two.

  • Quote

    Originally posted by cchoate@May 24 2006, 08:38 PM
    Greetings All,


    I just added this one to my DVD collection on Monday....can't wait to see it and experience the entire sound field. The letterboxed versions are best since you get to see what the director intended. I love everything about this one.

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    I love the scene where JW is drinking a Coca-Cola while talking to the Penguin....I mean Mick.....no, wait...I mean Commander Egan Powell...Burgess Meredith. What a great picture of America.....John Wayne and Coca-Cola.


    Collecting certain Coca-Cola items means as much to me as John Wayne.

  • This is the movie that I have watched the most. If I see it listed - no one can touch the TV. I can't agree more that this could not have been cast any better...Mr. Douglas was the villian that he should have been, the Aussie was funny, the son was weak (I don't think they could have gotten away with casting someone strong), I'll always have a soft heart for Mr. Fonda and Mrs. O'Neal's work with Mr. Wayne - it was just as if they were really married and experiencing it personally. The end was perfect.. when Mr. Wayne look up with the lost expression and called....Maggie? That is what it is all about. Acting. He was the best!

    "I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, and I won't be laid a hand on."

  • Really enjoyed this movie, i think among the Dukes best war films. Like the fact that Capt. Rockwell Torrey isn't always right, violating the order to zigzag resulting in the loss of his ship. The story dominates the people and thereby accommodates a wide range of characters, with neither one standing out too much from the rest.
    I've always enjoyed Brandon De Wilde's performances ever since Shane, also liked him in this film, however, he didn't seem quite right as John Waynes son.

    Chris.

  • I remember the making of part of this film in Hawaii. My family was stationed at Hickam AFB in 1963-5, and there was a lot of publicity about the film being shot in the islands. While we were picnicking on the beach at Fort DeRussy one sunday afternooon, we saw the cruiser USS St. Paul and the destroyers sailing from Pearl Harbor to shoot some manuevering scenes at sea. The hills behind another military base, Barber's Point, is where they shot the scenes of the Marine paratroopers marching while led by Mr.Canby, the coastwatcher. Part of the grassy hills burned when some of the cast accidently tossed a match, and we saw the burned sections when we picnicked there on the beach one afternoon. Also, both Hickam and Honolulu International Airport shared then some of the same runways that the B-25 takes off from (flown by Kirk Douglas). I remember seeing it sitting on the tarmac while visiting my father, who was flying a MATS C-118 in from Japan that day.

    To top it off, my next-door neighbor bumped into the Duke (lucky dog) when he was walking through Pearl Harbor one day without his toupee. I remember being soooooo jealous, and also remember being (I was only 12) shocked that the Duke wore a hairpiece.....not my hero!!! :stunned:

  • This was on TCM last night. For the first time I was struck by the political backstabbing and double crossing going on.


    And Kirk Douglas had a great line about "I think maybe someone else got in there ahead of him..."


    And Neal Owynn is a sphincter.