Movie
They Were Expendable
A Tribute to Those Who Did So Much... With So Little!
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.
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Where to watch in United States
Checked Sep 4, 2026
They Were Expendable is available to stream on DirecTV On Demand, Plex, and Tubi in United States. You can also rent or buy it from Amazon, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, and Google Play. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
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Synopsis
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.
More about They Were Expendable
Cast
Robert MontgomeryLt. John Brickley
John WayneLt. (J.G.) 'Rusty' Ryan
Donna ReedLt. Sandy Davyss
Jack HoltGeneral Martin
Ward Bond"Boats" Mulcahey, Chief Boatswain's Mate
Marshall ThompsonEns. 'Snake' Gardner
Paul LangtonEns. 'Andy' Andrews
Leon AmesMajor James MortonCredits
- Directed by
- John Ford
- Written by
- Frank Wead, Christina Stead
Production details
- Status
- Released
- Original language
- English
Production
Metro-Goldwyn-MayerUnited States
