In Harm's Way
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Movie Reviews of In Harm's Way
Movie Review: Old Rock of Ages, we've got ourselves another war. A gut bustin', mother-lovin' Navy war.
Summary: 5 Stars
Otto Preminger puts together a great World War II drama, combining action, romance and character development in a sweeping story of the Pacific theatre. John Wayne, Kirk Douglas, Patricia Neal lead the cast, which includes both current and rising stars of the day. Supporting actors include Burgess Meredith, Carroll O'Conner, Slim Pickens, George Kennedy, Patrick O'Neal, Dana Andrews, Tom Tyron and Paula Prentiss, just to name a few.
The characters are generally well fleshed out and portrayed convincingly. John Wayne plays a leader at once charismatic and larger than life while remaining soft-spoken and thoughtful, particularly in romantic settings. One of the great scenes is the interplay between Wayne's character, Rockwell Torrey, and Patricia Neal as they discuss their lives over a home-cooked meal. The sincerity of the developing relationship between the mature pair is in marked contrast to the manipulative dinner coordinated by Torry's son (ably played by Brandon De Wilde) for nurse Annalee (Jill Haworth).
The action scenes are generally well-done although the final sea battle intersperses vintage WWII footage with "cans-in-a-tub" special effects - not bad for 1965, but rather "quaint" compared with today's effects.
The film stands up nicely to repeat viewing and is one of those great "pictures for a Sunday afternoon." The musical score is also well done, particularly the end-credit sequence. All in all, it is a great film!
Movie Review: Probably The Last Great Black & White Movie Made
Summary: 5 Stars
I am a war movie buff. I have seen them all. Heck, I have seen Patton a million times but I just went and bought Patton in Blu-Ray. And by the way, the Patton transfer is the best older movie transfer I have yet seen, it looks as good as the day it opened at the movies.
Anyway, I really have seen most of the great WWII movies made in the 60s and 70s except for this one. I finally saw it today. I hesitated seeing it for years (I am in my 40s) not because of any bad reviews but because its in Black and White. And now I regret not seeing this movie decades ago because it is really a great film.
Many reviews here have gone over the plot and actors. I want to say that this movie, epic really, will satisfy those that love war movies. After awhile you wont notice its in B&W. It starts like no war movie I have recall seeing, a party with a drunk beauty making a scene. That scene pulls you in, its not the usual war movie. Even the usual love sub-plots are a little more complex and unusual then most movies of the era. The battle at the end of the movie is pretty suspenseful and although the effects are only a notch or 2 above a Godzilla movie, they still do the job. One of the cool things about the movie is the end credits which are shots of violent seas. Great movie, if you like the war movies of the era, do not overlook this gem.
Movie Review: One of the best John Wayne Movies I've seen
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a great WWII action movie featuring the "Duke". Again he is paired with Patricia Neal as his 'romantic lead' (also in 'Operation Pacific' together). It begins on the December 6th, 1941 and goes on from there. This is NOT the 'shoot from the hip' type of John Wayne movie. John Wayne acts the part of the mature Captain/Admiral he portrays (much more convincingly than in The Green Berets'); down to the 'Survivor's Guilt'. It has ships, subs, airplanes, bombs, torpedoes, big guns, sailors, Marines, parachutes, spying behind enemy lines, suicide missions, romance, and everything that goes with them. Basically everything a WWII afficionado needs!
Supposedly Premminger loved directing the Duke and it seems to show. While the coincidences are a bit contrived (his long, lost son and Kirk Douglas falling for the same girl, etc.) the powerful performances in the rest of the movie overshadow these minor glitches. It features an all-star cast - virtually a who's who of the time - with Henry Fonda (who played Nimitz again in 'Midway'), Kirk Douglas, Burgess Meridith, Paula Prentiss, Tom Tryon, Larry Hagman (no, 'Jeannie' isn't there), George Kennedy, Carrol O'Connor, Slim Pickens, et al.
I only wish they had more Special Features on the DVD. It's a LONG movie (167 minutes) but it won't seem that way once you begin.
Movie Review: One of the few CLASSIC WWII in the Pacific Movies
Summary: 5 Stars
It always seems that WWI movies covered the European Theater more, as far as Blockbusters are concerned... "Longest Day", "Bridge to Far", "Patton", "Guns of Navarone", "Saving Private Ryan". Sure the Pacific had the multitude of John Wayne Movies, but true epics either dealt with Pearl Harbor or Midway, nothing else existed it seems.Then I see "In Harms Way" . This movie is a true classic, with a superb cast including Wayne, Kirk Douglas, Dana Andrews, Patricia Neal (may be one of her best), Henry Fonda, Burgess Merredith and many more.
This a "true grit" battle of the Pacific tale which we need more of. Its description of sea battles both before and after are classic, and the movies lenght is not noticed since you are continually involved in it.
Yes, the movie is in black and white, but it seems its supposed to be. The filming and actions sequences for its day are outstanding, and watch you bass speakers or you will lose some china! Seeing this movie on REGULAR TV is not a good idea. They cut more than 20 minutes from it, ruin its continuity, and it is NOT the same movie. networks would rather sell than eep the movie intact.
WATCH THE FULL LENGTH VERSION! Is like seeing a new movie! A give this movie a standing thumbs up. This is one of the Dukes BEST.
Movie Review: A Great War Movie Despite Ho-Hum Special Effects
Summary: 5 Stars
Why do I like this movie so much? It's an good story with a good cast, an OK love story and ... special effects. I like "The Duke", Partricia Neal and Kirk Douglas, but so? The answer is that I think that "In Harm's Way" captures the spirit of the American Navy in World War II in a near perfect way; it shows flawed men and women trying to do their best under appalling conditions. It also shows the backstabbing and deceit that occasionally marked the rivalry between some commanders. Some parts drag a bit, but the overall effect, for me, is a movie that I have (and will) watch over and over. Despite its age, it spins a good yarn; the characters are believeable and interesting. Wayne has delivered many fine performances (think "The Quiet Man", "The Searchers" and John Ford's cavalry trilogy) and his portrayal of Admiral Rockwell Torrey is one of them. In his committment to the Navy, his growing love for Nurse Maggir Haynes, and his conflict with his son, Wayne is at his top form. Neal, in her post stroke first appearance is equally good. OK, the use of poor models to represent naval ships is off-putting, but it's the characters and the story that captures the viewer. The DVD is all that could be asked for short of a re-make of the film. It remains one of my favorites.