Error creating thumbnail: File missing Join our Discord!
If you have been locked out of your account you can request a password reset here.

They Were Expendable

From Internet Movie Firearms Database - Guns in Movies, TV and Video Games
Revision as of 23:15, 7 March 2023 by Jcordell (talk | contribs)
(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)
Jump to navigation Jump to search


They Were Expendable
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Movie poster
Country Error creating thumbnail: File missing United States
Directed by John Ford
Robert Montgomery
Release Date 1945
Language English
Studio MGM
Distributor Lowe's
Main Cast
Character Actor
Lieutenant John Brickley Robert Montgomery
Lieutenant (junior grade) "Rusty" Ryan John Wayne
BMC "Boats" Mulcahey Ward Bond
Ensign "Snake" Gardner Marshall Thompson
General Martin Jack Holt


They Were Expendable is a 1945 WWII film that focuses on the story of Navy Lt. John Brickley and Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 3. Lt. John Brickley (Robert Montgomery) and his squadron are stationed in the Philippines before the start of World War II. Once the war starts the whole squadron including the executive officer Lieutenant JG 'Rusty' Ryan (John Wayne) are itching to fight the Japanese. They soon find out that they are to just buy time for the United States to gear up for war after the defeat at Pearl Harbor. The biggest mission for Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 3 is to help General Douglas MacArthur his family and General Staff to escape Corregidor. While a work of fiction, the story is based on actual events and people. The characters John Brickley (Montgomery) and Rusty Ryan (Wayne) are fictionalizations of PT-Boat Squadron Three Commander John D. Bulkeley (Medal of Honor) and his executive officer Lieutenant Robert Kelly (Navy Cross), respectively. The movie was filmed in the winter and spring of 1945 in and around Key West and other parts of Florida. The production received extensive support from the U.S. Navy to include two active-duty PT boats and Navy airplanes painted to double as Japanese aircraft. Director John Ford was hurt during the filming and had Robert Montgomery fill in for him. This would lead to Montgomery moving into directing a couple years later with Lady in the Lake.


The following guns were used in the movie They Were Expendable:

Browning M2 Aircraft

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Browning M2 Aircraft - .50 cal
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Crewman firing live dual 50 cal. Browning M2 Aircraft guns on PT Boat. Notice the ammo loading in to the weapon
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Crewman firing live dual 50 cal. Browning M2 Aircraft guns on PT Boat. Notice the ammo loading in to the weapon
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Crewman firing live dual 50 cal. Browning M2 Aircraft guns on PT Boat
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Crewman firing dual Browning M2 Aircraft guns on PT Boat
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Crewman firing dual Browning M2 Aircraft guns on PT Boat
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Crewman firing dual Browning M2 Aircraft guns on PT Boat

1903 Springfield Rifle

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
1903 Springfield Rifle - .30-06
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
US Navy sailor carrying a 1903 Springfield Rifle
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Lieutenant JG 'Rusty' Ryan (John Wayne) holding a 1903 Springfield Rifle

Colt M1928A1 Thompson

The M1928A1 Thompson is seen carried by several characters including Lt. John Brickley (Robert Montgomery).

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
M1928A1 Thompson with 30-round magazine - .45 ACP
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Ensign Brant (Tim Murdock) holding a Colt M1928A1 Thompson Submachine Gun.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Lt. John Brickley (Robert Montgomery) with the Colt 1928A1 Thompson.
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Lt. John Brickley (Robert Montgomery) holding a Colt 1928A1 Thompson.

Browning Automatic Rifle

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Browning Automatic Rifle - .30-06
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
US Navy Crewman carrying a early Browning Automatic Rifle

Smith & Wesson Victory Model

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Smith & Wesson Victory Model, .38 S&W
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
'Dad' Knowland (Russell Simpson) carrying a Smith & Wesson Victory Model in holster

Colt 1911 Pistol

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Colt 1911 Pistol - .45 ACP
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Lt. John Brickley (Robert Montgomery) carrying a Colt 1911 Pistol in holster