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They Were Expendable

From Internet Movie Firearms Database - Guns in Movies, TV and Video Games
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They Were Expendable
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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

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Browning M2 Aircraft - .50 cal
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Crewman firing live dual 50 cal. Browning M2 Aircraft guns on PT Boat. Notice the ammo loading in to the weapon
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Crewman firing live dual 50 cal. Browning M2 Aircraft guns on PT Boat. Notice the ammo loading in to the weapon
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Crewman firing live dual 50 cal. Browning M2 Aircraft guns on PT Boat
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Crewman firing dual Browning M2 Aircraft guns on PT Boat
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Crewman firing dual Browning M2 Aircraft guns on PT Boat
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Crewman firing dual Browning M2 Aircraft guns on PT Boat

1903 Springfield Rifle

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1903 Springfield Rifle - .30-06
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US Navy sailor carrying a 1903 Springfield Rifle
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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).

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

Browning Automatic Rifle

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Browning Automatic Rifle - .30-06
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US Navy Crewman carrying a early Browning Automatic Rifle

Smith & Wesson Victory Model

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Smith & Wesson Victory Model, .38 S&W
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'Dad' Knowland (Russell Simpson) carrying a Smith & Wesson Victory Model in holster

Colt 1911 Pistol

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Colt 1911 Pistol - .45 ACP
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Lt. John Brickley (Robert Montgomery) carrying a Colt 1911 Pistol in holster