Otto Preminger's World War II epic about navy life was dismissed by most critics when it was released but it's a good film that deserved better. John Wayne is front and center in one of those all star casts. Patricia Neal is his love interest and is a strong enough actor to stand up to the Duke. Kirk Douglas plays an antihero character who is Admiral Wayne's second in command.
Preminger rounded up a decent supporting cast and the wide screen black and white photography at times looks pretty spectacular. The final sea battle was criticized for looking a little too much like models in a studio swimming pool. The battle is certainly a noisy confusing mess but real war is a noisy confusing mess.
Everyone expected fireworks from the liberal director and the very right wing star but apparently they were very respectful of each other.
A good war drama that the public stayed away from unfortunately.
165 minutes, written by Wendell Mayes.
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