This scene just tears me up, this one and the dinner with the officers and Donna Reed. When she cries and tells Rusty "...they're all such swell fellas." I wonder how many couples like them faced the same situation on Bataan or Corregidor. Just makes me sad.
Thanks for posting! I always wanted to know the title of this song. I'm a big fan of this movie. I have it on DVD and just finished watching (again). That is a nice write-up you provided and did not know that about John Ford's use of Danny Borzage OR that this was John Wayne's "John Ford stock company" theme. I'm going to bookmark this video so I can provide myself a little mental escape during the workday with this beautiful tune and terrific movie. Well done!!!
Fine young American Sailors ... The Greatest Generation. Say a prayer for them as they pass on to history, and a prayer that we their children and grandchildren will learn something from their sacrafice.
This is the story of John D. Bulkely (the Robert Montgomery part) -- I served under him and if you want a great read, pick up (on Amazon) "Sea Wolf" about his exploits in both the Pacific (he saved Gen. MacArthur's life by getting him out of the Philippines) and at D-Day. A remarkable man, a true warrior, one (if not the) most decorated man in WW2. Served for 59 years in the US Navy...in his 70s.
Bulkely lived quite a long life, and I remember when he died, in fact, long after I'd first seen this film. Of course, only John Ford could have made the movie. He was there, too, to recount it and later tell us about it.
Although this movie was made more than 60 years ago, it shows the shark realism of War...Just to watch the faces of those guys at the bar, knowing they had no chance of ever making it out of the Phillipines and would either be taken prisnor, or killed by the Japanese, brought it all home to the viewing audience....Great Movie, Great song.
This is one of the best WW2 movies ever made - because it was made (mostly) by men who had been in the war. Notice how in quite a few scenes, the camera watches and people talk but you cant hear what is said...........
If only today's movie makers could be that subtle.
By the way, the song was one of my Mother's favourites.
I'm prejudiced since I'm supposed to be a John Ford expert (not to the exclusion of others, I might add). But I firmly believe that this was the best contemporaneous Hollywood film to come out of WW II. No wonder it happened in 1945, when THE STORY OF GI JOE and A WALK IN THE SUN, two of the others, were also released. When the war was nearing its end. When kids had starting becoming adults, if they lived long enough.
But these were Ford's people. Good people. Good Navy.
@MajorYork1 at the time, it was one of everybody's favorites. many companies gave it more than one "cover"... John McCormack's was one of the finest vocal versions.
I probably saw this film 50 times as a youngster The music was written by a prodigy who directed over 50 films in Hollywood and wrote at least another 50 songs. He died at age 53 in 1942. Victor Schertinger.
Of course, John Ford et al, always carry their music from movie to movie, remember the old man and "The Red River Valley" song? Also Marcheta is used in another movie ,by Ford, to inspire your hidden memories of this movie etc..
I think that much of this works because both Ford as a director and Wayne as a young actor both cut they're teeth in the silent era. where physical gestures and facial expressions were more important with out the advantage of dialogue. Sometimes just the gesture and a fleeting facial expression can do more to make your eye balls sweat that pages of dialogue.
I couldn't agree more. This scene is beautifully arranged and who wouldn't be touched by it? Wayne's face expresses more emotion than I thought possible. And yes the scene before when he speaks the poem (IR.L. Stevenson's "Requiem" which I believe RLS wrote as his own epitaph) is tops among the most touching of all war movie moments.
Not to take anything away from this scene of the movie but the scene before this one where Rusty Ryan ( Wayne's character) delivers a eulogy for 2 fallen shipmates is both riveting and heart wrenching at the same time (if that's possible) watch his eyes and facial expressions.
@musicnsports95 Because he is now such an icon, many try to keep making fun of John Wayne as just a star who got lucky.
Not so. I could never agree with his politics (which, in fact, were not as simplistic or predictable as many would claim). Bottom line is that his eyes were enormously expressive. And John Ford knew how to photograph them.
Thank you so much for posting this music. I can't tell you how many times I have searched youtube for this piece. I am so glad someone else appreciates the beauty of this music as much as I do.
@bkf101beeky I was watching "they were expendable this week and recognized the tune my Mom used to play when I was Young,It brought back memories.Mom has been dead42 years and I play piano and have all her sheet music. The song is "Marcheta, A Love Song of Old Mexico by Victor Schertzinger,1913. The Piano version I heard sounded just like my Moms style, And needless to say it brought tears to my eyes.
This, and the "30-years" clip you posted, are the kinds of illustative film clips that I think should be shown in high school and college film courses so that people can realize how movies work and how a master--with basic tools--does it.
This scene just tears me up, this one and the dinner with the officers and Donna Reed. When she cries and tells Rusty "...they're all such swell fellas." I wonder how many couples like them faced the same situation on Bataan or Corregidor. Just makes me sad.
tosherification 2 weeks ago
thank you! the editing makes all the difference.....
MrSunlander 1 month ago
Thanks for posting! I always wanted to know the title of this song. I'm a big fan of this movie. I have it on DVD and just finished watching (again). That is a nice write-up you provided and did not know that about John Ford's use of Danny Borzage OR that this was John Wayne's "John Ford stock company" theme. I'm going to bookmark this video so I can provide myself a little mental escape during the workday with this beautiful tune and terrific movie. Well done!!!
Timingisoff 1 month ago
Fine young American Sailors ... The Greatest Generation. Say a prayer for them as they pass on to history, and a prayer that we their children and grandchildren will learn something from their sacrafice.
gto66solstice08 6 months ago
This is the story of John D. Bulkely (the Robert Montgomery part) -- I served under him and if you want a great read, pick up (on Amazon) "Sea Wolf" about his exploits in both the Pacific (he saved Gen. MacArthur's life by getting him out of the Philippines) and at D-Day. A remarkable man, a true warrior, one (if not the) most decorated man in WW2. Served for 59 years in the US Navy...in his 70s.
TheAlleypoo 9 months ago
@TheAlleypoo
Bulkely lived quite a long life, and I remember when he died, in fact, long after I'd first seen this film. Of course, only John Ford could have made the movie. He was there, too, to recount it and later tell us about it.
grabit1 3 months ago
this clip could serve as the definition of" Poignant"
I could listen to it for hours
Thelastminstrel 10 months ago
I first saw "They were expendable" in early 1946,in Shanghai,when I was fifteen,and only
just released from a Japanese internment camp WW2.....I was immediately impressed
by "Marcheta"......by its lovely,touching,and haunting melody.....which has been with me,
throughout my life....and,a tune recognised by my Mum,at the age of 93 ! Great stuff !!!
estrada359 11 months ago 3
Although this movie was made more than 60 years ago, it shows the shark realism of War...Just to watch the faces of those guys at the bar, knowing they had no chance of ever making it out of the Phillipines and would either be taken prisnor, or killed by the Japanese, brought it all home to the viewing audience....Great Movie, Great song.
Labaron26 1 year ago
@Labaron26
I only point out your typo about the "shark" realism of war as a kuddo and compliment. Since it's true.
grabit1 11 months ago
This is one of the best WW2 movies ever made - because it was made (mostly) by men who had been in the war. Notice how in quite a few scenes, the camera watches and people talk but you cant hear what is said...........
If only today's movie makers could be that subtle.
By the way, the song was one of my Mother's favourites.
MajorYork1 1 year ago
@MajorYork1
I'm prejudiced since I'm supposed to be a John Ford expert (not to the exclusion of others, I might add). But I firmly believe that this was the best contemporaneous Hollywood film to come out of WW II. No wonder it happened in 1945, when THE STORY OF GI JOE and A WALK IN THE SUN, two of the others, were also released. When the war was nearing its end. When kids had starting becoming adults, if they lived long enough.
But these were Ford's people. Good people. Good Navy.
grabit1 11 months ago
@MajorYork1 at the time, it was one of everybody's favorites. many companies gave it more than one "cover"... John McCormack's was one of the finest vocal versions.
Randidan 6 months ago
I probably saw this film 50 times as a youngster The music was written by a prodigy who directed over 50 films in Hollywood and wrote at least another 50 songs. He died at age 53 in 1942. Victor Schertinger.
bdcochran 1 year ago
This is the single greatest contemporaneous film to come out of WW II.
There. I said it. And I'm Ford-prejudiced.
And I won't take it back.
grabit1 1 year ago
Of course, John Ford et al, always carry their music from movie to movie, remember the old man and "The Red River Valley" song? Also Marcheta is used in another movie ,by Ford, to inspire your hidden memories of this movie etc..
Love em all...pat
1stApostle 1 year ago
I think that much of this works because both Ford as a director and Wayne as a young actor both cut they're teeth in the silent era. where physical gestures and facial expressions were more important with out the advantage of dialogue. Sometimes just the gesture and a fleeting facial expression can do more to make your eye balls sweat that pages of dialogue.
musicnsports95 2 years ago
I couldn't agree more. This scene is beautifully arranged and who wouldn't be touched by it? Wayne's face expresses more emotion than I thought possible. And yes the scene before when he speaks the poem (IR.L. Stevenson's "Requiem" which I believe RLS wrote as his own epitaph) is tops among the most touching of all war movie moments.
jgrayson1934 2 years ago
Not to take anything away from this scene of the movie but the scene before this one where Rusty Ryan ( Wayne's character) delivers a eulogy for 2 fallen shipmates is both riveting and heart wrenching at the same time (if that's possible) watch his eyes and facial expressions.
musicnsports95 2 years ago
@musicnsports95 Because he is now such an icon, many try to keep making fun of John Wayne as just a star who got lucky.
Not so. I could never agree with his politics (which, in fact, were not as simplistic or predictable as many would claim). Bottom line is that his eyes were enormously expressive. And John Ford knew how to photograph them.
grabit1 1 year ago
Thank you so much for posting this music. I can't tell you how many times I have searched youtube for this piece. I am so glad someone else appreciates the beauty of this music as much as I do.
bkf101beeky 2 years ago
@bkf101beeky I was watching "they were expendable this week and recognized the tune my Mom used to play when I was Young,It brought back memories.Mom has been dead42 years and I play piano and have all her sheet music. The song is "Marcheta, A Love Song of Old Mexico by Victor Schertzinger,1913. The Piano version I heard sounded just like my Moms style, And needless to say it brought tears to my eyes.
virginadale1914 2 years ago 2
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this movie has a really interesting story line its amazing, i just watching it @ i watch movies 43 . c o m
talesiarenard 2 years ago
Such a powerful use of music, the old days which were carefree to the present when they have just had a funeral for one of their friends.
quincannon40 2 years ago 5
This, and the "30-years" clip you posted, are the kinds of illustative film clips that I think should be shown in high school and college film courses so that people can realize how movies work and how a master--with basic tools--does it.
curtindobbs 2 years ago 7