"Marcheta" in THEY WERE EXPENDABLE

"Marchéta" (pronounced Mar-KEE-ta) is a 1913 "love song of Old Mexico" written by the American composer Victor Schertzinger when he was but 25 years old. These days all of the versions to be found on modern CD are either overwrought ballads by male vocalists like Al Jolson and Mario Lanza, or else corny "cha-cha" dance instrumentals. However, , when played in waltz-time, as a serious orchestral love song, it becomes an achingly beautiful theme.

Director John Ford made "Marchéta" one of the emotional linchpins of his 1945 film THEY WERE EXPENDABLE. It is first played when Rusty Ryan (John Wayne) attends a hospital dance on Corregidor in the Philippines, and falls in love with a nurse there. Much later in the film, as Bataan falls and Corregidor (where his lover is stationed) is being bombed and starved into submission by the Japanese, a poignant reprise of the song appears on the radio as Wayne is getting drunk in an island bar, reminding him of his night of dancing with her in the darkness as he realizes he'll never see her again.

The song is utilized expertly by Ford in THEY WERE EXPENDABLE, and would stick with John Wayne for the rest of his life. Ford always had an accordionist on his set named Danny Borzage, who would often play mood music during scenes to help the actors find the right tone. Borzage would also create an intimate sense of family among the cast and crew by playing favorite themes whenever John Ford or a member of his stock company appeared on set. Everyone had their own tune, and after THEY WERE EXPENDABLE, "Marchéta" became John Wayne's theme.

I think it's a beautiful melody, and deserves to be remembered far better than it has been. Have a listen to it here in a pair of clips from THEY WERE EXPENDABLE and see if you agree.
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Category:

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• Marcheta
• Marchéta
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• Schertzinger
• They
• Were
• Expendable
• John
• Ford
• Wayne
• conservatism
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• movies
• film
• cinema
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• classics

[curtindobbs]

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.

[quincannon40]

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.

[MrSunlander]

thank you! the editing makes all the difference.....

[Timingisoff]

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!!!

[grabit1]

@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.

[gto66solstice08]

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.

[Randidan]

@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.

[TheAlleypoo]

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.

[Thelastminstrel]

this clip could serve as the definition of" Poignant"

I could listen to it for hours

[estrada359]

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 !!!

[grabit1]

@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]

@Labaron26

I only point out your typo about the "shark" realism of war as a kuddo and compliment. Since it's true.