In Harms Way

 

This week we celebrate and remember the 79th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and the beginning of the United States role in World War II. FDR called the attack "a day that will live in infamy", as the damage to the US Navy was the worst in its naval history. One of my favorite movies that take on the pearl harbor attack is "In Harms Way", starring John Wayne, Kirk Douglas, and Patricia Neal. Wayne plays the part of U.S. Navy Captain Rockwell "Rock" Torrey, who is a graduate of Annapolis, is removed from his command after the attacks of pearl harbor. After a year of desk work and personal relationships, Rockwell is given a promotion as Rear Admiral by the Pacific's fleet's commander-in-chief and is given a mission to take back the island of Gavabutu, a Japanese stronghold. The movie has some great naval and aviation battles, some that capture the true spirit of the war.
FYI, Hollywood saw an opportunity during this turbulent time in America by capitalizing on the war effort by providing Americans ways to boost their optimism and ego. War movies were being made faster than you could spell them, and some turned out to be fantastic while others turned out to be forgettable. This movie is of the former.