AWAY ALL BOATS – 1956
This is one of the better WW2 films about the unglamourous part played by the US Navy attack transport craft. These were the ships that moved the troops up to the landing beaches, then launched the landing craft that carried troops to said beach.
This one starts in San Diego Navy yard with a new crew reporting to a just fitted out transport. The story is told mostly from the view of the new third in command officer, George Nader. Nader is an ex-Merchant Marine Captain that took a double rank drop to join the Navy. The new Captain is Navy veteran, Jeff Chandler, whose last ship had been sunk under him.
Also in the cast as officers are Lex Barker, Richard Boone, Keith Andes and Charles McGraw. Other than Chandler, Boone, Nader and some of the below decks chiefs, everyone is new to the sea. Chandler takes the new ship out for a shakedown cruise to Pearl Harbour. He pushes the men hard and heavy to see how they take it. Sick bay is soon full with sea-sick types and various bumps and cuts. The heavy work load though does cause the men to learn their jobs.
Once at Pearl Harbour, the ship is loaded with Marines and more training is needed. Once that is done, the ship heads for the war zone. First up is Japanese held Makin, then Kwajalein and so on through the Pacific. Several of the crew distinguish themselves while others are found lacking in ability and courage.
Morale takes a big hit when the mail is constantly sent to the wrong place, and no liberty ports. The men are always at each other and fights become a routine daily event. Chandler steps in and orders the construction of a small 14 foot sailboat. Soon all the men are upset at the Captain instead of each other. But morale goes up as the Captain takes out the small craft out for a spin whenever they are at anchor.
It is now April 1945 and the Invasion of Okinawa. The Japanese Army and Navy Air Forces are hurling hundreds of Kamikaze aircraft at the invasion fleet. The ships on picket line duty and the Combat Air Patrol take care of most of these. However, they are often overwhelmed and the fleet comes under attack.
Everything the fleet can fire throws up as much flak as possible, but some aircraft still get through. The transport is hit several times and badly damaged. As the ship is being repaired, another attack of Kamikaze breaks through the CAP. A bomb laden Zero fighter hits the ship at the waterline, holing her. The Captain, Jeff Chandler is severally wounded and command falls to Nader.
The ship is ordered to withdraw out of the combat area. Things now go from bad to worse, as the ship loses its propeller. The ship is also slowly filling with sea water and is in danger of rolling over and swamping.
Needless to say the remaining crew work like demons to effect repairs to the hole in the side. They then launch the few landing craft to survive the air attacks. These are used to tow the ship from the danger area. Chandler sees that the ship will be saved, then dies.
While there is the odd slow bit, the film as a whole is quite entertaining. It is interesting to see a film showing duty in a rather unheralded area of Naval combat. The action scenes are quite well done considering the era the film was produced.
Look close and you will see an unbilled Clint Eastwood in several scenes. I also saw stunt-men turned actors, Charles Horvath and Bobby Hoy in small roles. .
This is one of the better WW2 films about the unglamourous part played by the US Navy attack transport craft. These were the ships that moved the troops up to the landing beaches, then launched the landing craft that carried troops to said beach.
This one starts in San Diego Navy yard with a new crew reporting to a just fitted out transport. The story is told mostly from the view of the new third in command officer, George Nader. Nader is an ex-Merchant Marine Captain that took a double rank drop to join the Navy. The new Captain is Navy veteran, Jeff Chandler, whose last ship had been sunk under him.
Also in the cast as officers are Lex Barker, Richard Boone, Keith Andes and Charles McGraw. Other than Chandler, Boone, Nader and some of the below decks chiefs, everyone is new to the sea. Chandler takes the new ship out for a shakedown cruise to Pearl Harbour. He pushes the men hard and heavy to see how they take it. Sick bay is soon full with sea-sick types and various bumps and cuts. The heavy work load though does cause the men to learn their jobs.
Once at Pearl Harbour, the ship is loaded with Marines and more training is needed. Once that is done, the ship heads for the war zone. First up is Japanese held Makin, then Kwajalein and so on through the Pacific. Several of the crew distinguish themselves while others are found lacking in ability and courage.
Morale takes a big hit when the mail is constantly sent to the wrong place, and no liberty ports. The men are always at each other and fights become a routine daily event. Chandler steps in and orders the construction of a small 14 foot sailboat. Soon all the men are upset at the Captain instead of each other. But morale goes up as the Captain takes out the small craft out for a spin whenever they are at anchor.
It is now April 1945 and the Invasion of Okinawa. The Japanese Army and Navy Air Forces are hurling hundreds of Kamikaze aircraft at the invasion fleet. The ships on picket line duty and the Combat Air Patrol take care of most of these. However, they are often overwhelmed and the fleet comes under attack.
Everything the fleet can fire throws up as much flak as possible, but some aircraft still get through. The transport is hit several times and badly damaged. As the ship is being repaired, another attack of Kamikaze breaks through the CAP. A bomb laden Zero fighter hits the ship at the waterline, holing her. The Captain, Jeff Chandler is severally wounded and command falls to Nader.
The ship is ordered to withdraw out of the combat area. Things now go from bad to worse, as the ship loses its propeller. The ship is also slowly filling with sea water and is in danger of rolling over and swamping.
Needless to say the remaining crew work like demons to effect repairs to the hole in the side. They then launch the few landing craft to survive the air attacks. These are used to tow the ship from the danger area. Chandler sees that the ship will be saved, then dies.
While there is the odd slow bit, the film as a whole is quite entertaining. It is interesting to see a film showing duty in a rather unheralded area of Naval combat. The action scenes are quite well done considering the era the film was produced.
Look close and you will see an unbilled Clint Eastwood in several scenes. I also saw stunt-men turned actors, Charles Horvath and Bobby Hoy in small roles. .