Great Movie For A Rainy Day; Comfort Food and the American Myth

In Harm’s Way (1965, Otto Preminger) ****

“All battles are fought by scared men who would rather be someplace else.”

John Wayne, Kirk Douglas and Henry Fonda fight ‘the Japs’ (sic) in WWII in what Douglas’ character describes to Wayne whom he calls Old Rock of Ages, “We've got ourselves another war. A gut bustin', mother-lovin' Navy war!” And gut bustin’ it is. With Patricia Neal as love interest to Wayne; she brings out depth in the Duke’s performance. They have real chemistry – watch out for fireworks. This movie is another marker for the changing of the guard in Hollywood with its fresh faced crop of co-stars -- Tom
Tryon, Paula Prentiss, Brandon De Wilde and Jill Haworth.

Preminger departs from the “John Ford History of America” and the story of the fighting the war in the Pacific with a less altruistic cast of characters who never bore. But the Americana themes prevail and the tradition of apocryphal storytelling continues. In step with the idea of early ‘60’s realism and pushing the envelope with the signature Preminger titillating touch.

The movie improves with each viewing. Perfect for a weekend matinee.