BootDigest Such a frustrating disappointment

Unlimitedia Sick Product of a Sick System

Stometer Save your money for something good and enjoyable

Aiden Melton The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.

mark.waltz I don't know if I'll ever get back to it for a second watch, but I grasped what I could in this profile of Fleet Adm. William F. Halsey Jr., played by James Cagney as he was preparing to retire himself. It's ironic that the opening scene has Halsey preparing to retreat to his cabin to change into civilian clothes. Soft spoken and attentive, he is beloved and gives talks to his men-in groups, one on one and treating everyone of them like they matter. This is Cagney at his most subtle, and at times, I wanted to reach through the screen to grab a hug: from the fictional version of the character, from the actor, and from the spirits of both men who gave so much of themselves. Since the real Halsey had died the previous year, there was a legend surrounding his life, so it makes sense that they cut out anything that would make him seem anything less than a perfect leader of the U.S. military. One special moment comes in my memory of James Cagney when he was alive: being introduced for a profile in "A Night of 100 Stars". Cagney seemed to be in tears as he accepted this honor, not saying a word, but realizing the impact he made on the world of film. That honor is felt here for Halsey, whether getting bad news about his own son, submitting to shots reluctantly as part of a promise to his departing aide (Dennis Weaver), and sharing the harsh realities of war with an underling he hoped to raise in rank who blamed himself for the loss of nine planes. Cagney takes those nine planes on, adds on ships, submarines and land troops onto his own list of regretful losses. The story surrounds his command of Guadalcanal, so there's plenty of detail to be dramatized and documented in two hours. Through the narration of director Robert Montgomery, dozens of other officials, both enemy and ally, are introduced. But as taxing as it is to remember them all, when the camera is on Cagney, there's an invisible halo shining on him with the haunting music that practically proclaims Halsey's sainthood, which from what I've read was a total contrast to how he is portrayed here. Cagney just makes all this hero worship tolerable, and I felt myself falling into the pattern of feeling like I was among the truly divine men I knew really nothing of. Maybe one day, we'll get the truth, but for how, this sanitized portrayal will have to do.

Jonny_B_Lately My first viewing was a surprise. I had no idea that serious documentary style film-making occurred before the 1970s. The second surprise was during the credits. James Gagney provided funding for this film.Despite Admiral Halsey's reputation, this film paints him as a reasoned thoughtful man who respected his subordinate officers and their men. Highly accurate the film paints the struggle to hold Guadalcanal against almost impossible odds.If you, as a film lover, are looking for a high action film, you might want to pass. This is more the study of the man who won the battle of Guadalcanal with thought, foresight, and more than a touch of daring. In fact there is not one single battle scene with the only real violence taking place when "Washing Machine Charlie" bombs a land base that Halsey happens to be on.The film chronicles the short span of time (five weeks) between Halsey taking over the command of South Pacific forces and the victory over Yamamoto at Guadalcanal.The film is also interesting in that Halsey is never once depicted as bloodthirsty or violent, only that he is determined to rise to the challenge of the Japanese Navy's superior numbers and hold a hard won beachhead on the aforementioned island.Admiral Halsey is quoted as saying: "There are no great men, only great challenges that ordinary men are forced by circumstances to meet." This film matches that sentiment in its script, direction, and production values.The only thing I found the least bit annoying about the film was the chorus in the background. Beyond that this film stands up well even today, some fifty years after it was made.A must see for anyone interested in Halsey, the U.S. Navy during World War II, logistics, and/or strategy.

thinker1691 From the many stories of World War Two and from the archives of the Navy, comes this sentimental story of William Halsey. It purports to relay the finally months of the distinguished admiral. Told in semi-documentary style, the admiral recalls his most important memories of the war. Despite the fact that he dwells on the famous battle of Guadalcanal, it depicts how straining his command really was and the toll it took on him. However, the movie unfortunately centered on the admiral and not on the tremendous suffering of his men and his staff. True it mentioned their participation, but not on their combined loss. Further, the movie could have used it cinematic power to reveal the over all sacrifices the men made. The selection of James Cagney as Admiral William Halsey was a stroke of good fortune as were the selection of the other members of the cast. Here we have Dennis Weaver, Ward Costello and Richard Jaeckel as Commander Webb. Overall, this is a fine film, but reservation is made concerning the naval tribute given to Halsey, when such honor belongs to the departed. **

RengaOtoko I just love this movie. I am a huge fan of Adm. Halsey. Am also a Navy vet. I wish they would put it out on DVD. Since it is out of print it is very hard to find a copy, there are some used ones thru Amazon.com, but am a little leery of buying one thru this method. Cagney does a terrific job as Halsey, the resemblance is uncanny. I think John Wayne's portrayal of Adm. Torrey in "In Harms Way" is somewhat based on Adm. Halsey, at least that is how it makes me feel. Any fan of WWII movies, particularly Pacific naval ones, would love this movie. I noticed one of the posters stated he had served with Halsey, I truly envy you! Guess it would've been hard since I wasn't born yet!