Rating: 
Summary: A Pacific Odyssey
Review: Despite some rather inane special effects, Otto Preminger's "In Harm's Way" quite effectively, convincingly captures the feverish urgency and utter uncertainty of military life in wartime: Fleeting, furtive, forbidden, incandescent romance; misguided, chaotic mass troop movement and catastrophic command indecision and ineptitude; the omnipresent backbiting and naked ambition of officers and men as they greedily, unabashedly jockey for power in the turbulent wake of bitter disaster and career-ending disgrace. If the viewer will look past the film's admitted flaws--toy battleships slugging it out in a bathtub, for instance, or Coates and Lawrences' "Sleepy Lagoon" playing to partying officers and wives at a social gathering a full two months before the hit song was recorded by Harry James, in February '42--he will discover far more than first meets the eye. More than just a war film, "In Harm's Way" is a lusty, sprawling paean to the exquisite beauty which lies in wait just beyond the International Date Line, and beneath the Southern Cross. For those who have sailed southwest--that is, to Viti Levu, Espiritu Santo, San Cristobal, or Malaita--they will taste the Mai Tai in their cheek when viewing the movie, will recall the heady scent of frangipani, the velveteen caress of tropical zephyrs at twilight, or hear, as William Manchester wrote, "the rhythm of surf on distant snow-white beaches." Indeed, every character, every scene, every sub-plot is an adventure of it's own; and, of course, John Wayne, as always, stands tall, expansive--all powerful--seemingly every bit as vast and all-encompassing as was the Pacific war itself. And somehow, as he has so often accomplished in all his war films, Wayne makes us think again of our giant fathers, and their lofty perch in history--of an unparalleled epoch that once was, and will never be again.
Rating:
Summary: A Pacific Odyssey
Review: Despite some rather inane special effects, Otto Preminger's "In Harm's Way" quite effectively, convincingly captures the feverish urgency and utter uncertainty of military life in wartime: Laid bare before the viewer, are fleeting, furtive, forbidden, incandescent romance; misguided, chaotic mass troop movement; catastrophic command indecision and ineptitude--and the omnipresent backbiting and naked ambition of officers' and men as they greedily, unabashedly jockey for power in the turbulent wake of bitter disaster and career-ending disgrace. If the viewer will look past the film's admitted flaws--toy battleships slugging it out in a bathtub, for instance, or Coates and Lawrence's, "Sleepy Lagoon" playing to partying officers' and wives at a pre-war social gathering a full two months before the hit song was recorded by Harry James, in February '42--he will discover far more than first meets the eye. More than just a war film, "In Harm's Way" is a lusty, sprawling paean to the exquisite beauty which lies in wait just beyond the International Date Line and beneath the Southern Cross. For those who have sailed southwest--that is, to Viti Levu, Espiritu Santo, to San Cristobal or Malaita--they will taste the Mai Tai in their cheek when viewing this film, will recall the heady scent of frangipani, the velveteen caress of tropical zephyrs at twilight--or hear, as William Manchester wrote, "the rhythm of surf on distant snow-white beaches." Indeed, every character, every scene, every sub-plot is an adventure of it's own. And, of course, John Wayne, as always, stands tall, expansive--all powerful--seemingly every bit as vast and all-encompassing as was the Pacific war itself. And somehow, as he has so often accomplished in his war films, Wayne makes us think again of our giant fathers and of their lofty perch in history--of their collective sacrifice and heroism in an unparalleled epoch that once was, and will never be again.
Rating: 
Summary: A true classic
Review: This is by far one of the best WWII, movies ever made. J. Wayne, and the supporting cast were excellant. Mr. K. Douglas, was probably at his best when he starred in this film. I would not be with out this movie classic, in my collection. It's just an all around great movie!
Rating:
Summary: The Best Of The Pearl Harbor Movies!!
Review: This is the movie that I wish Disney was just releasing. A movie that shows older characters, as well as younger ones. I've never seen John Wayne in a role more suited for him than this one. His on-screen presence with Patricia Neal is wonderful. Throw in Kirk Douglas, Henry Fonda, Slim Pickens, & Carroll O'Connor, and you've got quite a cast. Who could they possibly cast now-days to match these performers. As for the DVD...it is of exceptional quality! The widescreen image will show you scenes you will have never seen before (unless you caught it when it was first released). Get this movie, and forget the latest Pearl Harbor movie...you'll be very happy you did!
Rating:
Summary: One of the few CLASSIC WWII in the Pacific Movies
Review: It always seems that WWI movies covered the European Theater more, as far as Blockbusters are concerned... "Longest Day", "Bridge to Far", "Patton", "Guns of Navarone", "Saving Private Ryan". Sure the Pacific had the multitude of John Wayne Movies, but true epics either dealt with Pearl Harbor or Midway, nothing else existed it seems.Then I see "In Harms Way" . This movie is a true classic, with a superb cast including Wayne, Kirk Douglas, Dana Andrews, Patricia Neal (may be one of her best), Henry Fonda, Burgess Merredith and many more. This a "true grit" battle of the Pacific tale which we need more of. Its description of sea battles both before and after are classic, and the movies lenght is not noticed since you are continually involved in it. Yes, the movie is in black and white, but it seems its supposed to be. The filming and actions sequences for its day are outstanding, and watch you bass speakers or you will lose some china! Seeing this movie on REGULAR TV is not a good idea. They cut more than 20 minutes from it, ruin its continuity, and it is NOT the same movie. networks would rather sell than eep the movie intact. WATCH THE FULL LENGTH VERSION! Is like seeing a new movie! A give this movie a standing thumbs up. This is one of the Dukes BEST.
Rating:
Summary: Perhaps the Best Naval Warfare Film Available
Review: For lovers of John Wayne movies.... you will find this his best non-western. Great supporting cast, brilliantly filmed in B&W, and a storyline that is believable. I have watched "In Harm's Way" numberous times and it remains a fresh with every viewing. This is one you will be happy to add to your collection.
Rating: 
Summary: The War in the Pacific
Review: In Harm's Way tells the story of America's naval involvement in the Pacific, beginning with a very effective, detailed presentation of the Pearl Harbor attack. John Wayne stars as a Navy captain that is reinstated to lead the charge against the Japanese, and Kirk Douglas is his irresponsible, self-destructive commander. Both stars give solid performances, as does Patricia Neal as the nurse that falls for Wayne. They have a very believable relationship that is a highlight of the film. The supporting cast is incredible, and although there are a few too many threads in the story that sometimes distract from what is going on, it never gets boring or loses course. This is the kind of big filmmaking we don't see enough of these days, with a story and stars that are larger than life, combined with drama, action, and humanity.
Rating:
Summary: Believable Movie About Getting the Job Done
Review: Less about war and more about duty, friendship, and hard work, Otto Preminger's "In Harm's Way" rises above its sometimes soap-operatic script, offering fine entertainment. Wayne, Douglas, and Meredith are utterly believable as a trio of go-getters fighting the Japanese Navy, not to mention the reptilian glad-handers of their own. Though the sparkless romantic subplot involving wooden Tom Tryon and Paula Prentiss drags, Preminger keeps the battle scenes--both in front of and behind enemy lines--taut and meaningful. Wayne inspires as the take-charge Rock Torry, a sailor's sailor who has an almost innocently sweet love affair with earthy Patricia Neal, but it's Douglas, as his tortured best friend, that gives the movie its emotional punch. Not as weepy as "From Here to Eternity" nor as haunting as "The Thin Red Line," "In Harm's Way" nonetheless reminds viewers that great accomplishments often come at great cost. Watch and see how much it seems to have inspired later efforts, particularly the mini-series "The Winds of War." The film also features a poignant score by Jerry Goldsmith.
Rating:
Summary: WWII South Pacific Film Noir
Review: This is a very interesting WWII film directed and produced by Otto Preminger and is worth repeated viewing for its shear entertainment. John Wayne's subtle yet forceful performance just demonstrates the wide range of his acting abilities. We see John Wayne the actor and consummate professional at work here. He gave an exceptional performance in this film that others can learn from. The whole cast seems in awe of him. Even the usual flamboyant Kirk Douglas seems to have turned it down a notch giving an impressive performance as well. The construction of the characters and their dialogue was well thought out. It seems more powerful today than when it was first released. Its excellent cast includes: Patricia Neal, Tom Tryon, Burgess Meredith, Henry Fonda, Dana Andrews, Hugh O'Brian, Paula Prentiss, Brandon de Wilde, Patrick O'Neal, Franchot Tone, Carroll O'Connor, George Kennedy, Slim Pickens, Bruce Cabot, Larry Hagman, Barbara Bouchet, Stanley Holloway, Jill Haworth and James Mitchum. Jerry Goldsmith composed one of his most introverted scores, which goes against convention for a war film yet it works. This score is an early sign of the great innovative abilities of Jerry Goldsmith. Preminger being the craftsman that he was even helped construct the models of the destroyers and cruisers. Cinematographer, Loyal Griggs received an academy award nomination for his black & white images that were pure "film noir." This is a well-constructed film on all levels.
Rating:
Summary: In Harms Way
Review: I think this is the most overlooked movie of John Wayne. This is my most favorite of all his war movies. It has wonderful battle scenes and a great supporting cast. I love the relation ship between John and Patrica O'Neal. I always end this movie with a smile on my face. I highly recommend this movie for those that love John's war movies mixed with a little romance.
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