Otto Preminger’s war story starts as the bombs are falling on Pearl Harbour on 7 December 1941 while Captain Rockwell “Rock” Torrey (John Wayne) and his Executive Officer Cdr. Paul Eddington (Kirk Douglas) rally the men on their ship and make for open water.
Among the other ships that escape the holocaust is the destroyer USS Cassidy with Lt. JG “Mac” McConnel (Tom Tryon) at the helm.
In the immediate aftermath of the attack, Torrey receives orders to gather his small, brave armada and make contact with the Japanese. To save time and fuel, he discontinues the required zig-zag patterns.
The ensuing battle, fought against impossible odds, is a catastrophe. Torrey is gravely injured and has his ship literally shot from under him. When he returns to Pearl Harbour, he is severely reprimanded for his bold action.
Feeling among the top brass about Torrey changes, though, and at a secret meeting, the CINCPAC (Commander-in-Chief-Pacific Fleet) (Henry Fonda) promotes Torrey to Rear Admiral and gives him command of ‘Operation Skyhook’, a spearhead mission designed to begin the drive against the enemy.
How he redeems himself is the story of bitter engagements in the Pacific, including the first great sea battle fought in that ocean in the Second World War.
In Harm’s Way is less concerned with the facts or even the tragedy of these events – it’s much more invested in Naval duty and honour (notwithstanding an unfortunate and disturbing subplot involving a misogynist male predator and rape).
Most of the filming took place onboard the USS St Paul (CA-73). Other US Navy ships that participated included the cruiser USS Boston (CA-69) – though only the forward two-thirds of the ship could be shown, as she had missiles aft -, destroyers USS Braine (DD-630), USS O’Bannon and USS Renville (APA-227). All of the destroyers had to have their modern-day anti-submarine warfare gear covered over with fake gun mounts or deck houses.
Captain/Rear Admiral Rockwell “Rock” Torrey
John Wayne Cdr. Paul Eddington
Kirk Douglas Maggie
Patricia Neal Lt. JG “Mac” McConnel
Tom Tryon Bev
Paula Prentiss Jere
Brandon De Wilde Annalee
Jill Haworth Admiral Broderick
Dana Andrews Clayton Canfil
Stanley Holloway Commander Egan Powell
Burgess Meredith Admiral Kimmell, CINCPAC (Commander-in-Chief-Pacific Fleet) I
Franchot Tone Commander Neal Owynn
Patrick O’Neal Lt. Commander Burke
Carroll O’Connor CPO Culpepper
Slim Pickens Ensign Griggs
James Mitchum Colonel Gregory
George Kennedy Quartermaster Quoddy
Bruce Cabot Liz Eddington
Barbara Bouchet Captain Tuthill
Tod Andrews Lieutenant Cline
Larry Hagman Ensign Balch
Stewart Moss Lt. J.G. Tom Agar
Richard LePore Ship’s Doctor
Chet Stratton Boston
Dort Clark Admiral Nimitz, CINCPAC (Commander-in-Chief-Pacific Fleet) II
Henry Fonda
Director
Otto Preminger
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