Original subtitles

nstrumental music]

(male narrator) On August 7, 1942

elements of the 1st Marine Division landed on Guadalcanal.

The American Navy was assigned the job

of sea support in the Solomon Islands.

There were few capital ships available

and they were ill-suited for narrow channel warfare.

The PT boats were.

They were fast shallow draft withers

carrying maximum torpedo power.

Their assignment, harass the enemy

and buy time for a navy

that was still on the drawing boards.

This narrative concerns one of those boats

and its crew commanded by Lieutenant JG John F. Kennedy.

PT 109.

[instrumental music]

Rogers.

Yes, sir?

Please notify these three officers

they'll be disembarking in an hour.

Yes, sir.

[knocks]

End of the line, Mr. Talbot. Be in Tulagi in about an hour.

(Talbot) 'Thanks, Rogers.'

[knocks] Mr. Claybon, won't be long now.

(Claybon) 'Much obliged.'

[knocks] Mr. Kennedy, war is ready.

Oh, thanks, Rogers.

Mr. Kennedy, uh, can I be frank with you for a minute?

Sure, come on in, Rogers.

I've always had good luck being frank with lieutenants.

It's ensigns and admirals you can't talk to.

Now right after this trip, I'm shipping onto the beach

at Pearl, so far so good. Now hear this.

Right away, you get yourself transferred back to the States.

Zingo, you send for me.

- Zingo? - Oh, we'd make a great team.

Maybe running a nice wave barracks or Jacksonville

or some town where they got a few sensible after-hour joints.

Rogers, I just got here.

Oh, you don't want this, Mr. Kennedy.

Believe me, I've been in this navy.

The worst thing you could do is let them trick you

onto an ocean.

PT boat, nothing but a plywood coffin.

Well, I can't ask for a transfer.

Of course, you can. I've got little, uh, background on you.

The word, you got the juice.

You got pliers down there in Washington.

- The juice? - Juice, muscle, glycerin.

Don't they teach you any practical talk at Harvard?

It's an elective.

Tell the old man to drop the word in somebody's ear.

Tell him to get a hold of Leahy.

You can get out of here in no time.

No, I'm sorry, Rogers, I'm afraid I used

all that glycerin to get down here.

You mean you negotiated your way out here?

That's right.

You put in a fix to go the wrong way?

Right.

Mr. Kennedy, they're fighting out here.

Wait, hold it. Maybe it's not too late.

Tell them you went psycho, you..

You ate some poisoned meat, you woke up dizzy.

It's too late, Rogers, and I'm surprised at you.

- Where's your spirit? - Spirit? What's that?

The willingness to fight for what you believe in.

Oh, that spirit, Mr. Kennedy, I got it.

I believe in a transfer.

Now you know I wouldn't snow you.

With thinking like this, you're just not gonna make out.

(man on speaker) 'General quarters! General quarters!'

'All men, man your battle stations.'

[siren blaring]

[dramatic music]

Hey, you! Hey, you fella!

Give that sailor a hand with the ammo.

[airplane droning]

[gunfire]

[canon fire]

[plane droning]

[explosion]

[explosion]

[gunfire]

[explosion]

[explosion]

Mr. Kennedy!

Welcome to the South Pacific.

[instrumental music]

- Best of luck, Jack. - Same to you, captain.

- See you around, Jack. - Right, Pete.

- Bulotti. - Yes, sir.

I'm tellin' you for the last time

I don't want this crane in the pier area

when we're loading ammunition.

Yes, sir.

And I don't permit

oil drums in the area

when we're loading ammunition either.

- Yes, sir. - Afternoon, sir.

Good afternoon. Even if I should permit it

'you should know better than to permit it.'

- Yes, sir. - What's your problem?

I was looking for the squadron commander, sir.

Bulotti, I saw your friend Nesbitt

ditch that cigarette butt.

You can tell him for me he's in trouble.

He's in real trouble.

Yes, sir.

[sighs] Huh, look at 'em.

'Skippers, they call themselves.'

'They're not naval officers, they're nothing'

'but a bunch of civilians dressed up in costume.'

What, uh, what was bothering you?

I was lookin' for the squadron commander, sir.

- Which squadron? - PT Squadron 2.

That'd be Lieutenant Cluster.

Go straight down main street.

The path this side of the post office.

Last tent.

- Thank you, sir. - You're very welcome.

- And Bulotti. - Yes, sir.

I'm putting you on report for not putting Nesbitt on report.

Yes, sir.

Fender head.

[instrumental music]

[knocks]

- Lieutenant Cluster? - Mm.

[knocks] Lieutenant?

[sighs]

Yeah, what is it?

Lieutenant Kennedy reporting for duty, sir.

- Kennedy? - Yes, sir.

Come in, sit down.

[sighs]

What time is it?

It's uh, quarter of, uh, 2:00, sir.

A quarter of 2:00?

Mister, you just woke me up in the middle of the night.

Oh, I'm sorry, sir. I, I didn't know your schedule.

That's alright, lieutenant. I'm Al Cluster.

Jack Kennedy. Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you, Jack.

- Help yourself to a cigarette. - Oh, thanks, no.

What can I do for you?

Well, I'm reporting for duty, sir.

- What's your specialty? - PT skipper.

Oh, that's too bad. I need an engineering officer.

- Wanna take a crack at it? - Well, aren't there any boats?

No, not right now.

But I can put you on staff.

Or as I said engineering officer. I really need one.

Well, if it's all the same to you, sir

I had counted on a boat.

You did, huh?

Well, there's uh, there's the 109.

I suppose you can call that a boat..

...now that you mention it.

But the engineering job, it wouldn't last--

Oh, the 109 would be fine, sir.

Hm.

Well, we'll go take a look at her

'Course it's all up to Ritchie.

He's our boat maintenance officer.

Sweet soul. You'll meet him soon enough.

You know, I think I already have.

Lieutenant, can you tell me more about, um, Commander Ritchie?

Retread.

He was on destroyers in the first war, retired

then called back again a couple of years ago.

Strictly regulation. Does an honest job.

Only trouble, he doesn't like this hooligan navy

much better than he does the Japanese.

♪ Ninety eight bottles of beer on the wall ♪

♪ Ninety eight bottles of beer on the wall ♪

Well, there's a happy crew.

♪ Ninety seven bottles of beer on the wall-- ♪♪

Hey, you Bing Crosbys, paint.

Slap it on. This ain't no movie star's bedroom.

Let's get this boat out of here.

There was a happy ship.

Is it always this hot?

No, Mr. Kennedy, it gets hotter.

- Any, uh, any questions? - Yeah. Is it one of ours?

[chuckles] Yep, officially listed. 109.

Quite a lot of wear and tear, hasn't it?

Oh, no, it just needs a woman's touch.

At least.

Wanna take a look at the engines?

What kind of shape are they in?

Not quite as good as the rest of the boat.

Well, let's save the worst for last, alright?

Alright.

Well, it's gonna take a lot of work.

I don't quite know where to begin.

If I were you, I'd start laying the keel.

- You still want her? - I'd like to give it a try.

Mr. Kennedy, you try this, you'll try anything.

[siren wailing]

This way!

[planes droning]

[explosions]

[explosions]

[explosions]

Good afternoon, sir.

Good afternoon, lieutenant.

Commander Ritchie, this is Lieutenant Kennedy.

- He just checked in. - Oh, yes, uh, yes, we met.

Uh, welcome aboard, Lieutenant Kennedy.

Thank you, sir.

He, uh, he thinks he'd like a crack at the 109.

Well, don't be a damn fool. Show him the boat.

I've seen it, sir.

You think that boat would ever pass inspection?

Yes, sir.

Another hot rod.

Alright, Mr. Kennedy, you have one week to put it in shape.

That means one week, that means in shape.

We'll have to get him a good crew to help.

Oh, he'll get a crew, alright.

Whether they're any good or not will be up to Mr. Kennedy.

[Ritchie chuckles]

Yes, sir.

Well, I'll, uh, see who I can round up.

You do that.

Tsk, tsk, tsk.

[scoffs]

Oh, I'm sorry, sir, I didn't get a chance to clean up.

It's alright, lieutenant.

You know, this entire generation's

gonna wind up dying flat on its belly?

Nothing personal, lieutenant.

Schnibbe.

This thing is full of strikeovers again.

I could chain up a monkey in the basement

and get better results.

Try using your elbows.

Come in, come in, sit down.

Ah, it's not like the old navy.

In the old days, you could eat off the deck.

I mean it, you could eat off the deck.

Yes, sir, they told us that at Melville.

Nowadays, these kids, these-these Hotentots..

Take those boats out, they bounce 'em around like yo-yos.

They..

- Where? - Melville, sir.

Mr. Kennedy, I don't care where you've been.

I don't wanna know anything about you.

I don't care whether you've got a mother, a father

an orphan child, you understand?

You just run a taut ship and hang on to navy regulations.

If you do, you'll find me a friendly man.

Damn friendly man.

But if you don't, you..

Schnibbe, where's that memo?

I'm gonna chain up that monkey.

Oh, that's, that's all, Mr. Kennedy.

Yes, sir.

"A movie for the night.."

Well, you can be replaced by a wave, you know?

That's all, Schnibbe.

[instrumental music]

Welcome to the South Pacific.

Mr. Kennedy?

Ensign Leonard Thom, your exec.

Oh, hi. Glad to meet you, Leonard.

Welcome aboard.

How long did they give you to put it in shape?

Well, we've used about half the time just talking right here.

[chuckles] What about a crew?

So far, I've got, um..

'...one land crab.'

Come on, Leonard, I'll show you around.

Are they kiddin'? Look at this thing.

Is that our mother ship?

[scoffs] Holy Toledo.

Shouldn't we stow our gear aboard?

We better wait for an officer to report to.

- Know who we drew? - I don't know.

I got a rundown from one of the yeoman.

Let's see.

The exec is an ensign named Leonard Thom.

He's had some sea duty.

He used to be a tackle on the Ohio state football team.

That rules out mutiny. How about the old man?

JG named Kennedy. What the hell are you doin'?

- I'm killin'-- - Oh, will you stop it?

- Why? - Makes me nervous.

Suffer.

Seems like all he ever did was go to school.

He's had no sea duty. Says here he wrote a book.

Sounds like he ought to be in charge of a library.

What's the name of the book?

- "While England Slept." - Any pictures in it?

Pidgures?

Pictures, idiot.

He's lookin' for pictures and I'm an idiot.

Just serving under a guy like this

'we'd rate the Purple Heart.'

I'll keep it in mind.

[sighs]

I don't think you men have, uh

met our new executive officer, Ensign Thom.

I'm Lieutenant Kennedy.

Drewitch, sir. Motor machinist second.

Drewitch.

I'm Harris, sir. Gunner's mate second.

Harris.

We were just sayin', sir, she's a very seaworthy craft.

- Lot of potential, anyway. - Any relation of Bucky?

No, sir, they call me that though, sometimes.

- Drawdy is my name, sir. - Drawdy.

Motor machinist, second.

Alright, you men can stow your gear in the engineering shack.

You'll be staying there until we get squared away.

[grunts] Yes, sir.

- Um, Mr. Kennedy? - Yes, Drewitch?

There are only three of us to clean up this whole boat.

There's five of us.

Is this the whole crew?

Well, it's all we have for now. Why?

We'll spend the rest of the war just gettin' the boat in shape.

Then we'd better get started.

Aye, aye, sir.

(Thom) Alright, you're home, men, get your gear.

Six new hands selected with the upmost of care

to meet the requirements of the 109.

Only six available.

I'm Kirksey, sir. Torpedo man second.

Kirksey.

Maguire, sir. Radioman second.

Maguire.

Marney, sir, Motormech second.

Marney.

Kowal, sir. Gunner's mate third.

Kowal.

Albert, sir. Seaman second class.

Albert.

Mauer, sir. Seaman first.

Mauer. Where's your gear, Mauer?

Oh, I was on the Niagara, sir.

My, uh, my gear went down with the ship.

We'll see if we can scare up some stuff for you.

- Oh, thank you. - Right.

Any of you men know how to cook?

Cook?

Yeah, yeah, I used to fix some stuff for my kid brother, sir.

Good. You're our new cook. What kind of stuff?

Peanut butter sandwiches, sir.

(Kennedy) Nothing else?

Well, sometimes I'd stick some jelly in 'em, sir.

Well, uh, maybe you could cook up a third specialty, huh?

Maybe.

Drewitch, you wanna show the men where to stow their gear?

Sir.

Drawdy, show these men where to stow their gear.

Come on.

Well, what do you think, Jack?

Think they'll do a good job for us?

Sure.

If we do one for them.

[upbeat music]

If we did get it ready in a week

it wouldn't pass Ritchie's muster.

I wouldn't worry about that, Andrew, my boy.

We're still one engine short.

(Kennedy) 'Here you are. One box, 24 chocolate bars.'

Thanks. And see what you can do about getting a turret

for that sick torpedo, will you?

Will do.

And, Sam, um, you--

Thanks.

How are you fellas coming?

I'll say, we've got more Cosmoline in the solvent

than we got on the gun.

Oh, here, hand it to me. I'll get some clean stuff.

Thank you.

Alright! Alright! Send down the bum that done this!

Sorry, chief, I guess I'm your man.

You know what you got for a brain, buddy?

A seed pearl. You know how big a seed pearl is?

It's the damn smallest pearl in the world.

Now I'm coming up there and tellin' you the rest of it.

Let's go, sailor.

Permission to come aboard, sir.

Permission granted. Chief, I'm sorry about that.

It's not you, sir.

It's that cotton-picking enlisted man over there.

I'm gonna get that son of a gun that dumped the oil on my head.

I'm afraid I'm your man, chief. I--

I'm a chief petty officer in this navy

and I'm not gonna take that sort of things.

- I'm your man. - What, sir?

I-I-I didn't realize anybody was on the other side.

I'm sorry about that.

Well, sir, I think them seed pearls

is about the best I can do for you.

Say, chief.

With your permission, I'd like to replace that shirt.

Permission granted.

- Wanna try it? - Why not?

machinery whirring]

[engine sputtering]

Commander, do you really think they can pass this inspection?

- Moment of truth. - He'll say no.

- Two to one? - Alright.

- Two chocolate bars to one. - You're on.

Alright. All hands, man your cleaning stations

for inspection.

Request permission to come aboard.

Permission granted. Ready for inspection, commander.

Well, at least there's something that floats.

- Sir? - Oh, uh..

- And how many primer coats? - Two.

Two primer coats. Let's take a look at your engines.

Alright.

With your permission, commander.

Go ahead.

Good afternoon, sir. Engine room, ready for inspection.

Drawdy, motormech second, standing by.

At ease, Drawdy.

- All three of them work? - Yes, sir.

- Show him, Drawdy. - No, no.

Now that won't be necessary, Mr. Kennedy.

I take a man's word.

Good afternoon, sir.

Crew's compartment ready for inspection.

Harris, gunner's mate second, standing by.

Good afternoon.

Somebody's kid sister?

- Sorry, sir. - He's very sorry, sir.

Oh, no, don't apologize.

That's the most seaworthy thing I've seen on this boat.

Good afternoon, sir. Galley, ready for inspection.

Mauer, seaman first, standing by, sir.

Mauer.

Galley clean, well ordered.

Is there any hot food?

- Yes, sir. - Good.

- Hot food? - Peanut butter on toast.

- Commander? - Yes, lieutenant.

I just wondered how you felt about the inspection, sir?

How am I suppose to feel?

Well, the men worked hard to get the boat in shape, sir.

I thought maybe a word of encouragement would be in order.

I don't hand out pats on the back for a job I expect

a man to do in the normal performance of his duty.

I thought that was clear.

The men aren't looking for pats on the back, commander.

They're just lookin' for a little credit

for a job well done.

I'm not a bookkeeper, Mr. Kennedy.

I don't dabble in debits or credits.

I'm a naval officer. I run a taut ship.

I expect you do the same.

Your boat's ready for test run. Carry on.

That's all, lieutenant.

I wanna thank you men for doing a good job.

Damn good job.

Engines check out okay here, Drawdy.

Thank you, sir.

Everything alright with you, Len?

No complaints. She runs like the Queen Mary.

Alright. Prepare for shakedown drill. General quarters.

Alright, general quarters, man your battle stations!

General quarters!

Come on, come on.

Come on, come on.

[cocks gun]

Number 1 .50 mount, manned and ready, sir!

Very well.

Go!

Aft .50, manned and ready, sir!

Right, very well.

.20 millimeter, manned and ready, sir!

Very well. What's your time?

Minute and ten seconds.

That's ten seconds faster than we were last time.

Good.

Secure general quarters.

Secure general quarters.

Well, what do you think?

Yeah. Let's take a practice run at that.

Full speed ahead.

Sir, this looks good. We're about 1500 out.

We'll close to 1000.

[instrumental music]

Hey, watch it!

Standby to fire.

Thousand.

Alright. Fire one.

Fire two.

Right on him.

What's their hurry?

I don't know.

Let's find out.

[coughs]

[screeches]

Alright, make it fast, Harris.

- Mr. Kennedy. - Yes, sir.

Did they teach you to maneuver like that at Melville

or is that something you picked up at Cape Cod?

Lieutenant, we like these boats pretty much

just the way they are.

So don't you take it upon yourself to change the design

of 'em by playing billiards with those other boats out there.

Yes, sir.

The man sure rides your back.

Too bad he doesn't direct some of that tension

towards the enemy.

The war would be over sooner.

Well, I guess I did come in a little fast.

'Drawdy.'

- Those engines check out okay? - Yes, sir.

- But there is one thing. - What's that?

Those engines are pretty tired.

Burst them in highest speed, they could stall.

- You'd wind up on the beach. - Alright, thanks, Drawdy.

- I'll keep it in mind. - Yes, sir.

How are you, Jack?

- How did it go? - Fine, real fine.

- Your boat looks good, Jack. - Well, I got a good crew.

Oh, don't be modest.

We've got a briefing session in 15 minutes.

Fifteen minutes? Oh, that hardly gives me time to refuel.

Oh, you won't get finished refueling till after dark.

- It's only 2 o'clock. - You're last in line.

- First come, first serve. - Oh, yes.

You sure you don't want that engineering job?

Yes, I'm sure.

I'm sure.

- Hi, John. - John.

Oh, John.

You get those chocolate bars I asked for?

Yeah, a full box of 24.

I'll send them down to the boat, okay?

- Deal, thanks. - Hey, Jack.

Oh, yeah.

Uh, Len.

- Uh-- - That's $3 you owe me.

With that sweet tooth of yours, Jack

I'm afraid you'll never make ends meet.

Well, I guess we're all here.

This briefing is mainly for the new skippers.

I'm sure you know them by now.

Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Liebenow

'Mr. Edwards, Mr. Fuller. Thank you.'

'To begin with, I don't know how long'

we'll be operating out of here.

Task Force 31 has made landings on Rendova.

Here.

As soon as the island's secure, we'll move up.

'Until that time, the new skippers will'

'conduct test runs only.'

Unless, of course one of the coastwatchers

turns up something.

For the benefit of the new officers

that's our local spy set-up.

They're Australian volunteers mainly and they do a great job.

They're located in a lot of these islands

reporting to us on Japanese troop movements

shipping, anything that'll do us any good.

Yeoman, pass out those orders.

'Read them carefully, gentlemen.'

'Then I'll answer your questions.'

Welcome to the South Pacific, Rogers.

I didn't know you went in for this sort of thing.

Oh, believe me, Mr. Kennedy, I had it all set up, locked in.

Recruiting duty in Columbus, Ohio with sea pay.

Somebody blew the whistle.

I tell ya, it must have been Roosevelt or somebody way up.

Really, I had it all locked in.

You know, one of these days, he's gonna talk himself

right into the Japanese Imperial Staff.

(male #1) 'Prairie Dog, Prairie Dog, this is GSE.'

'I have your message and will relay to Tulagi.'

'GSE out.'

Hello, KEN, KEN, this is GSE.

From Prairie Dog, I have a relay of message to Tulagi.

Priority urgent. Message follows.

Prairie Dog urgently requests at least two

I repeat, two Peter Tares.

Cover force, withdrawal his force

by two LCVPs at Baker 91.

I repeat, Baker 91.

This is KEN. This is KEN.

Baker 91 will comply. Over.

Thank you, KEN. GSE out.

Emergency rescue, sir. What can we put in the water?

I can give you a note in a bottle.

I got five boats, two in dry dock

two for night patrol and the 109.

Thank you, sir.

Uh, why? What happened? Something hit the fan?

Cluster!

Rescue mission. Can you get underway?

For a few feet. We've only got enough gas for a test run.

- Why, what's up? - It'll have to do.

Marine paratroop battalion hit Choiseul

to cover for the real thing at Bougainville.

To make it look big, they were ordered

to split into patrols and raise scatter hell.

Alright, Lenny, wind 'em up!

Alright.

One of those patrols is trapped in the north end of the island.

We have to get them off the beach. Here's your position.

What do you want me to do? Beach it?

No, we have two LCVPs for that.

Your job is to rendezvous and provide cover.

I suppose you know with that little gas

we'll never get back.

I'll send you a tow. That's all I can promise.

If that's your best offer, I'll take it.

- Good luck, Jack. - Thanks.

(Kennedy) Alright, standby, hand lines.

[instrumental music]

What are you reading now, Lenny?

About 1800.

You got a heavy foot, skipper. We're down to 300 gallons.

Yeah. Thanks, Drewitch.

[explosions]

VP 1, VP 1, this is PT 109.

Request instructions. Over.

We're pinned down in the beach.

Need your guns so we can run for it.

We'll give you cover fire while you load and clear. Over.

Alright, Lenny, I'll take over.

All stations, stand by! We're moving in.

[gunfire]

Commence firing! Commence firing!

[gunfire]

[explosions]

[explosions]

[gunfire]

[gunfire]

[explosions]

Alright, standby, Drewitch. We're idling down.

[gears clanking]

- Nets over the port side! - Right.

Nets over the port side!

Nets over the port side.

[gunfire]

Give him a hand with that cargo net there!

Get it over. Alright, let's go!

[gunfire]

Skipper, our fuel gauges are bouncing on zero!

[gunfire]

[explosion]

[explosion]

Get those men out of the water!

[grunts]

Get that wounded man aboard. Get him down below.

Alright, get him around the other side, come on.

[gunfire]

Wounded man. Help him!

[grunts]

Stark, get on that gun!

Mag, over here. Come here, let's go.

[grunts]

Get those nets up!

Let's get out of here!

[gunfire]

[explosion]

[explosion]

We don't stand a chance in hell of getting back to Tulagi

unless you find a gas station out here someplace.

[engine sputtering]

We've had it, skipper. You better rig the sails.

At least we're out of range, huh?

Yeah, but the tide's coming in.

[instrumental music]

[speaking in Japanese]

Hm.

Come in, Peter Tare. Any Peter Tare.

This is Hangnail. Come in, please.

[cocks gun]

Come in, Peter Tare. Any Peter Tare, come in, please.

Any Peter Tare, come in. This is Hangnail.

Come in, please. Come in.

Peter Tare, this is Geronimo. What's your pleasure?

Geronimo, we're, uh, dry up the beach. Can you give us a tow?

- That's what we're here for. - Well, make it fast.

Another two minutes, those zeroes will be

climbing down our backs.

Where the hell is he?

Jack, off our port bow.

[dramatic music]

Alright, Lenny, give them a hand with the bowline.

Right.

Okay, haul away!

- Lenny? - Yeah.

Keep the crew in general quarters.

Let Tulagi know what's going on.

Ready.

Pull back!

- How you doing? - Fine.

All I need are a couple of aspirins and a Band-Aid.

- How you doing, Drawdy? - Not too good, sir.

Drewitch?

We gonna be replaced, Mr. Kennedy?

- Yeah. - Don't do that to us.

I mean, uh, just sitting in a hospital

with them bombs coming down.

Wanna trade places?

That's a good idea. Let him sit in the hospital.

- 'No chance, huh?' - Afraid not, Drewitch.

We'll come and visit you.

I'll bring you over a snack every now and then.

Don't do us any favors.

- Help you guys? - Yeah.

We're replacements. Is the XO aboard?

He'll be back in a couple of minutes. Come on aboard.

I'm Maguire.

- Starkey, Johnson, Zinser. - Hi.

I'm McMahon. Who are we replacing?

Couple of guys in Arlington?

A little trouble at Choiseul. Nothing serious.

[explosion]

It's just the cook fishing.

With a hand grenade?

In a war, you don't have time to sit around

like Huckleberry Finn.

Come on, I'll take you down below.

♪ Well it ain't gonna rain no more no more ♪

♪ It ain't gonna rain no more ♪

♪ How in the world does Harris know ♪

♪ It ain't gonna rain no more ♪♪

- You wanna hear some news? - The war's over.

No, that happens on Tuesday.

Next week on Tuesday. We're going to Rendova.

- And Ritchie stays here. - You sure?

I just got the word from the yeoman up front.

The way those Japanese flyers cover that Rendova crossing

you'd think the whole war was taking place there.

Kirksey, my boy, you got nothing to worry about.

All we get is the Japs. They got Ritchie.

We're gettin' a better deal, believe me.

- Is the captain in? - Yes, sir.

[knocks]

Come in.

- 'Captain?' - Go ahead, commander.

Some of these gentlemen can really foul things up.

These, uh, the orders are all wrong.

The orders are correct. You're staying behind.

Look, captain, in three weeks, this will all be backwash.

- You're doing good job here. - Yeah, yeah, yeah.

That's what they told me in the last war.

I was in destroyers, you know, greyhounds of the fleet.

Sure, tied up to a pier

in Bayonne, New Jersey for the duration.

I know. I've read your service record.

Well, then you also know I've been passed over twice already.

You leave me behind, it could happen again.

Look, commander, this is a different war.

Different breed of fighting men. Like these PT boys.

'Trouble is, you've never made an effort to understand them.'

I know they don't follow navy regs. Why should they?

Fighting destroyers from a piece of plywood?

Yes.

Yes, I suppose that-that's what's eating me.

They're in combat.

I've been in this navy 25 years.

I-I've never been close enough to the enemy

to shake a fist at 'em.

Captain, I'm no hero.

For all I know, I, I may even be a coward.

If I am, I think I could live with it, but..

...I'd at least like the chance to find out.

Bushed, Pappy?

Wish somebody would invent a middle-aged war.

You know, I don't get it.

Us, yes, but you, how'd you get trapped into this thing?

I have a stepson. He joined up.

Where does that leave me?

Well, I see your point, but it's covered with fog.

I can't very well climb up on my son's knee

and ask him about the war.

It wouldn't be dignified.

Skipper, topside!

- Schnibbe? - Yes, sir.

What's the serial number on that Jeep?

- I don't know, sir. - Find out, write it down.

- I want the same Jeep. - Yes, sir.

- Rogers? - Yes, sir.

About that mosquito netting

I want it to arrive intact, so pack it very carefully.

- I'll try, sir. - Don't try, do it.

Because if I get a bite, somebody's gonna get stung.

Request permission to come aboard.

- Permission granted. - Thank you.

I'm riding with you to Rendova.

Oh, are you in charge of boats there, sir?

Naturally.

Welcome aboard, sir.

Thank you.

Is this the way to, uh, Columbus, Ohio?

Oh, I can't figure it out, Mr. Kennedy.

I wind up in Tulagi, so I make the best of it

by trying to get to the maintenance officer.

Scuttlebutt has it, he stays behind.

Maybe you're not using the right kind of juice.

Exactly. Maybe I should have gone to Harvard.

Harvard.

Yes, sir.

Wind 'em up! Stand by to cast off.

[engines rumbling]

Alright, cast off your bowline.

Schnibbe!

Let's get the hell out of here.

[dramatic music]

Zero at 5 o'clock, sir!

General quarters, man your battle stations!

General quarters, man your battle stations!

Request permission to stand by at the .20 millimeter.

- Permission granted. - Thank you.

Engine room, standby. General quarters.

- Two o'clock. - General quarters.

Aft .50 magnum ready, sir!

Very well.

[gunfire]

Request permission to take over your gun.

Come on, son, come on. Let me have a crack at 'em.

- Go ahead, sir. - Thanks.

[plane droning]

[gunfire]

- You got him, sir! - Yeah!

[explosion]

- Good shooting, commander. - Ah, beginner's luck.

But thanks, son.

- Thanks very much. - Yes, sir.

That was nice shooting, commander.

- You led that plane just right. - Oh, thanks, Marney.

I-I don't know, he just kind of, uh, you know

slithered right into my line of fire.

You must've had a lot of gunnery during the first war.

Right, sir?

Yeah, we can, uh, let it go at that.

Yes, sir.

[instrumental music]

Skipper!

Trying to beat us in.

There goes our sack time.

Not again.

Stand by your bowlines.

Remember what Drawdy said about those engines, skipper.

[engine rumbling]

[gears clanking]

Skipper, skipper, can't reverse!

[dramatic music]

Clear the decks!

(Thom) Jack, there's a boat coming out.

I see it, I see it.

Get a line over to those men in the water.

Get your spring lines over.

'Marney, get the forward spring line!'

'Harris, get the aft spring line!'

'Starky, fender!'

Oh!

Well, that tears it.

Ooh!

(Kennedy) Harris, throw out the spring line!

- Grab a line, chief! - Gangway.

(Kennedy) Alright, throw 'em the Jacob's ladder.

Let's get those men out of the water.

Mauer, give 'em a hand.

Haul in your bowline!

- Mr. Kennedy! - Yes, sir.

Did you arrange this landing for my benefit

or do you always enter a new port like that?

No, sir, I tried to reverse my engines at too fast a speed.

I'll put it on my report.

Just make sure it jibes with my report, Mr. Kennedy.

Yes, sir!

It's free, Jack. Take her out.

Well, I don't imagine I'm very popular

with the Seabees right now.

- Hello, Jack. How are you? - Hey.

- When'd you get in? - Couple of days ago. Lenny.

- Welcome to your new home. - Thank you, sir.

That was a very impressive landing.

It didn't impress Ritchie.

He's, uh, a very sentimental man where his boats are concerned.

Well, it's his job. I can understand that.

I'm glad you do.

You're both wanted up at operations right away.

Come on.

- What's up? - Briefing.

Something big, I think.

You'll be assigned to Brantingham's group

for the time being.

- Squadron commander? - Yeah.

And a damn good one.

Hey, how come they call this place Todd City?

Leon Todd Jr. First PT man killed at Rendova.

This way, Jack.

This is it.

Jack, I'm leaving on a special assignment for a few days.

I'll see you when I get back, huh?

- Well, good luck, sir. - You too.

And don't worry about wrecking that shed.

You're not the first one.

We have a message from CTF 31.

I'll try to summarize.

There's a strong chance the express may run tonight.

That means a group of destroyers plus heavy barge traffic.

Their mission is to land troops and supplies at Vila.

My instructions are to use every available PT.

'Four of our boats have radar.'

'You'll form a division around each of those four boats.'

Cookman, your group will patrol South Ferguson Passage.

Scott, your area is east of Makuti Island.

Berndtson, your group will patrol

opposite Gurtarre Village.

My group will be farthest up the strait

opposite the village of Vanga Vanga.

'This should be enough to stop any move'

to Vila through Blackett Strait.

We're on condition red, sir.

Boat captains, man your boats.

[dramatic music]

[siren wailing]

[plane droning]

[explosion]

[gunfire]

[explosion]

[gunfire]

[explosion]

[grunts] Watch the kidneys. They only issue two.

[explosion]

- Sorry, pal. I didn't see it. - Jack!

Hey, Barney, where did you come from?

Guadalcanal. I got my post shot out from under me.

What are you doing here?

[explosion]

Fighting the enemy.

I gotta get to my boat. I'll see you later.

Yeah, okay, Jack. Oh, hey, listen.

Listen, Jack!

[gunfire]

[explosions]

Standby, engine room!

Where the hell is the skipper?

He's on his way. Stand by that dock line, Mag.

[gunfire]

Get ready to cast off!

[explosions]

Your engines alright down there?

[plane droning]

[explosion]

What happened down there?

Harris, 2 o'clock!

Hey, skipper, the water jackets are punctured.

- You can't run the engines. - Mauer! Maguire!

Forget those lines. The engines are dead!

[gunfire]

[gunfire]

[explosions]

Harris, 9 o'clock!

[gunfire]

[dramatic music]

Our position on Vanga Vanga should be a very busy one.

If their destroyers try to cross Blackett Strait

be sure your fish are ready to fire.

If they try to go north around Kolombangara

we have Burke's destroyers and Kelly's PTs.

- Lieutenant Brantingham. - What is it, Mr. Ross?

I'm without an assignment.

If anybody can use an extra hand, I'm available.

Well?

I'm putting on a .37 millimeter. You can have a go at that.

I'll take it.

Where did you get a .37 millimeter, lieutenant?

I found it lying around Tulagi. I figured it'd give us

a little added firepower.

Alright, Ross. You're on the 109.

That's it. Monitor regular channels.

Maintain radio silence. Good luck, get going.

Haven't you had enough action for one day, Barney?

I tell you, it's unsafe on that island.

Bombs keep falling on it. Rather have a boat under me.

You can operate a .37 millimeter.

Well, I'm pretty quick to learn.

Well, now we got a little class on this two-by-four.

What about the mounting, sir?

Lash it to the planks for now. We'll bolt it on later.

Yes, skipper.

Will you tell me what we're doin'

with an anti-tank gun on a PT boat?

Skipper'd mount a tank if he could find one.

Okay.

[instrumental music]

Take it over, Lenny.

[humming]

I'm not too crazy about havin' him around.

It's bad luck havin' a stranger aboard.

Don't be silly, that's for ships

like "Moby-Dick," not this one.

You'll have to show me how a .37 works.

I have a small confession, Barney. We'll learn together.

Hey, Mag.

Yeah, Andy?

Will you take care of my things?

What things? What're you talkin' about?

My things, whatever belongs to me.

Look, uh, when we get back, you better sack in for a while.

I'm not coming back.

- Ah, stow it! - Maguire, I'm gonna get killed.

Listen, the last two boats I was on

there was always a guy who thought he was gonna get his.

- They knew too? - They knew nothin'.

No one died in any of those boats.

Skipper, can you spare a minute?

Sure, what is it?

I think you better talk to Kirksey.

He's afraid they're gonna mail him home.

Alright.

- Hello, Kirksey. - Mr. Kennedy.

- Join me? - No, sir, but thank you, sir.

Maybe I do need a cup, lieutenant.

[chuckles] I don't know what's the matter with me, Mr. Kennedy.

I got this awful feelin' I'm not coming back.

Andy, I don't think there's a man on this boat

who hasn't had that thought at one time or the other.

You don't understand, Mr. Kennedy.

I don't think it, I know it.

Did you ever have a feelin'

ahead of time that something was gonna happen'?

- Right before it does happen? - Yes.

It's like somebody put a cold hand on my heart.

I got chilled. I can't shake it off.

It could happen, Andy.

You could die. That's war.

Whenever I think about that, I try to remember

the odds are on our side.

Yes, sir, b-but the Japs aren't.

You tellin' me I shouldn't worry, sir?

No, you'd be a fool if you didn't.

Then what can a man do, Mr. Kennedy, except pray?

You can do your job... like all of us.

[dramatic music]

See anything?

No, but the Peter Tares should be on station now.

They're gonna have a rough time finding anything

out there tonight.

We're on station. Vanga Vanga on the starboard beam.

Reduce speed to 6 knots. Muffle all engines.

Inform the other boats by blinker light.

6 knots. Muffle.

Muffle down.

Message from Oak 11, sir. Reduce speed to 6 knots.

- Muffle all engines. - Thanks, Mag. Lenny.

Engine room, muffle your engines.

We can't see a thing tonight.

I hear we get radar next month.

Yeah.

Sure is a lot of water out there.

Yeah, that's just the top of it.

You spot the 159, Mauer?

No, sir, not now.

She was off the port beam about ten minutes ago.

Radar contact.

Bearing 095.

Range 3500.

Must be barges close to the beach.

[dramatic music]

I just received orders from Oak Zero.

Patrol south to a Wana Wana.

I don't know exactly where that is.

Lenny, check the chart.

[intense music]

[dramatic music]

Ship at 2 o'clock!

[speaking in Japanese]

Hey!

[crash]

[men screaming]

[screams]

[explosion]

Somebody! Somebody!

Help!

- Anybody below? - I don't know, sir.

Give Mauer a hand. Look for survivors.

Yes, sir.

[dramatic music]

[groaning]

Mauer, haul away!

Pappy! Hey, Pappy.

Pappy?

[screams] Hey!

Oh, oh, my God!

Oh, God!

Hey, somebody!

'Hey, Pappy is all burned!'

[groaning]

Somebody!

Maguire!

Johnson!

- Barney! - Over here!

- Johnson! - 'Here.'

- I'll get him. - Where?

(Johnson) 'Help me! It's Johnson! I'm over here!'

'Help!'

Mr. Kennedy.

I've got him, Buck. Can you make it?

[coughs] Yes.

Wait!

[groans]

Johnson!

[groaning]

I can't feel my legs.

Come on, Buck. We're almost there.

My legs won't work.

Come on!

[groaning]

[groaning]

I'm going back for Bucky.

[groans]

- Mag, give me a hand! - 'Over here.'

Watch it.

Take it easy.

[groaning]

[groaning]

[groaning]

How are you doin', Bucky?

- Leave me alone. - Come on.

Leave me alone!

Come on, Buck, it isn't far.

[grunts]

Come on!

Bad arm.

Aah, easy!

Mauer!

For a guy from Boston, you're putting up

a hell of an exhibit. Now come on.

I don't need anybody's help.

Kick! Kick!

Kick!

- I can't. - Come on, kick!

Watch it, skipper!

Mag!

Come on, Buck. We're here.

Okay, sir.

[groaning]

Watch his leg.

[groaning]

Everybody aboard?

Everybody but Marney and Kirksey.

Mag, take a look at the starboard side.

- Yes, sir. - It's my legs, sir.

They don't work.

Marney!

Kirksey!

Marney!

- Marney! - Marney!

- Kirksey! - Kirksey!

(Thom) 'Marney!'

Marney!

Kirksey!

(Thom) 'Kirksey!'

Marney!

(Thom) 'Marney!'

(Ross) Marney!

Kirksey!

(Kennedy) 'Marney!'

- 'Marney!' - 'Kirksey!'

What happened to the 109?

There's been no radio contact since I ordered them

to patrol Wana Wana.

Maybe operations know something.

Jim, send this message to CO Pat Ron Baker on Guadal.

Believe PT 109 lost night action, 2 August.

2 miles, Northwest Meresu.

Repeat, Meresu.

Crew of 13.

Request air search earliest possible.

Have Captain Saunders release that.

Oh, Evans reported a barge at fire on oil slick

2 miles southwest of Meresu.

Well, that could be the PT 109.

Maybe the crew's in the water or on the beach.

Let's hope so.

[men groaning]

[groaning]

Picked a hell of a time to hitchhike, Mr. Ross.

How's he doin', Lenny?

Third-degree burns on both his arms.

Shoulder and his face aren't much better.

Zinser, how's Johnson?

He's better, sir. He stopped throwin' up.

If they come out here, what are we gonna do?

Fight or surrender?

'What are you gonna use to fight with?'

(Zinser) 'We got a .37 millimeter, this Tommy gun and some .45s.'

'That ammo's been wet. Suppose the guns don't fire?'

Alright, then we'll throw bullets at them.

But I'm not gonna surrender.

That's alright if they're a handful.

But what if they send an army out here?

- What's the difference-- - Let's surrender.

We're not good to anybody dead!

I'm not gonna surrender!

(McMahon) 'Oh, that's okay for you guys.'

'I got a wife and three kids.'

(Zinser) 'So what makes you think you're gonna'

'see 'em if you surrender?'

Knock it off!

Lenny, give me that map.

[creaking]

[dramatic music]

If this thing doesn't go under, we'll float

right down into their laps.

Question is, which island?

You're not thinkin' of swimmin' over there, are you?

I'm open to suggestions, Lenny. You got any better ones?

Most of those islands are held by the enemy.

(Kennedy) 'We know Kolombangara is.'

'We know Gizo is.'

'Yeah, here's one.'

Plum Pudding.

About 3 and a half miles.

- I think we can make it. - Take us about four hours.

- It's our best bet. - If it isn't?

Sir, some of these men don't swim too well.

How far did you say that island was?

Don't worry, Bucky.

We'll make it.

If you get 11 men in the water

we'll be pretty spread out, sir.

We'll lash the planks together.

I don't think Pappy can make it.

I'll take care of Pappy. You stay with the other men.

Come on, let's go.

Maguire, take that battle liner.

- Lash it to the plank. - Right, sir.

You think we're gonna make it, don't you, sir?

Take bets on it, Bucky. Either you're a winner

or you don't pay off.

That's it, Pappy. Put your feet on here!

Attaboy!

Lift them up, up, Pappy.

Alright, everybody, get their shoes off

and tie 'em to the plank. You can get 'em later on.

You got Pappy?

Just easy, Johnson. Watch your feet.

Hey, you got him? Bring him on down here.

Easy, easy on those burns.

[dramatic music]

[coughing]

You alright, Pappy?

[intense music]

[spits]

Four miles, long way.

It's only 3 inches on the chart, Bucky.

[dramatic music]

[ship creaking]

Skipper, there she rolls.

[crash]

PWD, PWD, this is GSE.

GSE, this is PWD. Go ahead.

Last night's fire seems to be a small barge.

It's afloat and still visible.

Japanese island patrols are still active. Out.

Albert, what the hell did you do that for?

They're heavy. Who needs 'em?

You'll find out when that coral gets to you.

(Johnson) Help.

Come on, Johnson. Hang on there!

We'll have you on that beach in, in no time.

- How you doin', Pappy? - Okay, skipper.

[groaning]

[groans]

[grunts]

[engine whirring]

[dramatic music]

- Hurry up. Jap barge. - Oh, my God!

[groaning]

[dramatic music]

[groaning]

[engine whirring]

Move further up the brush. Barney.

You never introduced me to your friends.

- They'll be back. - Wonderful.

Our boat should be coming through here tonight.

Well, not necessarily.

They could just about go up through Gizo Strait.

Well, then they have to go out this way.

Well, if I could get out there with a lantern

we could flag 'em down.

What, are you a nut? You'd have to tread water all night long.

There's a reef out there. I could walk part of the way.

Well, you'd never come back, buddy.

Well, I can't send for room service.

How you doin', Pappy?

Fine. I just don't... look so good, that's all.

You know, maybe some oil from those coconuts

might help those burns.

Yeah.

How about a signal fire, sir

just in case there's a rescue party?

Build a fire, we'll be rescued in ten minutes..

...by the Japanese.

They're all around us, Bucky.

Kind of like a bunch of burglars

breakin' into a police station.

It tends to be awkward.

Get some of the men to haul down those coconuts.

Try the oil on these burns.

[dramatic music]

Oak Leaf 1, this is Blue Jay.

We've spotted a wreckage mid channel.

No survivors.

Repeat, no survivors seen.

Out.

[dramatic music]

Lenny.

Keep lookouts posted all night both ends of the island.

Zinser, Mauer, take the first watch.

Good luck.

[instrumental music]

Ain't that the biggest damn fool you ever saw?

Sir?

(Ross) 'Well, I hope our boats come through'

'Ferguson Passage tonight.'

'That's where he'll be.'

[dramatic music]

Oak Leaf, this is Tigertail Leader. Over.

Tigertail Leader, this is Oak Leaf. Over.

I've completed Vella Lavella sweep. I'm returning home.

Your order, return Ferguson Passage.

But channel is narrow, visibility low.

Request permission, return Blackett Strait. Over.

Permission granted. Over.

Roger, Oak Leaf. Over and out.

Let's go home through Blackett Strait.

[dramatic music]

[engine whirring]

[instrumental music]

Makin' a record of how long we're stuck here.

Notch a day.

Sure you got enough plank?

[Starkey coughs]

You alright, Starkey?

What's gonna happen to us, Mr. Thom?

Are we just gonna sit out here and die?

Skipper will turn up something.

Skipper, he's been gone ten hours.

Where do they think we are, down the ship store or AWOL?

We didn't get mislaid, we're here.

I wish I could, I wish I could do something

to get their minds off this.

Well, maybe they might enjoy a little snooker

or a tea dance or something like that.

Of course, we're not really set up for it, are we, Lenny?

(Mauer) 'Mr. Thom! Mr. Ross! He's back!'

(Ross) Here you go, I'll give you a hand.

That's it.

That's it. Come on.

Alright, move him off the beach.

[breathing heavily]

Take it easy.

They didn't come.

All I saw was a Jap barge.

Barney, you go out tonight.

Jack, I'm with you.

You know that, so's everybody else.

But if something doesn't happen pretty soon

we're gonna tap out.

What do you mean?

Well, uh..

There's a Japanese-held island right over there.

Yeah.

Some of the men feel it's better than nothin'.

- That means giving up. - It means givin' up alive.

- Nobody's giving up. - Nobody wants to--

Nobody's goin' to. We're gonna get out of here.

Alright, we'll wait and see. Get some rest.

You're going out..

...tonight.

- Good morning, sir. - Good morning.

- Well? - No sign of them, sir.

- We patrolled all night. - Where?

Blackett Strait.

Is that the only place they could be?

You might as well face it, commander, the 109's gone.

Just a minute, you.

You think I worry too much about those boats, don't you?

No, but that's what you're thinking.

And so are lot of other people around here.

Well, let me tell you something, mister.

I worry about those boats. Yes, and for one reason.

Those boats have a deck on 'em and men stand on those decks.

'That's why I won't give up the 109.'

'She had men on her deck.'

I don't want the deck back.

I want the men that were standing on it.

That's the only thing that matters

in this whole big, hairy world.

And don't you ever give me any of your smart mouth again.

You wanna put a high gloss on these, please, porter?

Wake my friend when he gets to Hyannis Port.

Good luck, Mr. Ross.

Well, there's nothing out there to be afraid of.

Right, Mag?

Right, sir.

Right.

[dramatic music]

It looks as if they're checkin' island by island.

Thanks, Zinser.

If they check this island, we'll have to take another swim.

Well, either that or we'll make a stand here.

If they send a dozen men and we kill 'em all..

...they'll send 500 more.

Pappy?

Let me put a little more of this stuff on you.

Skipper, it doesn't do any good.

[dramatic music]

Skipper! Skipper, he's here!

Watch it, Mag.

Get something.

Here, gently.

[sighs] I'm sorry, Jack.

I drew a blank.

- How do you feel? - Okay.

I rested a while on a little island.

Alright, let's start lashing our gear together.

We're going to Olasana.

'Well, skipper, I can't walk on any more reef.'

My feet are already cut to the bone.

I won't be able to make Olasana.

- 'You have to make it.' - Why move at all?

At least we know there are no Japs here.

We also know there's no food here.

Well, if we can get food one of these times, it'll be sukiyaki.

At least out there, we'll be closer to our boats.

They should be coming through tonight.

The odds are on our side.

Boy, you kill me.

You really do.

Here we are beat and burned and given up for dead

livin' on green coconuts and no water

in the middle of 15,000 Japanese soldiers

and you decide the odds are with us.

It's a flaw in my character.

Almost there, Pappy.

[dramatic music]

[grunts]

[grunts]

Alright, we'll rest here a while.

Then we'll scout the island for food and water.

Lenny, you take Harris.

Mauer, to the north end.

I'll take the others on the south end.

[dramatic music]

Oh, PWD, PWD.

This is GSE.

This is PWD. Go ahead, GSE.

Further report on foredeck of 109.

It has grounded on the reef of South Cross Island.

I'll repeat that.

Foredeck 109 grounded on reef

at South Cross Island.

Out.

PWD acknowledges. Out.

Sir, how-how would you like that coastwatcher's job?

Just sitting on the cliff with nothing to do

but stare into space?

Schnibbe..

...some men fight a war from the turret of a 16 inch gun.

Other guys sweat it out in an office or..

..or maybe on top of a hill on some godforsaken island.

That doesn't mean their job's any easier.

Evans is all alone on that island.

If an enemy patrol spots him

that's the way he's going to die.

Alone.

Remember that.

Yes, sir.

[dramatic music]

- 'Mr. Thom?' - 'Yeah.'

There's a canoe beached down there.

Hey, I think I found the owners.

Take it easy.

Hold it. Hold it.

Put your guns down.

We're Americans.

They don't look too friendly.

Yeah, as long as they have those rifles

that's an open question.

I'll tell you one thing. Those are Japanese rifles.

Well, let's do something. I don't trust them.

I don't trust them or those rifles?

- Who are they, Lenny? - I don't know.

Mr. Kennedy, those are Japanese rifles.

You speak English?

You know Rendova?

There must be some way to get through to 'em.

Try 'em in Latin, Jack.

You take a message to Rendova?

What are you gonna use?

I'll find something.

[dramatic music]

Why don't we jump 'em, sir?

We can get the rifles and the canoe.

Yeah. We can deliver the message ourselves.

No, wait.

What about this, Jack? It's smooth and everything.

Here. Put it on my knee.

I'm a friend of...

...Johnny Carey.

You know Johnny Carey?

Rendova. Johnny Carey.

- This could backfire, you know. - It could.

If it falls in the wrong hands, it's just like takin' out an ad.

Time is running short on us, Barney.

There. How's that?

(Ross) '"Native knows position. He can pilot.'

'Eleven alive. Need small boat. Kennedy."'

Well, it might do it.

You take to Rendova.

Rendova.

[dramatic music]

You think they'll deliver it?

You want my opinion, I think they'll eat it.

Couple of guys like that, you send them to Rendova

they're liable to show up in Seattle.

That's alright.

Last I heard, Seattle was on our side too.

Jack.

Take a look at this.

That's not even the way to Seattle.

- Any luck, skipper? - No. No luck, Zinser.

There ain't no food and there ain't no water

on any of these islands.

I don't know about the brass, but I made my last swim.

If I'm gonna die, I'm gonna do it my way.

Maybe we should've stayed on the foredeck.

Somebody might have seen us.

Don't even start tellin' us what we should have done.

You think we're better off here?

I think somebody could've guessed we got hit

and had to abandon ship.

We didn't abandon ship, it abandoned us.

Why do you have to argue about every damn little detail?

We wound up in the water.

PWD, this is GSE calling.

PWD, this is GSE calling.

This is PWD. Go ahead, GSE.

I anticipate moving this station tomorrow.

I can't get a good view of Ferguson Passage

or the west side of Blackett Strait.

Uh, new position of the station will be Dog 34.

I repeat Dog 34.

Final advice a.m. Over.

PWD acknowledges and out.

Thank you, PWD. GSE, out.

What good is it?

- What good is it? - Take it easy.

Well, what good is the damn thing?

Who we gonna wave it at, huh?

Nobody! That's who. Nobody!

We've struck out, Mag. Admit it!

Look, we still have somethin' workin' for us.

- Those two natives. - Oh, they never got through.

- How do you know they didn't? - Well, they didn't.

It's as simple as that.

[shatters]

You don't have to pull rank on me, Mr. Kennedy.

We're not getting out of here and I know it!

Well, you don't believe it. Neither does anybody else.

- Ask 'em. - Mag?

- I don't know, sir. - Zinser?

It's getting so I really don't care, Mr. Kennedy.

Well, you're gonna start right now.

All of us are. We're getting out of here.

- One way or the other. - What about the natives?

If the natives won't do it, we'll do it another way.

But we're getting out of here if we have to get

underwater and drag this damned island back with us.

[dramatic music]

Mr. Thom, Mr. Thom, there's a canoe

full of natives off the beach.

Skipper.

Mag, stay with Pappy.

Mr. Kennedy. Mr. Kennedy.

I'm Kennedy.

Mr. Kennedy, I'm Benjamin Kevu. I have a letter for you.

It's from an Australian coastwatcher named Evans.

He got the coconut.

"On His Majesty's service..

"...senior officer, Olasana Island.

"Friday, 11:00 p.m.

'"I just learned of your presence on Olasana.'

'"I strongly advise you return here in this canoe'

'"and by the time you arrive, I will be in radio communication'

'"with authorities at Rendova'

"where we can finalize plans to collect balance

of your party. A.R. Evans."

I suggest we leave as soon as possible.

Enemy patrols are active.

Alright, keep the men posted undercover till I get back.

[instrumental music]

If he could just get past those patrols.

♪ Rock of ages cleft for me ♪

♪ Let me hide myself in Thee ♪

♪ Let the water and the blood ♪

♪ From Thy riven side which flowed ♪

[plane droning]

- What is it, Kevu? - Japanese plane.

Please stay undercover.

♪ Rock of ages cleft for me ♪

♪ Let me hide myself in Thee ♪

♪ Let the water and the blood ♪

♪ From Thy riven.. ♪♪

[dramatic music]

Hello. I'm Reg Evans. Very glad you made it.

Jack Kennedy. Glad to be here.

I've set the rendezvous for the Peter Tare at Patparan Island.

In the meantime, we'll send you directly to Rendova.

They'll never get past those reefs unless I take 'em through.

Yes, I entirely agree.

Alright, you make the rendezvous

at Patparan Island at 0200 hours.

Peter Tare will approach from north by northwest.

Fire four identification shots.

Well, I only have, uh, three rounds.

- Use this. - Thank you.

I'd like to give you cup of tea, but you don't have the time.

I'm very grateful.

Glad to help, Kennedy. Good luck.

[dramatic music]

Patparan, a beam.

[gunshots]

[gunshots]

[gunshot]

[engine rumbling]

[speaking in foreign language]

Barney.

'Hey, Lenny!'

Barney!

[dramatic music]

Pappy, we're gettin' you home.

Hello, skipper.

- 'Hey, skipper!' - You made it!

- Here we are! - I told you, Albert.

I told you we'd make it!

- 'Let me take a slice of this.' - 'This stuff ain't bad.'

Thom.

Hey, bartender, don't give my friend another drink.

You'll have to send him home in a cask.

- This guy can't cook. - How would you know?

[all laughing]

[indistinct chatter]

Hey, hey, old buddy.

We really won this ballgame. We're on our way home.

- Home? - That's right, Jack.

It's navy custom. You lose a boat

you rate a stateside leave.

Well, that sounds great.

I'd like that.

You're goin', aren't you?

Jack, you rated, we all do.

I know.

Well, then why not take it if you're entitled?

Nobody owes me anything, Barney.

My boat's gone.

Two men.

Took me a long time to get out here.

I'd like to stick around a while.

Can you get me another one?

[knock on door]

Come.

Well, Mr. Kennedy, could I talk to you a minute?

Sure. Come on in, Albert.

- Uh, alone, sir. - Alright.

Oh, stay here, Jack.

- Sir, give me a hand? - Sure, Barney.

- Take it easy. - Ow.

Come on in, Albert. Want a cup of coffee?

No, thank you, sir.

- Sit down. - Thank you.

I just came in to say..

Well, I want to apologize, Mr. Kennedy.

For what?

Throwin' that lantern around and, uh..

...poppin' off the way I did.

There's nothing to apologize for.

Yes, there is.

Here you are trying to get us out of this mess, and, uh..

...I start shouting about how..

...we won't be coming back..

...and havin' a fit all over the place.

I owe you an awful lot, sir.

And I just wanted to say I'm sorry.

Albert, if I ever get in a jam like this again

I hope I have plenty of men like you aboard.

Men who aren't afraid to say what they believe

even though the odds are against them.

- So stay available, okay? - Thank you, sir.

- Well? - He passed me over admiral.

- Made me skipper of the 61. - Great.

Watch out for Japanese destroyers.

Hey, skipper.

Bucky.

- What boat'd you draw? - 59.

Another old one, huh?

Well, well, what's old Bucky gonna do

with three weeks' leave?

Skipper.

- Hiya, skipper. - Be thinkin' of you.

Shipwrecked at the top of the mark.

- Hoist one for me. - Thank you, sir.

- Johnson. - Thank you, sir.

- Bucky. - See you again, Mr. Kennedy.

Take me to the Golden Gate, James.

[engine starts]

- Don't tell me. - It's true.

You're just lucky, Mr. Kennedy.

Well, if you men haven't had enough, you might as well

stow your gear.

Drewitch, Drawdy, you wanna help him

fire up the engine and see what we've got?

Yes, sir.

Maguire, sir. Radioman second.

Mauer, sir. Seaman first.

What happened to your leaves?

Well, we decided to save them till Christmas.

Besides, skipper, you're, uh..

You're a little on the thin side. You need my cookin'.

That's right, you never did develop

that third specialty, did you?

Well, I got one now, sir.

Spam a la Mauer.

- 'Schnibbe!' - Yes, sir.

Tell the 114 to secure that brow

before somebody breaks their neck!

Standby to cast off all lines.

[engine starts]

[chuckles]

Jockeys.

Just a bunch of jockeys.

[instrumental music]

[instrumental music]