Review of In Harm's Way (1965) by Steven T — 18 Dec 2012
Otto Preminger's sprawling WWII soap opera is the model for subsequent TV miniseries adaptations of huge WWII novels like "The Winds of War". A star-studded cast headed by John Wayne and Kirk Douglas act out a host of personal melodramas backed by the early war in the Pacific.
Just as much time is spent on Wayne's romance with Patricia Neal and his estrangement from his son (Brandon De Wilde, all grown up) as on his promotion to admiral and the attempts to drive the Japanese back.
I love a good melodrama, so I quite like this film. I can see why many would not. Like many of Preminger's films, this is sophisticated adult entertainment ... tasteful boundary pushing. This is the kind of film that tends to age the worst.
What was once daring will seem ridiculously coy to many modern viewers. I think it's a fascinating glimpse into a past era. The literally huge supporting cast includes Paula Prentiss, Dana Andrews, Burgess Meredith, Franchot Tone, Carroll O'Connor, Slim Pickens, James Mitchum and Henry Fonda.
This review of In Harm's Way (1965) was written by Steven T on 18 Dec 2012.
In Harm's Way has generally received positive reviews.
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