In Harm's Way (1965) - full transcript

Liz Eddington,
pie-eyed.

Where?

Over there.

Happy, baby?

Yay!

Ohh!

I'm putting
a stop to this.

Paul Eddington can take care
of his own wife.

He can't. He's at sea
on gunnery practice.

Yeah!

Please play something
else, would you?



Why'd they stop?

Hey!

Come on. They've
had their show.

I don't want
to go.

I don't want to.

It's a stuffy
navy joint.

We better see
that she gets home.

I want one
last dance.

We can't let--

She's with
that officer.

What about her poor husband
doing his duty?

Eddington knows
about Liz.

If he puts up
with it,

that's his business.



I love you.

What?

I just said
I love you.

Why?

Never mind.

If you've
cooled down now,

I think
we can go.

I'm not sure
I want to go now.

You've got the duty
in the morning. Early.

Mm-hmm.

Lieutenant
J.G. McConnel?

Yes, ma'am?

You've got to play

captain of your ship
at 6 a.m.

Liz.

Hey! Come on in.

It's great!

Come on.

I'm awake, Leary.

Tell the exec
to join me

in my sea cabin
for breakfast.

Leary!

Oh.

Well, then, bacon
and eggs for me.

Aye, aye, sir.

Eddington.

Paul. Wake up.

In case
it slipped your mind,

it's gunnery stations
at 0830.

Why don't you
write me up?

I don't
because your record

already looks like
a bunch of pig tracks.

One more scratch,

and your career
in this navy is ended.

That's the way
it ought to be.

I'm obsolescing like this
old straw-bottom cruiser of ours.

We both know
what's eating you.

You can't wash it out
with booze.

What would you
know about it?

I tried it one time.

You? The Rock of Ages?

I don't believe it.

Paul, you're forcing me

to throw
my weight at you.

Fish or cut bait.

Get on your feet

or take
your troubles elsewhere.

I got a ship to run.

I'll put in
for a transfer.

You had
one transfer already,

out of Naval Aviation.

You might not get
another chance.

I don't give a damn.

Well, that isn't...

what I wanted
to hear you say.

I'm sorry, Rock.

OK...

if you can hold
a razor in that hand,

you might shave
before you come topside.

Aye, aye,
Father Torrey.

You bum.

Hey, cut that out.

Take me home.

Come on.
I need a bath.

Good morning, sir.

Boats, if the captain
were boarding,

you wouldn't be dressed
that way, would you?

I suspect not, sir.

Let's crawl
into uniform.

You make us look
like pirates.

Aye, aye,
Mister McConnel.

Ah. Double run
of 8 to 12.

Your crib.

Anything interesting?

I got a run of three.

The carriers
pulled out Friday.

For where?

Scuttlebutt says south.

Lahaina Rose maybe.

Sir, I just got

that Hawaiian sea frontier
dispatch decoded.

Give it to our captain
Lieutenant J.G. McConnel.

More fun and games?

No.

"Destroyer Ward
on the in-shore patrol

dropped depth charges
on a submarine contact

inside the defensive
sea area."

Some poor Joe's got it
in the ringer now.

Attacking one
of our own subs.

Better commence evasive
zigzag pattern, Commander.

Set extra lookouts.

Aye, aye, sir.

Morning, Captain.

Good morning,
Commander Eddington,

and how are you
this fine day?

Ah, splendid.
Thank you, sir.

What's the alert?

Picket destroyer Ward
dropped depth charges

on what
they think is a sub

about 15 miles
from here.

And another poor whale
lost its blubber.

We're just looking for subs
or planes, too?

Anything, son.

There's a large
formation of planes

orbiting north
of the island, sir.

They got the pilots
up early for exercises.

Strange place
to rendezvous.

Why aren't they
at Diamond Head?

There's a formation
off Diamond Head, too.

I don't like it,
Paul.

Sound
general quarters.

Make it no drill.

Yes, sir.

This is not a drill.

This is not a drill.

General quarters.
General quarters.

All hands,
man your battle stations.

On deck.

Attention to colors.

Carry on.

Bridge. Aye, aye.

Mister McConnel.

McConnel.

We're getting some
funny signals, Mac.

It sounds like plane-to-plane
chatter in Japanese.

My God, they're Japs.

What?

Japs.

My God, they're Japs!

Come on!

Come on.

Emergency sortie signal
from the yard tower.

Engine room? Bridge.

Light off
all four boilers.

Make all preparations
for getting under way.

Report readiness status
in five minutes.

Cut in all burners!

Disengage checking gear!

Open guarding valves!

Split the electric rolls!

General quarters.
General quarters.

Man your battle stations.

Quoddy?

Aye, sir?

Can you
take us out?

You call it.

You got to wait
for the captain.

Screw him.

Ring up turns
for 20 knots.

20 knots
through the harbor?

You heard
the man, son.

Cut the line.

Take her away, Mac.

She's got enough
to move now.

Right 10 degrees rudder.

Steady up on 1-2-0.

Aye, aye, sir.

It's Captain Harding
and the exec.

How can we stop?

It'll take 20 minutes
at this speed.

Does anybody here
see anything back there?

If they does,
Mister McConnel,

I'll guarantee you

they'll never
see nothing again.

Let 'er rip, Mac.

Stop! Stop!

McConnel!

Advise me of any
further messages.

How many ships
are answering

the emergency
sortie signal?

Destroyer Cassiday
is moving, sir.

The Harkness...

the Ballard...

the cruisers
Greely and Jackson.

The battleships, man.

None, sir.

Out of nine
battleships?

None, sir.

Lookout reports tin can
breaking out, sir.

Paul...

signal all ships
coming out

to form up with us.

Aye, aye, sir.

Well, that
can't be all.

That's all
Captain Torrey reports.

Three light cruisers
and eight destroyers

grouped with Captain Torrey's
heavy cruiser.

None is equipped
with radar.

12 bat-blind ships.

Well, gentlemen,
your opinions.

We must position them
to repel an invasion, sir.

You mean wait,
Admiral Broderick.

We have no choice, sir.

Wait.

Seek out
and destroy

if at all
possible, sir.

What can 12 ships do

against the task force
the Japs have mounted?

That would be
a futile gesture.

It could give us time

to bring our carriers
within range.

What if Torrey can't
contact the Jap fleet?

Suppose they
slip by him?

He has no radar,
one scout plane.

The risk is too great,

leaving our shores
unprotected.

I repeat, sir,
we must wait.

Thank you,
Admiral Broderick.

Order Captain Torrey to assume
command of his task group

and to seek out and engage
the enemy if possible.

All your personal
problems resolved?

Well, let's say
they're, uh...

cut down to size.

Dispatch
has come in

from fleet
operations, sir.

Burke?

From CINCPAC.

"Japanese believed
retiring

toward Jaluit
for refueling.

Proceed to
latitude 18 north,

longitude 162 west.

Seek out and
engage the enemy.

Godspeed."

Well!

Well.

Have all ships
report usable fuel.

Break radio silence.

Ask CINCPAC
for a tanker rendezvous

at first light tomorrow,

after you figure
our projected position.

Aye, aye, sir.

We'll play hell
getting a tanker

out of Pearl.

If we don't,
we'll be sucking air

instead of oil by
midnight tomorrow.

Sir, the starboard
lookout has a ship

on the bow.

A tanker
he thinks, sir.

She's riding high.

She's empty.

Yeah. She's
going home,

if a sub
doesn't get her.

The rate
we're burning fuel,

we'll have to return home
inside of 10 hours.

We could reduce speed.

And crawl
at 10 knots?

We'd never
find any Japs.

If we were
to cease zigzagging...

that'd be
an invitation

to enemy
submarines.

There might be
subs out there,

and there
might not be.

Whether there are
or aren't subs out there,

if we steer
a straight course,

we could add
another six hours

to our steaming time.

Resume
our base course.

Straighten us out,
Commander Burke.

Aye, aye, sir.

Rock, you just
threw the book away.

How long will Torrey
keep pushing?

There isn't
enough fuel

to hold
the keel down.

If I know him,

he'll run the rope out.

Where
do you know him?

The academy. He instructed
there for three years.

We called him "The Rock."

He's all navy
and nothing but navy.

I don't think
he ever left the campus--

like it was a ship.

Sonar contact, sir,
bearing 020.

Range 2,000
and closing.

Make turns for 20 knots.

Set condition able.

Close all watertight doors.

Condition able.
Close watertight doors.

Keep those bearings
and ranges coming.

Range 1,800,
closing.

Cline, you on
the recorder?

You know it, buddy.

Signal flagship we're about
to attack sonar contact.

Cassiday reports
submarine contact.

Have all ships
resume zigzag.

Aye, aye, sir.

015 it is, sir.

Stand by
to roll depth charges.

Stand by
to roll depth charges.

Stern racks, roll 1.

Stern racks, roll 1.

Roll 2.

They're on it, sir.

Mac, they hit
the cruiser.

Get a report
from Damage Control.

She's going dead
in the water.

Damage control
doesn't answer.

Neither does
the engine room.

Shall I go below?

Send a messenger
with damage reports.

That arm's
busted.

What's wrong, Griggs?

The door's jammed.

All together.

Get a message
to Pearl.

Have taken
two torpedoes.

Fill in our position.

Extent of damage
unknown.

Will advise.

And break
radio silence, sir?

Burke,
don't you think

the Japanese know
by now where we are?

Aye, aye.

The door may blow.

Stand clear now.
Come on.

Cut the blowers
and open the safety valve.

Griggs, get those mattresses
on the lower level.

Come on!

Stand by to fire
another pattern.

Stand by to fire
another pattern.

Roll 1.

Roll 2.

Roll 3.

Order the destroyers
back to Pearl

at best possible speed.

Zigzagging.

Cassiday got the sub.

Definite kill, sir.

Hold it.

Have all ships
return to Pearl

at 20 knots,

except the Cassiday.

Have her stand by

in case we have to
abandon ship.

Aye, aye.

OK.

Compliments of
Commander Eddington, sir.

Give me the word, Griggs.

Commander Eddington says
this tub will float, sir.

At ease.

Thank you, sir.

Full report.

We've halted
the fires forward

where we took
the first torpedo,

and we've stopped
the flow of water

at hatch 26.

Commander Eddington
said to tell the old man--

sorry, sir,
the captain--

that he'd better start
thinking about a tow.

May I also say

Commander Eddington
is hell on wheels?

What are the casualties?

At least 40 men were
trapped up forward.

40 men, maybe more.

Destroyer cassiday
coming alongside, sir.

Thank you.

Take care of the boy.

Nice work, Harding!

You did a 4-0 job
on that sub!

Thank you, sir.

I'm not
Commander Harding, sir.

Where is he?

Ashore, sir.

Well, who's in command?

I am, sir.

Lieutenant
J.G. McConnel, sir.

Did I hear
Lieutenant Junior Grade?

William McConnel,
class of'38, sir.

Oh.

Well, can you
rig for towing?

Can do, sir.

Can you pass some
portable pumps to us?

Can do, sir.

Carry on, mister.

Can do.

Old Rock of Ages,

we got ourselves
another war...

a gut-busting,
mother-loving navy war.

It does seem to shape up that way,
Commander Eddington.

Captain Torrey?

The admiral
will see you now.

Thank you.

Please sit down,
Captain Torrey.

Thank you, sir.

I wasn't aware
you'd been hurt.

A simple fracture, sir.

It won't interfere
with my duties.

You have a remarkable
record, Captain Torrey.

Thank you, sir.

Save your thanks.

It's my duty to relieve you
of your command

pending court
of inquiry findings.

I don't understand, sir.

You weren't zigzagging when
you took the torpedo hits.

I was stretching
my fuel, sir.

If there wasn't
enough fuel,

why didn't you
turn back?

My mission was to intercept
and engage an enemy

of greatly
superior strength.

I could only
take that one way--

my group
was expendable.

I doubt a court of inquiry
will accept that.

You're about to be caught

between a peacetime navy
and a wartime navy.

Six months from now,
they'll be making admirals

out of captains
who exhibit guts.

Now they're reacting
to the Pearl Harbor disaster.

Punishment is the order.

Naturally
you don't have to abide

by what a court
of inquiry decides.

You can ask for
a general court martial,

get some crack sea lawyers,
and make a fight.

I wouldn't
do that, sir.

Why not?

Second generation
navy, Admiral.

I see.

I don't plan to ask
for court martial either,

and I've lost a fleet.

I expect we'll take
what they give us

and trust it'll be
a useful job somewhere.

Yes, sir.

Good luck.

Good luck to you, sir.

If I haven't got him--

Shoes...

He's still alive.

There's a mistake.

comb...

compact...

two rings...

purse.

Maybe the police
will know.

Sign here, please.

He was my only boy,

and I love him
so much.

Go in there
and look.

This way
for identification.

Maybe the police
can help you.

I want you to help.

He was my only boy.

You don't know what
it is, that's why.

What disposition?

Huh?

What do you
want to do?

Oh, I'll send someone.

Thank you.

Where's the man
she was brought in with?

Army Air Force
claimed the body.

You been here
long?

No. Hawaii.

I like it
better, too.

Where's my drink?

Made you
a fresh one.

Thanks.

Bourbon.

Sell nothing but beer.
Martial law.

OK. Beer.

How come the air corps
rates a drink?

They brought
that bottle in.

What's the matter,
Commander, running dry?

Let me
sweeten that beer.

Share and share alike.

We're all in this war.

A little more? OK.

How's that?

Would you like
to join us?

We just got two chicks,

but like I said,
share and share alike--

Send the police
to the Blue Lagoon.

Come.

Sir, I just got word on
Commander Eddington.

What about him?

He's in the Honolulu
brig, sir.

He's in the brig?

That's the word, sir.

Will you see that
my clothes are packed

and sent over to the
bachelors' officers' quarters?

Yes, sir.

May I help you
with that?

Is that all, sir?

I travel light.

Well, Commander Burke...

Oh, sir.

Well, goodbye, sir.

Goodbye.

You're being released in
your captain's custody, sir.

Sergeant.

This is yours, sir.

I'll walk you
to the duty boat.

I've been
relieved of command.

The bastards.

Sorry about your wife.

You got yourself
into a pretty good fix--

A public brawl.

What the hell.

A new AA cruiser going
out to join Halsey.

She's a tiger.

A fast ship
going in harm's way.

A lousy situation,
Commander Eddington.

Lousy.

Stay still.

Good.

If you'll come
with me, Captain.

Shoot those over
to Dr. Lyons, Mike.

Yes, ma'am.

Doctor?

Yes.

This is a 3-months-old
fracture.

The X rays will be along
in a few minutes.

Thank you.
Sit down, Captain.

Thank you.

Well, now...

that's a nice sound
to wake up to.

What is
Vicki Marlowe's secret?

Well, it's not
what it says in here.

Vicki Marlowe's secret is

that she's making
half a million bucks a year,

and she still collects
alimony from me

in my present
reduced circumstances.

Well, anyway...

I have the satisfaction
of knowing

that all of her pictures
have been stinkers

since I stopped
writing them.

Rockwell, my boy,
I tell you

never, I repeat never,
marry a movie actress.

You married
three of them.

It's like eating peanuts.

Once I started,
I couldn't stop.

Hey, look at you.

Two hands.

Congratulations.

Shall we celebrate?

What do you
have in mind?

There's some action
out in Maunaloa.

No parties for me.

Anyway,

when do you so-called

special
intelligence officers

do whatever it is
you're supposed to do?

Seems you sleep all day

and charge to parties
every night.

Us civilians need more
rest and recreation

than you old salts.

Not that you couldn't
use a little.

It's time you crawled
down from Mount Rushmore

and took a look around.

You'd be surprised
at the changes we've made

in the last 100 years.

Man, I tell you,

the women, they're smoking
cigarettes, drinking whiskey,

doing the shimmy-sham-shimmy.

Hot damn, man.

Very funny.

Come on, Rock, huh?

No. No, thanks.

OK.

What?

Maybe you're right.

I got to do something
besides sit at a desk

and count the ink stains
on the blotter.

Who is our host?

Whoever knows the host
at these shindigs?

Some pineapple
moneybags.

You sure you were invited?

Maybe not, but one sailor
looks like another.

Give me your hat.

Egan Powell!

I want you to meet
Captain Torrey.

This is Mrs., uh...

Henderson.

Henderson.

How do you do?

Follow me.

Hello, Cora.

Ann.

Well, here we are.

Thank you very much.

Let's go over here.

It's very important
to relax, my boy.

Very important.

Paul, how are you?

Hello, Egan.
How are you?

Introduce me
to your beautiful wife.

Debbie,
this is Egan.

Mind if I cut in?

No. Not a bit.

Ah, well, isn't
this lovely?

I like to get away
once in a while.

Enjoying the party,
Captain Torrey?

Yes, thank you.
It's a fine party.

It's fine.

Think so?

It's great.

Oop.

Mmm.

Thank you.

It's funny.

What's funny?

It's not
exactly funny.

It's just that you're
so different from your son.

My son?

Ensign Jere Torrey.

He claims
his father's a captain.

I supposed
you were it.

That's my son's name--
Jeremiah. Jere.

He's been dating
my roommate.

It worries me
a little.

She's a green kid
from Vermont.

He's a real smooth
Harvard type.

I think she's about
to fall in love with him.

That's what
worries me.

Will it be
all right?

I hope so.

That's not
much comfort.

How's the arm?

I beg your pardon?

Your arm.

Oh. It's, uh...fine.

Captain, I'm
nurse Lieutenant Haynes.

I took the X rays today.

Oh, I'm sorry. I...

Thank you for not
recognizing me.

I made
a special effort

to not look
like a nurse.

Don't take me
too seriously.

I'm sure
Ensign Torrey

is everything
he should be.

Well, I'm flying under
false colors, Miss Haynes.

I don't know my son.

I've been divorced
for many years.

He's been raised by
his mother and her family.

I didn't even know
he was in the navy.

Much as I'd like to,

I won't ask any more
questions about that.

I hate to leave this quiet,
restful place,

but I have to get back
to the hospital.

Can I grab a cab
and drop you?

Let me drop you.

I borrowed a car from
my landlord's gardener.

Thank you,
Miss Haynes.

I'm called Maggie,

if you'd like to be
less formal sometime.

Thank you for that, too.

Well,
don't wait too long.

I'm on temporary
assignment.

My unit's due to be
shipped out soon.

Captain.

Maggie.

Ensign Torrey?

No, sir.

I was told at your
staff duty office

Ensign Torrey had the watch
aboard this craft.

Yes, sir.

Well?

I'll get him, sir.

Thank you.

Topside, quick.
Brass.

Did you hear me?

He wants you.

I'm going.

We're going
to get it.

I shouldn't have been
standing your watch.

Take it easy.

I'm Ensign Torrey, sir.

You wanted
to see me, sir?

I'm your father, Jere.

Yes, sir.

Well, you...

look like your mother.

Yes, sir.

Is she well?

Very well, sir.

Well, uh...

sit down.

Thank you, sir.

Do you often stand
your watch in your cabin?

Ensign Farris
was kind enough

to relieve me
for a few minutes, sir.

Oh.

Motor torpedo boat
duty--

How do you like it?

I don't like it, sir.

Why did you choose it?

It's voluntary duty,
isn't it?

I volunteered
on advice, sir.

This unit's assigned
to Admiral Broderick.

I was advised that once I was
in Broderick's command,

a transfer
could be arranged

to the admiral's staff.

Might I ask who
gave you the advice?

Commander Neal Owynn,
sir,

the admiral's
public relations officer.

I'll be his assistant.

I expect you've heard
of Neal Owynn.

No.

Well, he's quite a
well-known congressman, sir.

He resigned from office
to join the service.

Your mother's family
can pull strings

to get what they want.

You disapprove, sir?

Well, you trained
on these boats.

You'd be a damned sight
more useful here

than
in public relations.

I majored
in journalism, sir.

Since I must
do my bit

in this trumped-up war,

I prefer doing what
I'm best suited for.

Did I hear
"trumped-up war"?

It is Mr. Roosevelt's war,
isn't it, sir?

You not only look
like a Cunliffe,

you talk like
one of them.

I remember they said the first
one was Mr. Wilson's war.

Well, what's
your duty, sir?

Routing convoys.

Myself, I expect to be
in the forward areas,

if not actually
in combat.

Admiral Broderick's
been assigned to handle

a very important offensive
called Skyhook.

I wouldn't know
about that.

I wouldn't expect
you would, sir.

Commander Neal Owynn
gave me the information.

You leaving, sir?

Yes, before I
pick you up

and throw you
to the fish.

I was 4 years old
when you left my mother.

I don't even
remember you.

For 18 years, you haven't
bothered to remember me.

Why did you bother
to come here tonight?

Well, let's just say
that I did come

and let it go
at that.

Good night...Ensign.

How.

Egan. Where have
you been hiding

the last 10 days?

Or should I ask?

You shouldn't, but there
were 3 inches of snow

in Washington.

Washington?
Got the war all worked out?

You buy me lunch,

I'll give you the day
and date of victory.

I am your man.

Run these courses off
on the big chart for me.

Our job is to see

that information given
to the press corps

is good for the war
effort and the navy.

And good for Broderick.

What's good
for Broderick

is good for
the war and navy.

With a little left over
for Neal Owynn?

How's your campaign coming
with the little nurse?

I'm seeing her tonight.

Why don't you
come along?

Her roommate's not bad.

Egan.

Hmm?

What do you know about
Operation Skyhook?

Where did you
get that?

Well, is it important?

There's not more
than 20 people

between here
and the White House

that's supposed to know
that name.

There's 21 now,
or maybe 22 or 3.

I got it indirectly

through an ex-congressman
named Owynn.

That's Broderick's
drum beater.

He needs a zipper
in his face.

That's top secret stuff.

I can't tell you
about it.

OK. OK.

You say you got it
indirectly from Owynn?

See that
young ensign there

lighting
a cigarette?

That's Owynn
he's sitting with.

Well, that's
where I got it.

From that ensign?

He's my son.

Well...I'd like
to meet him, Rock.

No, you wouldn't.

Oh, he had
his chances to ask me.

10 days worth of chances.

That's enough.

He didn't call me,
so I called him.

How did you have
the nerve?

Past a certain age,

men are apt to avoid
making sudden moves

where women
are concerned.

Women have to do
the moving,

or everybody stands still
until it's too late.

It gets late fast
in these times.

I like this man.
I want him to know.

Suppose he and Jere
bump into each other?

Jere's funny
about his father.

Let them bump.
It might be interesting.

This must be Jere.

I'll go.

Hello, Ensign.

Yes, ma'am, Lieutenant.

Be a minute or two.

She'll be down.

Thank you, ma'am.

Lieutenant, ma'am?

I'd like to invite you
to come with us.

It'll be dinner with
Commander Neal Owynn, ma'am.

Thanks, Ensign,
but I'm waiting for a friend.

You're more than welcome to bring
her...or him along, ma'am.

Well, if my friend
arrives in time, we'll see.

Well, I'm here
to see a nurse.

What are you
here for?

To see a nurse.

Looks like we have something
in common after all.

I'm just a chip
off the old block, sir.

Hello.

Miss Haynes.

Captain Torrey,
Ensign Annalee Dorne.

Miss Dorne.

You've met
my friend?

Sir, I've invited
Miss Haynes and friend

to dine with us at
Commander Owynn's quarters.

I hope you'll accept, sir.

That's very gracious
of you,

but we have other plans,
right, Lieutenant?

Yes, sir.

Well, in that case--

in that case,
good afternoon, sir.

Miss Dorne.

You run a taut ship.

He's not a bad-looking kid,
is he?

No, he isn't.

Oh! I brought you
something.

What is it?

Candy.

Candy.

Thank you.

Shall we eat
at the Chinaman's?

We're going to eat here,
if you don't mind.

Oh, I wouldn't
want to--

Please, don't
disappoint me.

I haven't cooked
for a man in a long time.

Pour us a drink.

If I can get this oven
hot enough,

we're going to have
biscuits.

You want water
in yours?

Yes, but don't
drown the whiskey.

I'm not
a lady, Rock.

I started life
as an army brat.

I never tried
to change.

Here's how.

Did you say army?

My father was
a one-star general.

Daddy-- he was an angel
and a devil,

and I was nuts
about him.

So nuts, in fact,
I married his aide.

Would you try to open
this can, please?

You say
you married his aide?

He wasn't much
of a man.

This cutter's broken.

Not very smart
or very brave.

Maybe I just expected
him to be Daddy,

and he wasn't.

That's quite a knife
you carry.

It's a can opener,
screwdriver, punch,

straight blade, even
a skinning blade.

Oh, that is useful.

What do you skin?

Lieutenant nurses
who pull my leg.

Where was I?

Just married.

Yes. I left him...

right here in Honolulu,

shacked up with
a wahine from Kauai.

That was
eight years ago.

He quit the service
and married her later.

I drifted until I had
to latch onto something

or go down the drain.

I went to nursing school
and joined the navy.

Tell me more about you.

Navy. My father was
a chief petty officer.

I went to the academy.

That the best
you can do?

Unless you want
my service record.

There's your son.

Aloha.

Hi!

Hello, Jere.

Well, just
the two of you?

Miss Haynes
couldn't join us.

I'm sure
that's my loss.

Commander Owynn, I'd like you
to meet Ensign Dorne.

What a beautiful place.

My friend
who owns it

didn't leave much
of a liquor supply

when he decided to sit
the war out on the mainland.

I can give you
a choice of Pernod...

and gin...

and there is
a little brandy.

Brandy for me.

Miss Dorne?

I don't know.

Gin, I guess,
but not much.

Gin,
but not much.

My unit got
our orders today.

We're being assigned to
COMSOPAC sub, Area Three.

Whatever that is.

Commander of third sub area,
Southwest Pacific.

Sounds
very impressive.

Have you been alerted?

Nope. Just assigned.

Third area's Admiral
Broderick's command.

Jere's admiral?

The same.

Can't get away from
the Torreys, can I?

We can sit down.

Oh.

Hey!

We're alone.

Well, where's
Commander Owynn?

It's OK.

Dinner is ready.

Aren't we waiting
for Commander Owynn?

He was called away
to headquarters, madam.

It's just
the two of us.

Ever hear
the name Cunliffe?

One of those expensive
New England names, right?

Well, she was a Cunliffe--
Jere's mother.

I met her
at a navy ball, 1917.

She was beautiful.

I don't know why
she married me.

I was just an ensign.

I bet you were
some ensign.

I fell over my feet
most of the time.

But when I came back
from the war,

I had a son,

and the Cunliffes had
great plans for me.

I was to resign
my navy commission,

do something useful...

the stock market.

They sat around with
teacups on their laps,

ticker tape coming out
of their ears,

and I said no.

It was quite a scene.

Then Athalie--

that was her name,
Athalie--

said, "Rockwell, I will
not become a camp follower.

Whenever you are not busy
boating with the navy,

feel free to come
visit us."

And that's the way
it was. I visited.

I was assigned to duty
in the Philippines,

and that ended it.

You left out
one small detail.

You were terribly
in love with her.

You're a good cook,
Maggie.

You look lovely
in the candlelight.

You haven't
had much to say.

I guess I haven't.

Like to dance?

I don't think so.

Come sit over here.

Please don't
do that.

What's the matter?

We better go home.

I don't like this,
not any of it.

Since when?

Since your commander
conveniently disappeared.

I didn't know
you missed him so much.

I'm jealous.

You know
what I mean.

I feel cheap.

Relax. He won't return
for a long time.

I'm sorry,
but I want to go!

What do you
take me for?

There's nothing
cheaper than a teaser!

That's what
you've been doing!

I have not!

I thought we...

I thought you...

Oh!

Let me go!

I've spent my life
learning things

about men and ships,

how to use them in action.

I just don't fit
behind a desk.

I'm not cut out for it.

I feel dry-docked.

Oh, well.

Thanks.

Thanks?

Who else have you
said this to recently?

Or ever?

That'll be Annalee
and your son.

Oh, then I better...

Thanks, fellas.

You're welcome,
Ensign.

I think
that had to happen.

Good night, Rock.

Good night, Maggie.

Anytime, Rock.

Anytime at all.

Thank you, Maggie.

Sir, Commander Powell
is waiting for you.

Thanks.

Have we got
the shipping orders?

Greetings, Captain.

Why are you so happy?

This.

Want to close that door?

I have a very private
job for you--

No one but you.

Three convoys
to be routed

to this island--
Toulebonne.

Toulebonne?

That's where Eddington
is stationed.

It's also
Broderick's new base.

Skyhook again, huh?

Here's the shipping list.

That's a lot of tonnage.

It's hard to come by.

CINCPAC wants it to arrive
on time and intact.

The first convoy
is loaded.

Personnel boards
Thursday morning.

When they shove off
is up to you.

I think I see it.

What?

Skyhook.

All right.

The Jap supply lines
must be spread pretty thin

south of Cape Titan.

So Broderick could hit
Lalatea, Muk or Gavabutu.

From any of those islands,

he could launch a strike
against Levu Vana.

Why Levu Vana?

Because it has
a central plain

large enough
for B-17 airstrips.

Get a flock
of B-17s in there,

and we can control
that area

for 1,000 miles
in any direction.

Good night.

Maggie!

Hello, sailor.

A pleasant surprise.

You're not easy
to talk to on the phone,

so I decided
to ambush you.

Come in.

This is nice, Rock.

Sit down.

Can I offer you
a drink?

No. Nothing, thanks.

My unit's ordered
to report to Ford Island

at 6 a.m.

We weren't told
more than that,

but it can only mean
one thing.

You'll be at sea
by noon.

You knew I was going?

I knew there was
a convoy pulling out.

Wouldn't like
to give me a hint

about our destination?

You know
I can't do that.

You'll be told
after you sail.

Is it a long way?

A long way.

Then we won't meet again

in the foreseeable
future, right?

Right.

Do you think we better
let it go at that?

Hello.

Commander Powell.

Just a moment.

For you, Powell.

Commander Powell speaking.

Egan? Rock. Can you
bunk out tonight?

I can manage, Rock.

Thanks.

Maggie?

Yes, Rock?

Come on, row!

Hey, girls, look!

Permission to board, sir!

State your business!

Commander Eddington,
Toulebonne naval base!

I'd like to see

nurse Lieutenant
Maggie Haynes!

Permission granted.

Ahoy there!

Is this
the admiral's harem?

Lieutenant Maggie Haynes!

Lieutenant Maggie Haynes!

I'm here, Lieutenant.

Compliments of
Captain Rockwell Torrey.

I'm Paul Eddington,
Maggie.

I'll call you Maggie

because that's what
the Rock said in his letter.

"Make sure Maggie Haynes
is welcome in Toulebonne."

So welcome, Maggie Haynes.

Thanks.
It's beautiful.

Oh, there's
a bottle of cognac

under the bananas.

I know how dry
naval transports can get.

Excuse me.

Soyez la bien venu.

This is Annalee Dorne.

Hi.

Hi.

You've been here a long time,
haven't you?

Since January.

We're getting this old
French naval base ready

to service our ships.

You have a barracks
ready for 50 nurses?

We've been sailing
for three weeks.

Didn't you get the word?

No.

This convoy
sails again tonight.

West 300 miles to an island
named Gavabutu.

They'll need nurses there.

An offensive?

I guess so.

Are you also
going to Gavabutu?

Navy can't do
without me here.

This whole island
might sink.

You don't like
what you're doing, huh?

It's like working
in a filling station

watching the cars go by.

Well, goodbye,
Maggie Haynes.

Oh, when you write
to the Rock,

tell him I was sober.

He won't believe it,
but tell him anyway.

Goodbye, Commander.

Control, Station 26.

I have him.

PBY approaching
from southwest.

Roger, 26. Patrol plane
off course.

Hi.

Spotter 26.

26.

Formation to northeast
of your station.

Should be F4Fs.

Check, control.

Three F4Fs
proceeding northeast...

to southwest.

Roger, 26.

You read those planes
pretty quickly.

At first, I couldn't tell
PBYs from seagulls.

How are you,
Captain?

There's no way to make
this easy, Mrs. McConnel.

I came to tell you

your husband
is missing in action.

You won't get
the official telegram

for a day or two.

I read it in the report
this morning.

Ask control to relieve you.

I'll take you home.

I'm all right.

Where did it happen?

His destroyer
was working alone

in the Gavabutu area.

It reported two
aerial torpedo hits,

then communications
were cut off.

An aerial search
the following day

failed to produce anything.

No survivors at all?

None reported.

Station 26.
Are you there, 26?

26.

We have a bogey
on the screen

to the south of you.

Can you make it out?

AT6...

about 9,000 feet.

Are you there, 26?

AT6, control.

Those damned
training planes

wander around like bats.

OK, 26. Over and out.

Thanks.

Captain,
was Mac wasted?

Wasted?

What do you mean?

I want to read you

part of a letter
from Mac.

"We are getting hell

from Jap planes that are based
right on Gavabutu.

"I don't know much about
amphibious operations,

but if Admiral Broderick
knows anything,

I'll eat my hat.

This has been
a three-star mess

from the beginning."

I'm surprised Mac would
put that in a letter.

He wouldn't have

unless he were
discouraged and angry.

Beverly, I don't think

you'd better show
that letter to anyone.

I don't intend to.

Is it true?

If it is,
if things are that bad,

I'm sure
there will be changes.

Aren't they
that bad, Captain?

Yes, I...

believe they are.

Station 26.

26, control.

Station 26, check plane
to the northeast.

Check, control.

Small training plane moving
northeast to southwest.

I have a message
from CINCPAC's office.

You're to appear at number
10 Makalapa for dinner.

Oh.

Early, sir. 1800.

You'll just have
time to change.

OK, Simpson.
Take me home.

Gentlemen,
we'll get to the business

of the evening.

I could have saved
some time and liquor

by transacting
this business in my office,

but it needs a ceremony.

Powell, you got
that dispatch?

"From Chief
of Naval Personnel

to Captain Rockwell Torrey,
CINCPAC fleet.

You are hereby advised
that the president

has approved
your temporary advancement

to rear admiral,
lower half,

the date of rank,
1 August, 1942.

Comply with first manual
in regards to promotion,

oath of office,"

and so forth.

This more or less
came about

because that civilian type
next to you

wormed his way
into my intelligence staff

suggesting the navy
was wrong

in its judgment of you
last December.

Well, we all know
the navy is never wrong,

but in this case,

it was a little weak
on being right.

Congratulations,
Admiral Torrey.

Thank you, sir.

Powell, you can
get on with the honors.

Thank you, sir.

Gentlemen, to Admiral
Rockwell Torrey.

May success
follow your flag.

Here, here!

I do thank you.

And I'm grateful.

Admiral, with
your permission, sir.

To our country, our navy,

and all the best things
they stand for.

Here, here!

Now, Admiral Torrey,

when the congratulations
peter out,

you'll please join me
in my study.

Aye, aye, sir.

We gave him
the molasses.

Now let's feed him
the sulfur.

Admiral...

know what that is?

Yes, by the shape
of those islands.

This is Gavabutu,
Levu Vana, Toka Rota...

and that's Pala Passage.

It's Skyhook.

Powell says you guessed
the strategy months ago.

Wild guess.

Wild, but accurate.

What's
your opinion of it?

In theory, good.

In fact?

The delay has cost you
the element of surprise.

How far has Broderick
advanced on Gavabutu?

He's bottled up
behind these mountains.

He hasn't advanced
an inch in weeks.

He better
break the bottle

and take that island,

or you can forget Skyhook.

He's got to attack
Levu Vana

before the Japs
are ready.

You named your poison.

You're going to mop up
Gavabutu

and mount the invasion
of Levu Vana.

How about
Admiral Broderick, sir?

Some smart man once said

that on the most
exalted throne

in the world,
we're seated

on nothing but
our own arse.

Well, where Broderick's
concerned, I'm on mine.

I can't fire him.

It means a bad effect
on our allies

and aid and comfort
the enemy.

I can only put you
in tactical command

of the operation.

Lincoln once
found himself

in the same predicament
with General McClellan.

McClellan was a great
little organizer,

but he couldn't decide
when to fight.

And indecision
is a virus

that can run
through an army

and destroy
its will to win

or even to survive.

Lincoln recruited a hardheaded
Yankee named Grant.

Grant didn't care
about organization.

Neither was he afflicted
with the virus.

He pointed his battalions
in the right direction

and shoved off.

You're going to be
my Grant.

However you handle
Broderick

is your own business.

Just get the job done.

How far can I go
in handling Broderick?

You can't kill him.

May I name my own
chief of staff?

You thinking
of someone?

Eddington, my exec
on the Swayback.

Also, take Powell here.

He's familiar with
the Broderick problem.

Reserve officers
give me hay fever.

Thank you, sir.

Torrey, these
were my stars

before I picked up
this heavy hardware.

I think they
brought me luck.

Wear them
on your collar.

If there's any luck
in them,

you're going
to need it.

Thank you, sir.

Saree?

Saree?

Qu'est-ce que tu veux?
Non derange pas.

Don't you know better

than to disturb
a man at work?

You have an order

to get back
to headquarters, sir.

For what?

Don't know, sir.

Tu restes ici encore,
commandant?

No. I go, baby.

Yes, I'll come back.

Don't you worry
about that.

I'm not going
to take it.

Not for one minute
am I going to take it.

I've sweated marbles

over this ill-advised,
premature operation.

I can't work miracles,

not with the material
they've given me.

I'm going to lay it
on the line

with CINCPAC.

Don't do anything
hasty, Admiral.

Hasty?

Torrey will be on
Gavabutu in three days.

You want me to...

be a doormat

with "welcome" written
across my backside?

Of course, you know best
about these things,

but, uh, now,
if Torrey flops,

you can always point
a finger at CINCPAC

for putting him
in there.

What if he
gets some action

out of the Gavabutu
personnel?

Well, you're still
the area commander.

You'll get the lion's
share of the credit.

I won't even know
what he's doing

until he's done it.

I'll be here on Toulebonne
with my face hanging out,

and every news correspondent
will know it.

The answer to that's
simple enough.

You need sort
of a representative

in Torrey's camp
who can very quietly

keep you informed
about what's happening.

Yes, that might help.

Sir, Commander Eddington
has arrived.

You're Eddington?

Yes, sir.

Officer of piers
and warehouses?

That's right.

I sent for you
two hours ago.

What kept you?

I was in native quarters

recruiting labor
for piers and warehouses.

That doesn't mean you have
to look like a native.

I didn't expect
to be called

into the presence
of the admiral.

Didn't you see
the directive

that all personnel

be clean shaven,
Commander Eddington?

I must have
missed it, sir.

Is that why the admiral
wanted to see me?

Eddington,
by order of CINCPAC

you're being transferred
to Gavabutu,

with the rank of captain.

You're sure you have
the right Eddington, sir?

You're being assigned
to Admiral Rockwell Torrey

as his chief of staff.

That's all.

Admiral Torrey, sir?

Yes, sir!
Thank you, sir!

Well, if that's a sample
of Torrey's staff...

You suggested that I needed
a personal representative

on Gavabutu, Owynn.

OK, you're it.

You'll be my liaison
officer, we'll call it.

I don't have
any combat training.

I wouldn't be
very good--

Don't crawfish.
It was your idea.

Forward area duty is
just the thing for you.

Think what a combat ribbon
would mean to you.

Ought to be worth
a half million votes

when you run
for office.

Let me be the first
to welcome you

to this land
of milk and honey.

Colonel Gregory,
paramarines.

Colonel.

Pleasure, sir.

Egan Powell, Intelligence.
My aide Mr. Armstrong.

Colonel, your men in shape
for a parachute drop?

They may be
rusty, sir,

but they're
eager as hell.

Attention!

At ease.

Tuthill, sir.
Operations.

Jefferson, sir.
Logistics.

Lance, sir.
Communications.

Carry on, men.

Gottlieb, sir.
Weather.

Mr. Gottlieb.

I'm Clayton Canfil,
Admiral Torrey.

I run the
coast-watching system.

Canfil owned a plantation
before the war, sir.

You're an Australian,
Mr. Canfil?

I am.

We're happy
to have you with us.

Well, Lieutenant,
how are you?

Very well,
thank you, sir.

Commander
Neal Owynn, sir.

What is your
function, Commander?

Personal liaison for
Admiral Broderick, sir.

The admiral felt that
the closest possible rapport

should be kept between Toulebonne
and the forward areas.

He wants to offer
all the support he can.

While you're
with my staff,

you will do all
your communicating

with Toulebonne
through me.

I repeat,
through me.

Question?

No, sir.

Egan, break out
that chart

we've been
working on.

There'll be
a slight delay.

This way, please.

We'll call this
Operation Apple Pie.

Not because
it's going to be easy,

but...

because we're going
to slice this island

into three big pieces.

Where in this area,
Colonel Gregory,

could you parachute
your raiders

without getting tangled up
in the jungle?

Right here, Admiral.

There's a meadow
1/4 mile square.

A low-level jump,
but possible.

You'll land,
dig in and wait.

The Japs
will swarm in, sir.

That's the idea,
Paul.

They'll have to weaken
their outer defenses.

Mr. Canfil,
you must know

this mountain area
pretty well.

Yes, sir, I do.

Could we put a battalion
across those peaks at night?

Yes, if they didn't
have to lug cannons.

There's a narrow pass there
at about 6,000 feet,

but I'd have
to lead them through.

You got yourself
a job.

Paul, we'll mount
a landing force

and hit this beach
just above Voyon Bay.

We'll send a third group

on an end run
through the foothills.

Three slices,
all converging

on Colonel Gregory's
position.

When we make contact,
we'll drive full force

for the Jap airstrip

and cut the supply line
from Voyon Bay.

Then it's just
a matter of mopping up

isolated Jap positions,
and Gavabutu is secured.

Mr. Gottlieb?
Weather.

Shaky. The rains
start soon.

When?

In a week,
maybe.

Then Colonel Gregory
will jump on Sunday.

Calculate your timetable
accordingly, Paul.

Aye, aye, sir.

All right, I want all
facts and figures

by 0700
tomorrow morning.

Right, sir.

Right.

There's just
one thing, sir.

Admiral Broderick has only
allowed us 10 planes.

Just a minute.

Commander Owynn,
Lieutenant Torrey,

that's all.

OK, Greg.

I can only put up
two-thirds of my paramarines

without five more
transports.

Aren't there any more
R4Ds in Toulebonne?

They're kept
in reserve, sir.

Reserve?
For what?

It's the way Broderick
organizes things.

What happens
when one conks out?

Toulebonne sends us
a spare until we fix it.

Five just
conked out, Colonel.

Let's relay the sad news
to Broderick.

Mr. Canfil, I'm afraid
you've fallen in with thieves.

I think so, too,
I'm happy to say.

Thanks for getting me
out of purgatory, Rock.

Forget it.

Now, uh...

where's
the hospital?

I'll take you
to her.

Uh, Miss Dorne.

Captain Eddington.

Where can we find
Miss Haynes?

She's in there,
Admiral.

Thank you,
Miss Dorne.

Nurse.

Couple of corpsmen here.
Bring a stretcher.

Get out of my light.

Take him
to hut three.

If you'd waited
till morning,

I might have managed
to look like something.

You look fine,
Maggie. Just fine.

How do admirals
feel about nurses?

The same way
captains did.

Will there be time
for us out here?

We'll make time,
Maggie.

Mr. Canfil just
sent a message.

His battalion's
starting down

the far side
of the mountain.

Pass the word to the
amphibious group.

Start moving in
for a landing.

Colonel,

you got room in
your plane for me?

Why, sure, sir,

if you want
to take the risk.

Admiral.

Commander.

Well, no Admiral Torrey?

Admiral Torrey's with
the paramarines, sir.

That's very colorful
of Admiral Torrey.

Gentlemen, there's a good
story for your newspapers.

Let's go to headquarters
and see if our operation

is doing what we intended.

Stand up!

Hook up!

Check your equipment!

Stand in the door!

Good luck, Colonel.

Thank you, sir.

Let's go, men!

Contact our fighter
protection, Lieutenant.

I want two planes
to cover us.

The rest
can go home.

What do you plan
to do, sir?

Let's say
a sightseeing trip.

You got a pencil?

Thank you.

We've named this operation
"Apple Pie,"

because it is intended
to cut the island

into three slices--

One across the mountains,

one from
a beachhead here,

and the other
through these foothills,

all converging
on a position

we have already secured
with our paramarines.

Admiral Broderick,

have these
correspondents

been instructed
in security?

They'll be instructed,
Captain Eddington.

You may return
to your duties.

Aye, aye, sir.

I'm sure you boys
know the rules.

You're not to file
any stories

until Commander Owynn
gives the word.

Now, back to
Operation Apple Pie.

Carry on.

Lieutenant,
do you have any idea

how Broderick
knows these details?

I'm afraid not, sir.

Do you know about Owynn
putting special dispatches

on the courier plane
to Toulebonne?

I wouldn't, sir.

I don't know
the situation

between you
and your father,

but I'll tell you this.

Bums like your friend Owynn
are with us always,

but sailors
like your old man

only happen
once in a while.

I'm afraid
I cannot accept

your evaluation
of Commander Owynn.

Well...

I'm afraid
I cannot accept you

as Rock Torrey's son.

I think somebody
got in there ahead of him.

Now, wait a minute,
Eddington!

Captain Eddington.

Yes?

Hit it!

It's all right,
Captain.

On your feet!

Lieutenant!

You can head
for the barn!

OK, sir!

Change of orders from the
old man himself, by God.

Now, Captain, we'll romp
this circus straight on.

Last man to Voyon Bay
is a bloody 'roo!

Sorry, chums!
Kangaroo to you.

Don't move in on road Z-2.
It's land-mined.

Admiral, we can't stay
on top of this.

Admiral Broderick
wants you

to meet with
our war correspondents.

I can't tell them anything.
Where is Broderick?

He's with them, sir.

I'll join him

after checking in
with my staff.

Roger, Baker D.
Keep pushing. Out.

We've had some luck.

Canfil should
join Gregory shortly.

Joined already.

He's cutting across
to meet the amphibs.

Let me see
those dispatches.

Ten-hut!

Well, carry on, gentlemen.

Well, Admiral, we were
getting anxious about you.

Very courageous,
an operational commander

going out
on the firing line,

but a little risky leaving
command center at zero hour.

It served
its purpose, Admiral.

I'm sure it did.

Shall we summarize
the situation now?

Might be better
if I told you privately.

The press isn't against us.
Give them a break.

Well, if you insist.

Fire away, boys.

Admiral Torrey,
is the operation

going according
to schedule?

Not exactly.

I think we can be
more specific than that.

After all, gentlemen,

an offensive
doesn't exactly travel

like an express train.

Fact is, it's going
to be a long, hard job

kicking the enemy
off Gavabutu.

I see no reason

why we shouldn't
admit it, Rock.

We can
project schedules,

but they're hard
to keep. Right, Admiral?

Right, sir.
Except in this case

we're not behind
schedule. We're ahead.

Right now, troops should be
taking the Jap airstrip

and our amphibs
closing on Voyon Bay.

But the enemy
opposition--

There is no opposition.

Seems the Jap Garrison
moved out last night.

The island is ours?

Exactly.

What was their reason
for pulling out?

OK, gentlemen.
I think that about covers it.

That it does.

Admiral!
Well, wait a minute!

Admiral,
I would appreciate

you checking
these dispatches

and advising me on
how we should mop this up.

Yes, certainly.

Gentlemen, you can use
the staff room

to write your stories.

I'll personally
see to it

that your stories
get out,

if Commander Owynn
doesn't mind.

That bloody old man
of yours crossed us.

Yes, didn't he?

Gentlemen.

Oh, remind me, Jere.

We must have a conference
with the admiral

before he returns
to Toulebonne.

Admiral Broderick's
leaving already?

Yes. He feels everything
is shipshape here.

Gottlieb. Tuthill.

Heads.

Goodbye, Commander.
Enjoy it.

What do you suppose
he meant by that?

Aren't you going
with Broderick?

No.

I think you are.

Now, wait a--

You better be on that
plane with Broderick,

unless you want to be
buried on Gavabutu.

You can't do this.

I am doing it.

We've got a job here,

and nobody is going
to screw it up.

Understand? Hmm?

Take this punk
with you.

I'll have him
court-martialed.

Striking a fellow officer,
and you saw it.

I didn't see anything.

What do you mean
you didn't see anything?

As far as I'm concerned,

a coconut fell and
hit you in the mouth.

Better find some excuse
to get us on that plane.

You want to be transferred
back to PT boats?

One word from me to Broderick,
and you're gone.

Say the word.

Well, here we are,
gentlemen.

The marines
are soaking their feet

in Voyon Bay, Admiral.

The airstrip?

Our planes
are landing on it.

This operation's
picked cleaner

than a chicken's neck.

We're already trying
to pick another.

This one's tougher.
You're just in time to help.

Right here.

Levu Vana.

We're not getting
satisfactory information

on the Jap build-up.

Air photos
don't show much.

We were wondering

if your coast watchers
could help.

Why not have a submarine
take me there?

I know that island well.

Give me a week

to creep up on
our little yellow brothers.

I'll blueprint
their positions.

We wouldn't want
to lose you.

I don't plan
to get lost.

Watch for my signal every night
between midnight and 3:00.

OK. Good luck.

Got a special reason
for delivering the mail?

Sort of.

OK. Don't let that
reason keep you long.

Thanks.

Hello, marine.

You having any
difficulty breathing?

No.

Hi.

Hello.

Hello, Jere. We heard
you'd been transferred

back to the boats.

Does that call for congratulations
or commiserations?

Congratulations, ma'am.

Oh, good.
Looking for the mail room?

In a roundabout way.

I'll show
you where.

Thank you.

Nice seeing you,
ma'am.

Same here, Jere.

Come on,
get over here.

Come on.

Sir.

Sir, no telling when
we'll ship together again,

and me and the boys
took a vote.

We voted you
the best officer

to be marooned with.

Thanks, boats.

We really
mean it, sir.

All kidding aside.

Goodbye, Culpepper.

Bye, sir.

Goodbye, Al.

Mac! Mac!

Mac!

They didn't say
you were hurt.

It wasn't worth
telling you.

How'd you get here?

They flew me
from Pearl.

I've waited 10 days

for that slow boat
of yours to come in.

God, you feel good
to me.

I never
gave you up, Mac,

not for one minute.

Here. Here's
a present for you.

It's from Bureau
of Personnel.

Lieutenant Commander
McConnel.

That's wonderful.

Wait a minute.

Does this mean you've
already been given an assignment?

Flag Secretary,
Third Area.

Oh, Mac, not back in that
Gavabutu hellhole.

With Rock Torrey
this time, not Broderick.

Torrey asked
for me, Bev.

But not right away.
That wouldn't be fair.

No, not right away.

We've got 30 days
survivor's leave.

Any ideas what to do?

Plenty of ideas.

You're still seeing
Captain Eddington

after making up
with Jere?

There's a whole bunch
going to the picnic.

But you'll be
with Eddington, huh?

Probably.

You're not
wearing Jere's ring.

It's too big.
I might lose it.

I see.

I'm going to tell
Captain Eddington

I'm engaged to Jere.

OK.

Oh, Maggie. I just
want to have some fun.

Well, don't play games
with Eddington.

I don't understand
why you don't like him.

He's Torrey's
best friend.

Instinct.

He's got something
bottled up

behind all that
dashing charm.

What?

I don't know,

but you'd
better remember

The Smiling Young Lady
From Niger.

Who?

"The smiling young lady
from Niger.

She rode on the back
of a tiger.

And after the ride,
she wound up inside

with her smile on the face
of the tiger."

Oh, Maggie.

I can take care
of myself.

Hey, Annie,
you ready?

Just a sec.

Who's chaperoning
this junket?

I am.

Oh, brother.

I'll bring them
back alive.

Come on, Annie.
They're waiting.

Bye, Maggie.

Have a good time.

Hey, Dorne.

Hey.

Shouldn't we go back?

I wouldn't want any trouble
with your chaperone.

With Sabrina?

Oh, that's funny.

You're not
afraid, huh,

being here
alone with me?

Scared to death.

Oh, the water
looks delicious.

Yeah. Tide's out.

I'd love to go in
for a dip.

Go ahead.

What would
you think of me?

I'm an officer and a gentleman.
I wouldn't think.

Turn your back
until I get in?

This is Tokyo Rose.

We dedicate
the next record

to all
those poor marines

and sailors
on Gavabutu.

You're going
to be sacrificed

because
Admiral Torrey

doesn't have enough
ships or planes

to protect you.

But Admiral Torrey
doesn't care

whether you live--

Can't they jam
that broadcast?

They don't want to.

The boys
like the music.

She doesn't
scare anybody,

although she comes close
to being right sometimes.

Like now?

I said pretty close.

We can make out
with what we have.

We're a backdoor
operation.

The front door's
with General MacArthur.

That's where
the Jap Navy's occupied,

not with us.

At least, that's
the theory we're going on.

No sugar.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Have you seen Jere?

No.

Oh, I thought
maybe you had.

His boat's been
running the mail.

Oh.

He and Annalee
are on again.

He's asked her to marry him
after the war.

A Cunliffe
marry a commoner?

His name isn't Cunliffe,
it's Torrey.

Yeah.

It is, Rock.

What are you
getting at, Maggie?

Nothing.

He's changed.

He isn't just a smart
college kid any longer.

Something's happened
to him out here.

Well...

I can't start acting
like a father now.

I threw that opportunity
away 18 years ago

when I gave Jere up
to his mother.

I wouldn't know
how to talk to him.

Paul.

Will you bring
my clothes down?

Just put them down

and turn your back.

Not this time, baby.

Paul, please.

You have to come
get them.

OK, but you're going
to be surprised.

See? I might as well
be in a Mother Hubbard.

Dorne,
you're beautiful.

My clothes, please.

Paul, I'm not going
to let you kiss me.

I'm engaged.

There's this boy,
and...

Give me my clothes,
please.

Paul!

Paul!

Let me go!

Let me go!

No!

Let me go!

No!

No!

Ohh! Let me go!

Paul!

Take her away.

Aye, aye, sir.

Take in your lines.
Get under way.

Quarterdeck
to signal bridge.

Admiral's party
approaching.

Good old
Swayback.

She looks
like a real lady.

She is a real lady.

A nice
sentimental gesture,

CINCPAC sending you
and Paul your old cruiser.

An old battleship might
have been more comforting.

I'm glad
to see her anyway.

You don't understand the
love between ships and sailors.

What happened
to your face?

Bucking for
a Purple Heart?

Just a friendly wound.

All on deck,
intention to board.

Boatswain's mate,
man the side.

Congratulations,
Burke,

on your new command.

Welcome home,
Admiral.

They've done
a good job on her.

She's in fine shape.

Good to see you.

Congratulations,
Captain.

Tuthill, my
operations officer.

Shall we adjourn
to the wardroom, Admiral?

Attention,
gentlemen.

At ease.

Sit down, gentlemen.

We will dispense
with all formalities.

This will be
my flagship

in the coming operation.

Thank you, sir.

I'll turn you over
to Captain Eddington.

He'll lay out
the plan of operation.

Well, what it boils
down to is this--

the Japs have Levu Vana.

We want it.
They know it.

We're going
to take it.

They'll do their worst

to keep us
from taking it.

We can't expect
any outside help.

We're it.

Mr. Canfil.

Excuse us,
gentlemen.

I hope you don't
mind my interrupting.

We've been worried
about you.

I had some bother

getting back
to the sub.

The nips were
thick on that island.

Well, here it is,
Admiral.

You're not going
to like it.

They're knocking together
quite a welcome for you

over on Levu Vana.

They're stringing
barbed wire

on all the Lakola beaches,

and they're pouring
concrete for pillboxes.

The airstrip's
almost done.

They're building revetments
for 200 planes.

Tanks bivouacked here
and troops.

They're bringing in
hundreds every night.

I'd estimate 5,000 landed
while I was there.

5,000?
At that rate,

we won't stand a chance
inside three weeks.

That might not
be the worst.

I was near
a nip camp.

From what I
could catch,

there's a gathering
of ships to the west

at the nips'
Cape Titan base.

That could mean
a task force.

It could.

You could see Titan.

Our planes could get there
but not back.

Maybe Halsey's
carriers

could do a reconnaissance
job for us.

Not very soon.

They're hitting the Solomons
for MacArthur.

Then we'll use a sub
for offshore observation.

It will take 10 days
to get there.

If the Japs are letting
in a fleet at Titan,

we've got to know now.

They could hit us
before we kick off.

Can't you get
long-range planes?

Captain, you've just
anchored on poverty row.

Everything's being pumped
into MacArthur's area.

We get the leftovers,

not long-range
recon planes.

We've got to get one,
somehow, somewhere.

Well, we can try.

Get a message
to Pearl.

Make it imperative that we
get one long-range plane.

And get it now.

Wet it with tears.
Bleed on it, Egan.

Darling,
is that you?

Hi, honey.

Hey...
where have you been?

Mmm. You feel good.

I said,
where have you been?

I dropped over
to Treasure Island.

For what?

To visit
with the navy.

I bet that was fun.

Hey, this looks nice.

Like?

Mm-hmm. Put it on,
and we'll go

to the top of the mark.

Mac?

Mm-hmm?

Is anything wrong?

No, why?

You've got that kind
of brainwashed look.

You've got
bad news, Mac.

Tell me now.

If you wait

to tell me about it
over dinner,

I'll cry in my soup.

Yes. I have orders.

For when?

They say proceed
immediately.

Why? We haven't even used up
half of your leave yet.

They don't
tell you why.

Something is going to happen
on Gavabutu soon.

Oh, hell.

I'm going to cry
anyway.

Better?

I might not get you
back this time.

Aw, honey.

Mac... leave me with
a baby this time.

Please, Mac.

Good night, Maggie.

Good night, girls.

See you tomorrow.

Pat, get
a doctor quick.

What is it?

A doctor. Hurry.

Annalee.

CINCPAC sends its regrets.

They can't even spare
one lousy long-range plane.

What now,

commence
Skyhook anyway?

We've got to know what the
Japs are planning on Titan.

Let's send
a one-way plane.

It'll radio
the information back.

What about
the pilot?

He can ditch.

A sub can
pick him up.

Torrey here.

Maggie.

What?

I'll be
right over, Maggie.

Egan, get me
a jeep with a driver.

What's wrong, Rock?

That little nurse,
friend of Maggie's--

committed suicide.

She was engaged
to my son.

When have you scheduled
that staff conference?

0700.

We'll decide
what to do then.

He raped her, Rock.

Then when she was
afraid she was pregnant,

she went to him,

and he didn't
believe her.

Here, read this.

You said she left Jere's ring
with the envelope.

Shall I...

tell Jere about it?

No. I'll take him
the ring.

I won't see you again
for a while, Maggie.

It's--

It's starting,
isn't it?

Very soon.

Captain Eddington, sir.

Trot me out
a PBJ.

Sir?

Now!

Yes, sir.

Dig me out
a flying suit, huh?

Aye, aye, sir.

Ah, thanks.

What are you
looking at, sailor?

Get back
to your radio set.

Thanks. Carry on.

Sir!

How shall I
log this flight?

Joy ride for
the chief of staff.

The ejector
mechanism is jammed.

Attention on the deck.

Carry on.

Good morning, sir.

Sir, this is our skipper
Lieutenant Mason.

Hello, sir.

Mind if I borrow
my son a moment?

Of course not, sir.

I want you to get
a hold of yourself.

That young nurse...

Ensign Dorne...

Yes?

She's dead.

Overdose of
sleeping pills.

But why?

Why?

Whatever the reason,
she was thinking of you.

She left this ring
for you.

I'm very sorry
about that girl, Jere.

Thank you for coming
all the way over here.

That's the least
I can do for my--

one of my officers.

You know,
this may not...

be the right time,
but...

somehow it seems
that between--

Well, there ought
to be some, uh--

I know
what you mean.

I wouldn't know
how to say it myself,

but I know what you mean.

Goodbye, Jere.

Goodbye.

The isalobaric gradient
is changing rapidly.

And here
the increasing pressure

is described
by this isobaric curve

which is forcing this low
trough to the east.

Commander, what the hell
does all that mean?

Our crummy weather's
blowing out,

and we're due

for maybe five days
of sunshine.

Good-o.

Where's Eddington?

He hasn't
come in yet.

Please go find him.

Is something
the matter?

Just go find him.

Hello, Mac.

When did
you get in?

About an hour ago.

Welcome aboard.

Glad to see
you again.

Thank you.
Where are we?

Rover,
this is John Paul.

Do you read me?
Come in, Rover.

Rover, this is John Paul.
Acknowledge. Over.

You just gave him
a plane

without checking
with Operations?

Sir, Captain Eddington
is chief of staff.

Sir, he is Operations.

Have you been
in contact?

We've been trying
for hours.

It's for you, Admiral.

Torrey speaking.

All right, Egan.
I'll be right over.

Mac.

Rover, this is
John Paul.

This is John Paul.

Are you
on this frequency?

Rover, this is
John Paul.

Come in. Over.

OK, John Paul,
this is Rover.

Do you read me?
Over.

I'm answering you,
John Paul.

Do you read me?
Over.

Rover, this is
John Paul.

Keep sending.
I'm trying to pick you up.

Acknowledge.
Over.

I think
we've got him.

He must be far away.
Transmission's very weak.

Rover, this is
John Paul.

Do you hear me?
Over.

What's your
last bearing?

3-3-0, sir.

Plot that,
will you, Mac?

Rover, this is John Paul.
We've lost you.

Keep sending. Over.

John Paul,
this is Rover.

Do you have me now?

Repeat.

Do you have me now?

I can't keep him in.

Must be getting
farther away.

He must be just southwest
of Cape Titan.

Rover, this is
John Paul.

I can't hold you.

Change to
secondary frequency.

I'll try
picking you up.

Rover to John Paul.

Have you got me now?

Acknowledge.

This is John Paul.
Roger.

We are reading you.
Over.

I'm flying
at 10,000 feet,

coming up
at Cape Titan

from
the southwest.

Do you read me?
Over.

Rover, this is
John Paul.

We've got you clear.
Over.

Haven't seen
anything, John Paul,

except a couple
of sampans

and some gooney birds.

Will be over Cape Titan

in 40 minutes and--

Hold it, John Paul,
hold it.

I've got something
down here.

I'm dropping down
through the cloud cover

to take a closer look.

John Paul,
this is Rover.

It's a fleet.

Do you hear me?

Warships moving
to the south

away from Cape Titan.

I count 16--

no, 17 ships.

Do you hear me?
I repeat. 17 ships.

Confirm.

Over.

Now, this is
John Paul.

Roger. 17, 17 ships.
Over.

I have some company
up here.

Zeros from Titan,
I guess.

I'm going down

to take a closer look
at these ships.

Looks like a screen
of 12 destroyers.

Repeat.
12 destroyers...

four cruisers.

Can't tell
if they're heavy.

Those zeros
want to play now.

Here.

Hello, Rover.

This is John Paul.

Get back
into those clouds.

Get back
and stay there.

That PBJ is no match
for zeros.

Stay undercover.

Thanks, Rock,

but we've got to
take a closer look

at this big boy.

This is the biggest boy
I've ever seen.

Looks like
a floating island.

It's four
city blocks long,

and it's got
12 big guns.

They look
like 18-inchers.

What was the name
of that oversized tub

the Japs built?

The Yamato?

This could be it.

The Yamato.
80,000 tons.

Do you hear me?

We read you, Rover.

If this baby comes
your way, look out.

Excuse me.

I'm going to be
a trifle busy.

Rover.

Rover, come in, Rover.

Paul.

The Yamato,
four cruisers,

and 12 tin cans.

That's a lot
of firepower.

We can't be sure
it's aimed at us.

They could be escorting
the Yamato to another base.

Truk or Pelaki-shima.

But they're not.

That task force is
aimed for Levu Vana.

That's right, Egan.

It ties up with
their maximum effort

to defend
that island.

If they finish
that airfield

and put heavy
bombers on it,

they'll control
the whole area.

Gavabutu will become
untenable.

Eventually we'll
have to move

out of Toulebonne.

Skyhook in reverse.

That task force
is headed this way.

Mac, Gottlieb gave
us five days

of good weather?

Yes, sir.

What do you estimate
the steaming time

from Titan
to Levu Vana?

They can't come on
very fast.

They've got to
work their way

through
the Windard Straits.

Four days.

With a little push,

we can launch
our amphib assault

in 48 hours.

When we're covering
the landing,

who takes care
of this Jap fleet?

Our ships will just
have to do double duty.

Establish
the beachhead

and put back
to sea

and meet
the new threat.

Do we have a chance
to stop it?

We can try.

Tuthill, you'll
take over

as chief of staff.

Sir,

how shall I list
Captain Eddington's flight?

I have to account
for the plane.

List it as an
authorized mission.

Do you want to
make a recommendation

for Captain Eddington?

He deserves
a Medal of Honor.

Maybe, but Paul
wasn't hunting medals.

No, no recommendation.

Anything new on
the Jap fleet, Tut?

No, nothing.
A blank.

Maybe they're not
headed this way.

Well, let's keep
reconnaissance busy anyway.

They're not going around
the outer islands.

They're headed for
the Pala Passage.

It looks like they'll
run it at night.

With that size fleet?

Those waters
are uncharted shoals.

The Japanese Navy
has a habit

of doing
the impossible.

How wide's the narrowest
part of the straits?

20 miles. 10 miles
show a deep channel.

I want
those 10 miles mined.

Mines won't stop her.

She carries
a 16-inch armor plate.

But we might nail

some of
the escort vessels.

Send the PT boats
with the mine layer.

They're maneuverable
in the shoal waters.

They'll get
their licks in

while the Japs
are tangled in the mines.

Rock.

In the morning...

what's it like...

surface battle?

Like any other battle,
I guess.

Maybe a little noisier.

I'm so scared...

my bones are clicking

like dice
on a Reno crap table.

I should be back
in Hollywood

sitting in front
of a typewriter

making all this up
for a movie,

not living it.

All battles are fought
by scared men

who'd rather be
someplace else.

Does that
include admirals?

Yes.

Admiral,
another 30 minutes

and they tangle
with the mine field.

Jere?

Loosen up, Jere.

Skipper,

if I let you down,

will you please
shoot me?

Sure.

Doing real good out
in the mine field.

Here we go.

Skipper!

Take over the helm.

Move!

Stand by
to torpedo!

Throw 1!

Throw 2!

We got them!

We got them again!

Aah!

Plot.

Roger.
Give it to me.

First reports,
Admiral.

Two destroyers
hit by mines.

One destroyer
torpedoed by boats.

What?

Repeat.

One mogami-class cruiser hit
and dead in the water, sir.

That's cutting them
down to size.

Casualty report?

Do you have anything
on casualties?

Not yet, sir.

Casualty report on
the PT boats, Rock.

Signal
the destroyers.

Lay smoke screen
and attack.

This is plot.

Go, babies, go!

Stand by
to commence firing.

All guns,

three rounds rapid fire
salvo. Now!

OK!

Fire!

The Yamato
came through.

Signal all ships
to make flank speed.

Steer evasive course
as planned.

Admiral, you're
wanted in plot.

They're getting
out of range!

Signal a 50-degree turn
to starboard.

Signal a 50-degree turn
to port.

All guns to fire
at the turn.

Bridge!

Bridge!

Bridge.

The captain's dead.

All dead.

What do I do, sir?

Stand by!

I'm taking
over the bridge.

I'll pass course
and speed. Mac!

Sir!

Aah!

Sir!

Sir!

She's breaking up, sir!

The ship is
breaking up, sir!

Abandon ship!

Abandon ship!

Nurse.

Nurse.

Maggie! Maggie!
He spoke.

He said nurse.

Rock?

Rock?

Can you hear me,
Rock?

Maggie.

Where--

You're on
a hospital ship

bound for
Pearl Harbor.

We arrive there
in the morning.

But what--

You better let me
do the talking.

You've been asleep
a long time,

almost three weeks.

You were
badly wounded--

shell fragments--

but you're going
to be all right.

What's that tent for?

That's the worst
of it, Rock.

You've lost
your left leg.

Egan?

Egan was killed.

Tuthill?

All of them,
except Mac McConnel.

He saved you--got you
onto a life raft

before the ship sank.

He's here. You can
see him tomorrow.

I've got to know. I--

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow.

Your hands?

Burned, sir.
But they'll be OK.

Thanks for looking
after me, Mac.

Actually, the crew looked
after both of us

until a tin can
picked us up.

Gregory, beachhead,

wiped out?

No, sir.

The Japs are boxed up
on the island.

The Yamato
didn't come on.

It hightailed it back
through the passage.

Why? We were licked,
weren't we?

Good morning,
sir.

Stand easy.

You're a hard man
to kill,

aren't you, Admiral?

It seems so, sir.

But I got my command

shot to hell
without any trouble.

You feel you've betrayed them
by staying alive?

Something like that.

Seven ships sacrificed.

Make a fancy
court-martial.

He's still doped up?

A little, sir.

Let me straighten
you out, Admiral.

The battle
in Pala Passage

was a decisive
victory.

Skyhook's
on its way.

The Japs
can't stop it.

You're flying
to the States.

They'll stick
a peg leg on you

and ship you back.

You'll stump
your way to Tokyo

with the rest of us,

only from the deck
of a ship

as task force
commander.

Is that clear?

Yes, sir.

Go back to sleep.

Aye, aye, sir.

You've got
your orders.

Go to sleep.

Maggie.

I'll be here, Rock.