Post by Brad Nelson on Jan 13, 2022 11:16:18 GMT -8
On Tubi TV they have The Gallant Hours, a hagiography of Admiral "Bull" Halsey. In this documentary-style drama, the narrator, near the opening, mentions that Halsey was known for his salty language. But aside from that mention, the Halsey we see is a first cousin of Father O'Malley.
Still, it's an interesting drama, showing the battle of Guadalcanal from the perspective of the commanders. And, interestingly, this is not the iconic James Cagney playing Admiral Halsey as some derivative of the Cagney persona. Minus the salty language (and plus the angelic demeanor), he seems to play him straight.
The only let-down is that, as central to the film as the battle of Guadalcanal is, that battle stays almost completely in the background except when Halsey visits the island a time or two.
Fun to watch. But it is indeed a hagiography, the wet dream of the U.S. Navy staff if they were to make a movie. The treatment of Halsey is often way over the top. As one reviewer mentioned:
However, that's also part of the charm. In an age of anti-Americanism, when the Marxists and their enablers are shitting all over our country, I can stand a bit of hagiography.
More perplexing is how the Japanese did not wipe us from the island. Twice, with clearly inferior forces, the Americas caused the Japanese fleet to turn back. The tactics of the battle are nowhere touched on. But it's interesting that Halsey (after repelling the first attack) thought that the Japanese would not immediately follow up...because (at Pearl Harbor and elsewhere) it had been their habit not to. Everyone else figured they were doomed and his sub-commanders wanted to draw up evacuation plans.
There is lots of fascinating naval and Marine history tied up in Guadalcanal. This is a film that scratches the surfaces and leaves you wanting to learn more.
Still, it's an interesting drama, showing the battle of Guadalcanal from the perspective of the commanders. And, interestingly, this is not the iconic James Cagney playing Admiral Halsey as some derivative of the Cagney persona. Minus the salty language (and plus the angelic demeanor), he seems to play him straight.
The only let-down is that, as central to the film as the battle of Guadalcanal is, that battle stays almost completely in the background except when Halsey visits the island a time or two.
Fun to watch. But it is indeed a hagiography, the wet dream of the U.S. Navy staff if they were to make a movie. The treatment of Halsey is often way over the top. As one reviewer mentioned:
Arrgghh!! Whether or not this is a good film, I am surprised that most of the reviewers don't mention the god-awful men's chorus that inappropriately drones on and one with even greater solemnity than a Biblical epic!! It's horrible and annoying--and undermines much of the film. Why this was chosen for the soundtrack I have no idea, as it grates on the nerves like no other soundtrack I can recall! Yes, it's that bad and after a while it sounds almost like bees swarming--I kid you not!
However, that's also part of the charm. In an age of anti-Americanism, when the Marxists and their enablers are shitting all over our country, I can stand a bit of hagiography.
More perplexing is how the Japanese did not wipe us from the island. Twice, with clearly inferior forces, the Americas caused the Japanese fleet to turn back. The tactics of the battle are nowhere touched on. But it's interesting that Halsey (after repelling the first attack) thought that the Japanese would not immediately follow up...because (at Pearl Harbor and elsewhere) it had been their habit not to. Everyone else figured they were doomed and his sub-commanders wanted to draw up evacuation plans.
There is lots of fascinating naval and Marine history tied up in Guadalcanal. This is a film that scratches the surfaces and leaves you wanting to learn more.