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Destroyer

Play trailer Poster for Destroyer 1943 1h 39m War Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 2 Reviews 64% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Shipyard welder Steve Boleslavski (Edward G. Robinson) re-enlists in the Navy for a chance to serve on the S.S. John Paul Jones, a World War II destroyer he helped build. When a political strike enables Boleslavski to replace Mickey Donohue (Glenn Ford) as the ship's petty officer, his taskmaster-like ways earn him the hatred of everyone on board. Then the ship's crew is pitted in a fierce battle against the Japanese, and the hard-nosed Boleslavski finally gets the respect he deserves.

Critics Reviews

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Trevor Johnston Radio Times 10/14/2021
3/5
While it takes a while to build up steam, the film just about gets there in the end. Go to Full Review Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews 08/25/2008
C+
Though it offers no surprises, it's still well-done and mildly entertaining. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Martin B 09/01/2024 Filmed in 1943 at the height of WWII it’s the story of a Navy destroyer starring heavy weights Edward G. Robinson and Glen Ford plus numerous other well recognized character actors. Saw this movie as a young man and it resonated. Viewed it again a half century later and it still holds up in my view. What makes it work is Robinson’s old war horse persona, well intentioned but flawed and out of date. Versus Fords cocky young upstart who wins the battle of wills and the war horses daughter as well. Does that mean Robinson’s character who gets beat in a battle of generations is the loser. Absolutely not but you’ll have to see the movie to see how he wins by losing. See more 08/12/2018 Entertain Edward G. Robinson in a navy War picture as an aging seaman. See more 11/18/2013 well played WWII movie made during WWII-my favorites See more 04/04/2013 An entertaining wartime adventure--W.O.W. Those Shake Down Cruises are Dangerous!! See more 11/21/2008 good WWII wartime action See more Read all reviews
Destroyer

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Cast & Crew

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William A. Seiter

Director

Edward G. Robinson

Steve Boleslavski

Glenn Ford

Mickey Donohue

Marguerite Chapman

Mary Boleslavski
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Destroyer

Destroyer (1943) Destroyer (1943) Destroyer (1943) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Shipyard welder Steve Boleslavski (Edward G. Robinson) re-enlists in the Navy for a chance to serve on the S.S. John Paul Jones, a World War II destroyer he helped build. When a political strike enables Boleslavski to replace Mickey Donohue (Glenn Ford) as the ship's petty officer, his taskmaster-like ways earn him the hatred of everyone on board. Then the ship's crew is pitted in a fierce battle against the Japanese, and the hard-nosed Boleslavski finally gets the respect he deserves.
Director
William A. Seiter
Production Co
Columbia Pictures Corporation
Genre
War
Original Language
English
Release Date (DVD)
Apr 13, 2011
Runtime
1h 39m