In Harm's Way

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In Harm's Way

Released Apr 6, 1965

2h 45m

War

Drama

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Popcornmeter

37%

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19 Reviews

79%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

Naval Captain Torrey (John Wayne) manages to bring his ship through the bombing of Pearl Harbor unscathed, but is later demoted when it is damaged in a subsequent battle due to his negligence. Back on land, he begins a reconciliation with his estranged son (Brandon de Wilde) and a romance with nurse Maggie (Patricia Neal), but duty calls him away when he and his firebrand friend, Cmdr. Paul Eddington (Kirk Douglas), are tasked with salvaging a dangerous and important mission.

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William J. Nazzaro

Arizona Republic

Preminger's direction is competent, but uninspired. He has a bad habit of making everything much too explicit, and the film is over-long.

Sep 1, 2020

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Variety Staff

Variety

John Wayne is in every sense the big gun of In Harm’s Way. Without his commanding presence, chances are director-producer Otto Preminger probably could not have built the head of steam this film generates and sustains for two hours and 45 minutes.

Mar 26, 2009

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Geoff Andrew

Time Out

It goes on and on, the slowness exacerbated by Preminger's customary long takes and by the endless parade of star cameos.

Feb 9, 2006

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

Preminger is a master at organizing huge casts and busy scripts, sacrificing the expected rousing battle thrills for a detailed but removed look at the complexities (physical, emotional, and political) involved in launching a battle campaign.

Jun 11, 2023

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

The overarching message of In Harm's Way gets in the way of providing three-dimensional characters or a drama that engages the viewers emotions, beyond patriotic flag-waving.

Rated: 2/4

Mar 11, 2022

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

So-so.

Rated: 2.5/4

May 30, 2021

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Audience Member

Great Movie. Interesting Characters that evolve. the War accentuate those and reveals true heroism but also bitterness and cowardices that can be in us and lead us to do crazy stuff. Another thing which makes this Film unique is the way it deals with human loss. It is serious and realistic about it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/12/24

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Mitch L

This is a great movie with a great cast. I thought like I was back in World War II. John Wayne was excellent as were all the actors and actresses. I highly recommend this movie.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

06/10/24

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Steve D

Wayne sinks it for me.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

01/04/24

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David R

A wonderful action movie loosely based on the fighting in the pacific during WWII where the Japanese lost most of their Navy after underestimating the range and ability of the U.S. Air Force. Using original black and white footage woven together with set pieces and a good degree of dramatic license, the film manages through a couple of intriguing sub plots to capture and hold viewer interest while offering enough blood and guts to satisfy veteran WWII movie aficionados. And with the cherry on top being John Wayne paired with the always dependable Kirk Douglas, the movie contains enough star power to satisfy even the fussiest popcorn eating, couch surfer.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/22/23

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Jack S

Wayne is imposing in this one as a naval officer during the early days of WW2. The story of his rise in the ranks, including his love affair with nurse Neal, is very well presented. However, too many melodramatic sub-plots seriously bog down the rest of the proceedings. One example: Douglas' sordid personal story's details are a pointless distraction. Overlong, but still worth a look, particularly for Wayne fans.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

08/12/23

Full Review

Kevin F

Well staged and shot film that manages to successfully fold an "all star cast" into a successful drama. Probably doesn't get enough credit for showing wars being fought by imperfect people rising or sinking to situations well beyond their control. Waynes low key performance is probably one of his best.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/09/23

Full Review

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Otto Preminger

Director

John Wayne

Capt. Rockwell Torrey

Kirk Douglas

Cmdr. Paul Eddington Jr.

Patricia Neal

Lt. Maggie Haynes

Tom Tryon

Mac McConnell

Paula Prentiss

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Synopsis

Naval Captain Torrey (John Wayne) manages to bring his ship through the bombing of Pearl Harbor unscathed, but is later demoted when it is damaged in a subsequent battle due to his negligence. Back on land, he begins a reconciliation with his estranged son (Brandon de Wilde) and a romance with nurse Maggie (Patricia Neal), but duty calls him away when he and his firebrand friend, Cmdr. Paul Eddington (Kirk Douglas), are tasked with salvaging a dangerous and important mission.

Director: Otto Preminger
Producer: Otto Preminger
Screenwriter: Wendell Mayes
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Paramount
Genre: War, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 6, 1965, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2011
Runtime: 2h 45m

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