Ford was pulled from the front and sent back to Hollywood to direct this film about a torpedo squadron in the Philippines, and although he resented being forced to temporarily abandon his men, the film benefits greatly from Ford’s recent closeness to combat. He captures with exacting verisimilitude the intense camaraderie that develops between soldiers during war, as well as the bleakness and draining sense of despair that accompanies defeat and a long campaign. Its documentary-like approach, with poorly lit, claustrophobic interiors and hastily constructed bases, belies Expendable’s slow-paced, meditative tone, which once again emphasizes the honor and courage of a small – and constantly dwindling – group of ordinary men in the face of defeat and an uncaring, uncomprehending high command. Introduced by Donna Reed's daughter, Mary Anne Owen, who will also read a selection of GI letters written to Reed during WWII.