Ensofter Overrated and overhyped

FirstWitch A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

Hayden Kane There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

Kaelan Mccaffrey Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

classicsoncall My summary comment was by one of the sailors beached on Plum Pudding Island, about Lieutenant John F. Kennedy (Cliff Robertson) when he set out to swim to a lookout post from which he would try to locate a passing friendly boat to rescue his men. What the movie did for me was effectively present the unselfish heroism of a man who eventually became the country's thirty fifth President. Without his spirit of optimism, it was fairly apparent that some of that crew would have cracked under the pressure of capture by the Japanese, or die of starvation.Robertson is supported in the story by quite an eclectic cast. His closest aides are former TV cowboy heroes Ty Hardin (Bronco, 1958-1962) as Ensign Leonard Thom, and Robert Culp (Trackdown, 1957-1959) as Ensign Barney Ross. Hardin was virtually unrecognizable under that beard and mustache, I had to check the credits list to see where he fit in. Other cast surprises for this viewer included Grant Williams, Robert Blake and Norman Fell.I recall having read the William Doyle book 'PT 109' ages ago and didn't remember the coconut part of the story; seeing the scene in the movie makes it seem almost impossible that the crew of the sunken boat could have been saved in that manner. Also, my impression of PT boats was that they were somewhat smaller than the way they were depicted in the movie, so seeing them in action was informative. Overall, this is one of those historically real stories that would have to have occurred, as seeing it play out in a movie seems more like fiction than fact.

zardoz-13 Leslie H. Martinson served as a contract director for Warner Brothers during the first half of his career and he helmed virtually every Warner Brothers television shows, like "Cheyenne," "Sugarfoot," "Maverick," "Surfside 6," "Bronco," and "Colt .45." Martinson replaced "All Quiet on the Western Front" director Lewis Milestone. According to one report, Milestone objected to the screenplay, but no details about his criticisms have ever aired. "PT-109" qualifies as much as a thrilling World War II adventure as it does a publicity stunt for JFK. Basically, the facts are correct, but Warner Brothers tampered with the timeline. When JFK rescued the Marines off the beach, PT-109 had been sunk and he was skipper of PT=59. Clearly, the filmmakers put the beach episode before the historic sinking of PT-109 to avoid anti-climax. It's true that Kennedy sought to get into the fight and his father pulled strings to get him into the U.S. Navy, even though Kennedy had a bad back. The scene aboard the ship at the beginning is correct. No, "PT-109" isn't the best Hollywood movie about the torpedo boats in the South Pacific. That honor goes to John Ford's movie "They Were Expendable." Nevertheless, this is a very good World War II, with Cliff Robertson delivering a robust performance as the future U.S. President. "Ben-Hur" lenser Robert L. Surtees makes the scenery and the action look is spectacular. Musicians William Lava & David Buttolph delivered a memorable orchestral soundtrack that has never been released. The music is quite catchy. This largely straightforward seafaring saga is entertaining. The film has an authentic look and scenarist Richard Breen doesn't miss a chance to poke friendly fun at Kennedy. Robertson's speech about his "character flaw" is cool. Although the war took place in the South Pacific, Warner Brothers lensed the picture in Key West. If you pay close attention, there are no more than three PT-boats on camera. Some of the scenes are classic. James Gregory is sympathetic curmudgeon. I saw this movie when it was shown at the theater on the Columbus Air Force Installation when I was in the fourth grade. Future television actors Robert Blake, Norman Fell, George Takei, and Roger Davis have roles.

edwagreen The first half of this movie is rather ridiculous at best. All we basically hear about is cleaning up the 109.The real acting kudos goes here to James Gregory as the Commander. The year before he gave an outstanding performance as Angela Lansbury's dimwitted Senator husband up to his neck in political intrigue. With his loud, boisterous, booming voice, Gregory does well here as well.Even with the rather boring first half, the scenery is so beautiful that I expected a chorus of guys to come out and sing Bali Hai! That would have really been something.The picture does pick up when the boat is slammed and those on board are in the jungle. It appears that no one can find them. It is at this point that Kennedy showed excellent leadership qualities. Still, some of the scenes trapped on the islands reminded me of Gilligan's Island. There isn't that much action and am surprised that Hollywood didn't take liberties to spice those scenes up.Cliff Robertson gives a restrained performance as the future president. At least, he didn't try to emulate the Kennedy speech patterns. With it all, the picture is still a major disappointment.

thinker1691 The world of celluloid knows the 35th president of the United States as John F. Kennedy. He is certainly the most charismatic of all modern presidents and one destined to grace the memorable portrait walls of his Camelot. There are hundreds of notable exploits of the young Kennedy, but this film " P.T. 109 " ranks among the most memorable. Although the film accentuates the brief period the young Lt. J.G (junior Grade) arrived to the Solomon islands and took command the now famous craft, the actual story begins on the night of August 2nd, 1943. It was during a night action that Kennedy's ship was attacked by an enemy destroyer and it's survivors left for dead. Were it not for Kennedy's (Cliff Robertson) unwavering faith and confidence, the injured crew envisioned inevitable captured and slow starvation. As it was, his men later recounted their commander's indomitable courage and despite his injured spine, gave hope to his despairing men during that terrifying ordeal. The supporting cast includes Ty Hardin, James Gregory as Cmdr. C.R. Ritchie, Robert Culp, Norman Fell and Robert Blake as Charles 'Bucky' Harris. The fact the now legendary boat is a piece of history as is the equally immortal Kennedy, who is forever enshrined in the hearts of Americans, this movie easily takes it's place among the Classic annals of heroic men. ****