utgard14 Docudrama about Admiral William F. Halsey; specifically his experiences during World War II. It's directed and narrated by Robert Montgomery. James Cagney stars and does an excellent job with a quieter, more subtle type of performance than the ones he was known for. Negatives include a slow pace, lack of action, no subtitles when needed, an overuse of devices like narration and background chorus, and Dennis Weaver going full hick accent with his country boy role. Positives include the aforementioned Cagney turn and a sincerity that I can't help but respect. You can tell they (Montgomery, Cagney, et al.) really wanted to make a great film about a man they admired. It's not a movie that I will ever watch again, but I can certainly see the appeal for many others.

Richie-67-485852 The price for freedom are the lives of men and this movie makes that point and more. Told in a way where facts are submitted mingled with human nature, drama and pain we are invited to a very significant moment in our history and we do well to not forget it. I always admire true stories about men against what is thrown at them and how without rehearsal the circumstances engage and the outcomes are left to the results which no one knows until it is over. To go into something unknown and commit oneself 100 % and furthermore to give all you have while doing it should humble us all as there is no greater sacrifice or form of giving than that. War is hell literally and figuratively and exists because men fail for one reason or another or try to rise above their given stature or interfere with circumstances in a willful way. Cagney is a joy to watch. He has aged, is mature and his acting is without effort lending realism to it all. Fine outstanding supporting cast is worthy of a mention too. In the beginning parts of the movie where they begin the flashback to tell the story, I was thrown off a little by this music score they use consisting of a heavenly type chorus while there are scenes being acted out during the movie. I kept expecting some biblical character to appear. After a few of these, I understood what the director was trying to do i.e. pay homage to the lives given while telling the story. We won the war based on the sheer courage of men and their oaths taken at the costs of their lives. This movie reminds you of that. Let me remind you that next time you go to get a burger and fries, walk in the park, attend a sports event etc. know that people who fought well set us up to do this at a high cost. I like to snack while watching movies. There is a scene in this one involving a chocolate cake so go from there. It was a big piece too. Add a tasty drink and you're off! Enjoy Attenthut! Good movie on deck

digger-58-693439 As a retired Marine Colonel, I have to say this movie contains one of the best lessons in leadership a movie could ever offer. Richard Jaeckel as (LCDR Webb) comes to ADM Halsey's (Cagney) state room to tell him he doesn't want command of his squadron because of the planes shot down that day and the men killed including its' commanding officer because he doesn't want the responsibility. Halsey explains as commander, he lost the same C.O. plus two destroyers and several hundred other men and he's not resigning. Along with the movie "Twelve O'Clock High" - "The Gallant Hours" is a great lesson in leadership because the commanders fore the men under their command to take stock of both the situation as well as their responsibilities.

MikeLV To my knowledge - I had not seen this movie before this weekend. I was doing some housekeeping, and accidentally changed to this movie for some background noise (was trying to get a news channel). The clarity of the broadcast image, the subject matter and the high-profile list of actors kept my attention and the housework suffered considerably as I was hooked after about 30 seconds! I found it a refreshing look at the basic facts (with some liberties), a compelling performance by Cagney, and an interesting study in set design and filmmaking.The most interesting thing to me was that this was made only 15 years after the war was over. That is not a very long time (the Belin Wall has been down 25 years now) - and having WWII veterans involved in the production contributed to the air of realism that is present throughout the film. The "Chorus" was interesting the first few times it showed up, but eventually I was able to tune it out and enjoy the rest of the movie!This film tells a compelling story and should be watched at least once by everyone, and seen more often on TV.