Destroyer (1943)

67% of users liked it
(23 ratings)

Edward G. Robinson portrays a hard-driving, hard-nosed perfectionist who causes dissension aboard the WWII destroyer he helped build before re-enlisting in the Navy. Coming aboard as a senior crewman and trying to emulate the perfection of his hero John Paul Jones, he drives himself as hard as he… More Edward G. Robinson portrays a hard-driving, hard-nosed perfectionist who causes dissension aboard the WWII destroyer he helped build before re-enlisting in the Navy. Coming aboard as a senior crewman and trying to emulate the perfection of his hero John Paul Jones, he drives himself as hard as he drives the younger generation of sailors he commands, even going so far as recounting the last battle of the Bon Homme Richard to the increasingly disgruntled crew. But it is not his words that earn him their respect. During a major battle Robinson proves himself a true hero. The harsh training also pays off and the young sailors successfully defeat the enemy. Afterward they realize that Robinson was right to be tough on them and never question him again. Meanwhile, the captain who stood by Robinson through the thick of it even winds up involved with the old salt's daughter. ~ Tana Hobart, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 39 min.
Directed By: William A. Seiter
Written By: Lewis Meltzer, Borden Chase
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure

In Theaters: Aug 19, 1943 Wide

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Though it offers no surprises, it's still well-done and mildly entertaining.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

No Featured Audience Ratings Found…

Cast

            Edward G. Robinson as Steve Boleslavski

            Glenn Ford as Mickey Donahue

            Marguerite Chapman as Mary Boleslavski

            Edgar Buchanan as Kansas Jackson

            Leo Gorcey as Sarecky

            Regis Toomey as Lt. Cmdr. Clark

            Edward S. Brophy as Casey

            Warren Ashe as Lt. Morton

            Craig Woods as Bigbee

            Curt Bois as Yasha

            Lloyd Bridges as Fireman

            Dean Benton as Fireman Moore

            Eddy Chandler as Chief Gunner's Mate

            Roger Clark as Chief Engineer

            Edmund Cobb as Workman

            Tristram Coffin as Doctor

            Eddie Dew as Survivor

            Lester Dorr as First Ship Fitter

            Bud Geary as Ship Fitter

            Al Hill as Knife-eating Sailor

            Bobby Jordan as Sobbing Sailor

            Charles McGraw as Assistant Chief Engineer

            John Merton as Chief Quartermaster

            Dennis Moore as Communications Officer

            Larry Parks as Ens. Johnson

            Addison Richards as Ferguson

            Virginia Sale as Spinster

            Dale Van Sickel as Sailor

            Eddy Waller as Riveter

            Pierre Watkin as Admiral

            Don Peters as Helmsman

            Eleanor Counts as Sarecky's Girl

            David Alison as Fireman Thomas

            Paul Perry as Doctor
See full cast

Now you can share movies with your friends on Facebook!

Discover movies your friends are watching
Keep track of what you want to see
Add your reviews to your Timeline

Get Started