THE FIGHTING SEABEES
US, 1944, 100 minutes, Black and white.
John Wayne, Susan Hayward, Dennis O’ Keefe, William Frawley, Leonid Kinskey, Paul Fix, Grant Withers.
Directed by Edward Ludwig.
The Fighting Seabees is a typical enough World War Two film, coming out in the year before the war ended. The difference is that it shows a group of construction workers in the Pacific, headed by John Wayne, who become involved in building military sites for the war in the Pacific. When they are attacked by the Japanese, the idea comes to form the builders into a naval group who are able to both work and fight.
John Wayne is his typical heroic self. A young Susan Hayward is the romantic interest. There are some battle scenes which encapture the spirit and action of the war – and the musical score was nominated for an Oscar.
The screenplay was by Borden Chase, better known as a writer of westerns. The film was directed by German-born Edward Ludwig who was to direct Wayne in The Wake of the Red Witch and Big Jim Mc Lain.
1. An interesting and entertaining war film? In its time for propaganda and morale-boosting? Now for history and in retrospect?
2. How well did the film use the conventions of the world war in film - in its characters, atmosphere of American involvement, campaigns in the South Pacific, specialist squads, newspaper reporters, dangers, heroism?
3. Black and white photography, location? Musical?
4. The importance of the plot being based on fact? The presentation of Wedgwood and his engineering skills, the establishing of his unit, showing them at work under invasion and harassment conditions? An appropriate tribute to this particular unit? The personalities involved? Presented for morale boosting purposes?
5. Wedgwood as a John Wayne character? His engineering background and skills? Personality? His wanting his independence, encounters with government officials, with military personnel? His agreement to work with a particular team drill, work under particular conditions, not done by the army for patriotic purposes? Strengths and weaknesses, the Involvement with Constance? The impact of his death? A credible war hero?
6. The other men, especially Yarrow and his love for Constance? The personalities involved in the camp, their working together, recreation, moods (John Wayne jitter-bugging)? The army officials? Presented according to type?
7. Constance as heroine, vigorous newspaper reporter, her presence and injuries during the war? Her emotional dilemma?
8. Battle consequences and realism?
9. Patriotic values?
