“PT 109 1963” is a war drama film which follows the story of Lieutenant John F. Kennedy’s heroic actions as a torpedo boat captain during World War II. In a battle with Japanese ships, Kennedy’s PT boat is destroyed and he must lead his crew to safety in enemy territory. It’s a tense, gripping tale of courage and perseverance against all odds.
CLICK HERE⇣⇣⇣📽️_Watch PT 109 1963 English Subtitles_
Review
PT 109: A Tale of Courage and Resilience
Movies have the power to move us, evoke emotions, and take us on a journey. One such movie is PT 109, which tells the story of John F. Kennedy’s early days as a navy lieutenant during World War II. Released in 1963, PT 109 offers a gripping account of courage, resilience, and sacrifice that continues to inspire audiences over five decades later.
The story revolves around the young Kennedy assuming command of PT-109 following an attack by Japanese warships in the Solomon Islands that results in the sinking of his boat. Alone and injured with his crew scattered across the Pacific Ocean, he leads them on a daring survival mission against seemingly impossible odds.
The screenplay for PT 109 is based on Kennedy’s account of the incident in his Pulitzer Prize-winning book “Profiles in Courage.” The film depicts him as a brave and determined leader who overcomes physical limitations and navigates hazardous waters while battling hunger, thirst, and exhaustion to save his men.
The cast boasts impressive performers such as Cliff Robertson as Lieutenant Kennedy. Robertson delivers an outstanding performance capturing every emotion of Kennedy’s character. Whether it be frustration or fear, Robertson does justice to portray JDK.
The film was produced by Warner Bros., directed by Leslie H. Martinson with music composer Bronislaw Kaper creating an outstanding score that enhances every scene with high dramatic effect.
The popularity of this movie lies not only in its iconic subject matter but also its portrayal of John F. Kennedy as an American hero. PT 109 hit theaters at a time when America was still mourning JFK’s assassination; therefore PT-109 links back to his legacy and patriotism which reflects wonderfully on how America remembers him.
Filmed entirely in Hawaii where many reconstructions were created such as those depicting Japanese warships off Guadalcanal or palm trees bordering sandy beaches which adds authenticity on storytelling happening in the Solomon Islands.
The production of PT 109 was not without its challenges, with the cast and crew facing filming difficulties such as battling harsh climate conditions and technical glitches. However, these shortcomings were easily overcome by the determination and expertise of the talented crew working on this project.
The cinematography in PT 109 is stunning; from wide shots of the ocean to dramatic close-ups of Kennedy’s face when he is under duress. The cameras capture every detail vividly giving audiences a front row seat to witness the tenacity and bravery of this charismatic leader.
PT 109 was received well by critics upon its release and won a nomination for best sound mixing at The Academy Awards in 1964. The visual effects were also praised as being exceptional, providing an engaging spectacle that heightened the impact of some scenes while also adding depth to others.
The movie’s dialogue features quotable lines that resonate with viewers such as “All men are created equal but some have to work harder in war.” It highlights Kennedy’s commitment to his fellow sailors’ welfare regardless of their race or color at a time when racial segregation was still prevalent in American society.
While there are criticisms about PT-109, including its portrayal of Kennedy’s heroism as overly romanticized, it remains a film worth watching for anyone interested in American history and for those who seek inspiration from tales of resilience, leadership, and courage.
In conclusion, PT 109 is a timeless classic that transports us back to a different era when leaders exhibited selflessness and strength in times of crisis. Leslie H. Martinson’s command over the directing resonates beautifully with Bronislaw Kaper’s music composition which provides outstanding depth overall while Cliff Robertson captures JDK impeccably. Despite being made more than five decades ago, it has stood the test of time remarkably well and remains relevant today as an embodiment of one man’s determination against overwhelming adversity.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 140
- Release : 1963-06-19
- Genre : Drama, War
- Cast : Cliff Robertson as Lt. John F, Kennedy, Ty Hardin as Ensign Leonard J. Thom, James Gregory as Commander C.R. Ritchie, Robert Culp as Ensign George ‘Barney’ Ross, Grant Williams as Lt. Alvin Cluster
- Crew : Folmar Blangsted as Editor, John P. Austin as Set Decoration, Robert Surtees as Director of Photography, David Buttolph as Original Music Composer, Leslie H. Martinson as Director
- Popularity 7.672
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Warner Bros. Pictures
- Summary : Dramatization of President John F. Kennedy’s war time experiences during which he captained a PT boat, took it to battle and had it sunk by a Japanese destroyer. He and the survivors had to make their way to an island, find food and shelter and signal the Navy for rescue.
- Tagline : Most men would have given up…But not the crew of PT 109
