John Wayne, Kirk Douglas (Not Mike), Patricia Neal, Burgess Meredith, Henry Fonda, Carrol O'Conner, Dana Meredith.

With a partial cast like that, no movie can go wrong.  And "In Harm's Way" never does.  Made in 1965, and still in Black and White, it is one of the defining movies of the greatest Generation (the other being The Longest Day).  And I only said "one of the greatest" as I know many have their own greatest movies.  But for me, this one is the greatest.

The Longest Day highlighted our Army.  This one highlights our Navy. (Sands of Iwo Jima does the same for the Marines).  And, yes. they all star John Wayne!  But unless you have seen them, several times, you really dont note that.  For the fact is they are about our greatest Generation, and not John Wayne.  He knew that when he made them, but made them to salute the men (and women) who died in the worst war this world (and hopefully that will stand for a long time) has ever seen.

And that is Why John Wayne is so popular.  He did not jump on couches like some, or demand that he have artistic control like others.  He made great movies. 

I see a few like him today, although they do not have the drawing power.  Sure, we love Lethal Weapon (note to Ladies, yes, this is a guy article), and Die Hard.  And I find no fault with Bruce (and only that drunken episode with Mel) or Mel.

But then they are the business of stardom.  Perhaps that is a symptom of our times.  They dont have a choice.  Maybe not.  I dont know.

But I do know one thing.  WHile he did not serve in the military, John Wayne served this country all his life in a greater capacity.

And as far as "In Harm's Way"?  The last scene with John Wayne being laid up and asking Maggie to stay with him?  I have been in love with her ever since!  And she will always be a Heroine to me!  One role can make or break a star.  That one made her, and I will always remember it.

yea, I am a softy! (Ladies can chime back in now! - Sorry for the Testosterone. )