In Harm's Way Details

Producer/director Otto Preminger had a rough critical ride in the 1960s, not least for this marvellous Second World War epic, which begins with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The fine, hand-picked cast includes John Wayne and Kirk Douglas as naval officers suffering mixed fortunes during and after the attack. Both are tremendous, and they are well supported by Patricia Neal, Brandon de Wilde and Dana Andrews. The main flaw is that the special effects in the later sea battles look unconvincing (they were shot using models), but this may be less distracting for TV viewers today. Nevertheless, the film has great scale (and a great score by Jerry Goldsmith), and, unusually, the characters aren't dwarfed by the canvas. It's a long haul, but it's well worth your perseverance.

Odd mix of all-star action, spectacle (mostly models) and personal romances, with a few interesting scenes; shorn of colour it seems rather half-hearted.