The Fighting Seabees

Although denied military service during the Second World War, John Wayne did his fair share of fighting on screen in flag-waving propaganda movies like this one, which is based on a true story. He stars as the boss of a construction company who orders his workers to take up arms against the invading Japanese. It's the one where Wayne's hot-headedness causes his buddy's death, leading him to demolish all the enemy in sight, blasting his way to glory. Well, Borden Chase's screenplay worked then, and it almost works now, and if you're a fan of the Duke, give it a try. By the way, Wayne's leading lady is the young Susan Hayward.