PT 109 (1963)

User Rating:

6.3/10   

Director:

Leslie H. Martinson

Writers:

Richard L. Breen (writer)
Robert J. Donovan (book)

Release Date:

19 June 1963 (USA)

Genre:

Biography | Drama | War

Tagline:

"The Story you wouldn't believe happened...but it did!"

Plot:

Dramatization of President John F. Kennedy's war time experiences during which he captained a PT boat...

Plot Keywords:

P.t. Boat | John F Kennedy | Patrol Boat | 1940s | Military

Cast

Cliff Robertson	...	Lt. John F. Kennedy
Ty Hardin	...	Ens. Leonard J. Thom
James Gregory	...	Cmdr. C.R. Ritchie
Robert Culp	...	Ens. George 'Barney' Ross
Grant Williams	...	Lt., Alvin Cluster
Lew Gallo	...	Yeoman Rogers
Errol John	...	Benjamin Kevu
Michael Pate	...	Lt. Reginald Evans
Robert Blake	...	Charles 'Bucky' Harris
William Douglas	...	Gerald Zinser
Biff Elliot	...	Edgar E. Mauer
Norman Fell	...	Edmund Drewitch
Sam Gilman	...	Raymond Starkey
Clyde Howdy	...	Leon Drawdy
Buzz Martin	...	Maurice Kowal

Runtime:

140 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Certification:

UK:U | Iceland:16 | Finland:K-16 | Sweden:11

Filming Locations:

Little Palm Island, Florida, USA

Company:

Warner Bros. Pictures

Trivia:

Peter Fonda, who resembled the young JFK in build and looks, was also considered for the role of PT 109's last skipper, as were both Roger Smith and Ed "Kookie" Byrnes from the popular TV series "77 Sunset Strip."

Goofs:

Revealing mistakes: When Cmdr. Richie comes to the PT 109 to inspect it, he arrives in a jeep. When Cmdr. Richie comes to the PT 109 to be taken to the new base he arrives in a jeep. It is the same shot in both scenes (you can tell from the duffel bag in both scenes).

Quotes:

Charles 'Bucky' Harris: Good afternoon, sir. Crew's compartment ready for inspection. Harris, Gunner's Mate Second, standing by.
Cmdr. C.R. Ritchie: Good afternoon.
[He looks around, and then opens one of the lockers. On the inside of the door is a picture of a luscious pin-up girl]
Cmdr. C.R. Ritchie: Somebody's kid sister?
Charles 'Bucky' Harris: Sorry, sir.
Lt. John F. Kennedy: He's very sorry, sir.
Cmdr. C.R. Ritchie: Oh, no, no. Don't apologize... the most seaworthy thing I've seen on this boat.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Skydivers (#7.9)" (1994)

" Here we are, stranded and left for dead and you believe the odds are on our side. "

The world of celluloid knows the 35th president of the United States as John F. Kennedy. He is certainly the most charismatic of all modern presidents and one destined to grace the memorable portrait walls of his Camelot. There are hundreds of notable exploits of the young Kennedy, but this film " P.T. 109 " ranks among the most memorable. Although the film accentuates the brief period the young Lt. J.G (junior Grade) arrived to the Solomon islands and took command the now famous craft, the actual story begins on the night of August 2nd, 1943. It was during a night action that Kennedy's ship was attacked by an enemy destroyer and it's survivors left for dead. Were it not for Kennedy's (Cliff Robertson) unwavering faith and confidence, the injured crew envisioned inevitable captured and slow starvation. As it was, his men later recounted their commander's indomitable courage and despite his injured spine, gave hope to his despairing men during that terrifying ordeal. The supporting cast includes Ty Hardin, James Gregory as Cmdr. C.R. Ritchie, Robert Culp, Norman Fell and Robert Blake as Charles 'Bucky' Harris. The fact the now legendary boat is a piece of history as is the equally immortal Kennedy, who is forever enshrined in the hearts of Americans, this movie easily takes it's place among the Classic annals of heroic men. ****