Wake Island
US (1942): Drama/War
This immensely popular wartime hit stirred the nation in the darkest days of WW II. A hearty handful of Marines bravely attempt the impossible: with no chance for reinforcements, they struggle to hold the remote outpost of Wake Island in the days following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Brian Donlevy and William Bendix are superb in a picture that set the standard for wartime flag-wavers (and was used by the Marines at boot camps!). The film features early uncredited appearances by two TV icons: Hugh Beaumont, who went on to play Ward Cleaver on "Leave it to Beaver," and Alan Hale Jr., who would later play The Skipper on "Gilligan's Island." John Farrow directs a cast that also includes Robert Preston, Macdonald Carey, Albert Dekker, Barbara Britton, Walter Abel, Rod Cameron and Frank Albertson. (amctv.com)
4 nominations
· Best Picture 1942: Joseph Sistrom, producer (Paramount)
· Supporting Actor 1942: William Bendix
· Directing 1942: John V. Farrow
· Writing (Original Screenplay) 1942: W. R. Burnett, Frank Butler