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Before writing this review I took a quick look at Wikipedia and the article they have on the Seabees. Despite the fanciful story that Borden Chase wrote here about how the service was founded, the Seabees were actually an idea already thought of by Admiral Ben Morreell the Chief of Navy Supply even before Pearl Harbor.

Unlike the war in Europe where the Allies would be looking to take an hold cities with facilities already there, like air fields for example, those planning the war in the Pacific knew that they would be starting from scratch. Airfields, fuel depots, etc. would have to be constructed on jungle islands in the Pacific. So the idea of a separate service for the construction trade was born.

Now that we know that the plot of The Fighting Seabees is so much hogwash, let me say that what the film does do very well is show the hazards of what the men in that service faced. Trying to build facilities at the same time as the enemy is firing on them. The scenario in this film is repeated many times over on the islands of the Pacific.

As to the story of this film, John Wayne reverses roles here. In most of his war films he's usually the professional military man, here he's the tough, but inpatient civilian who never seems to learn the value of military discipline. Of course being this is the Duke, he does redeem himself in the end in a spectacular manner.

A love triangle is tossed in here, rather unnecessarily in my opinion, a straightforward account of Seabee heroism would have been sufficient. Wayne and Navy Commander Dennis O'Keefe are both interested in war correspondent Susan Hayward. This was Hayward's second film with John Wayne, who along with Clark Gable, and Dean Martin, she once described as her three favorite leading men. Her big scene is when she's wounded and thinks she's cashing in, she declares her love for the Duke. Susan Hayward has always been a favorite of mine, but it's on the strength of her performances in her starring roles in the Fifties, not as the sex object in The Fighting Seabees.

The Fighting Seabees isn't one of the Duke's top 10 or even top 20, but it's a decent enough film to sit through even with the World War II heroic bravado that was obligatory at the time this was made. You even get to see John Wayne attempt the jitterbug. During that scene, the Duke looks mighty uncomfortable. He was never going to compete with Fred Astaire for roles.

John Wayne is the boss of a civilian construction company building for the Navy in WW2. While working on a remote Pacific island the attacking Japanese forces interrupt construction and Wayne must convince the Government to let his men help the Navy fight back; thus the world renowned 'fighting Seabees'. This is a very good war drama and a fine cast that also features Susan Hayward, Dennis O'Keefe and William Frawley.

Having watched this in the wee hours of Veterans' Day, I just wanted to point out that rating it and other WWII propaganda films on the basis of artistic merit is beside the point entirely. The people that made these didn't have the luxury of crafting meticulous stories and memorable characters; most of the movies had been contracted by the government and had to be turned out QUICKLY. Movies like "The Fighting Seabees" were made for one reason alone: as propaganda pieces designed to bolster public support for our fighting men overseas. As such, they were an important part of the war effort, and helped ensure that fifty years later, we'd have the luxury of sitting at our computers and hashing about their qualities as movies.

With all that in mind, "The Flying Seabees" is really pretty good.

My father, who was a Seabee in the Pacific during World War II, always considered this film to be 99% absolute rubbish. He insisted that the only aspects of this movie that had any basis in fact were that the Seabees actually did recruit professional engineers and construction workers, that many of them were considerably older than other service men, that they were occasionally called upon to defend themselves, and that they really could build anything. In his day the Seabees did not yet have their own training facilities, so they did their basic military training not with the Navy but with the Marines. The way to tell the difference between a Marine base and a Seabase base was that the Marines were all 18 years old and lived in pup tents, while the Seabees were mostly in their forties and fifties and their encampments always had heat, hot and cold running water, washing machines, shower facilities, stills, and all the other comforts of home, all of which the Seabees manufactured themselves in their spare time.

Saying this film is "propaganda" is not an insult. No, it was deliberately crafted to encourage Americans that we can and will win the war if we stand firm. And what better image of this than the ever-vigilant John Wayne--the embodiment of the Hollywood image of heroism.

This film reminds me a lot of The Flying Tigers, though the plot isn't so melodramatic. It's about a crew of civilian engineers sent overseas to do construction for our troops (such as building runways and other projects). BUT, the evil Japanese in the movie take advantage of the fact that these are unarmed civilians and butcher them at every opportunity. So, what is The Duke and his trusted pals to do? Take up arms and use their own equipment when necessary to beat the stuffing out of the Japs! Yes, guys with bulldozers and clubs NEVER could have inflicted the casualties you witness in the movie, but man if it isn't entertaining to watch--particularly the explosive ending.

Picked this up as a cheap DVD as I am a sucker for 40's/50's WW2 films.

Taken as a bit of propaganda and entertainment, and not reflecting in any way historical fact, it achieves it's aim. IMO, it is not up to the standard of some of Wayne's other WW2 films of this period such as Sands of Iwo Jima and They Were Expendable.

It is somewhat disjointed, but I can imagine it having a positive effect on recruitment for the US Forces. Some earlier threads have commented on the reasons why Wayne did not have active war service. Whatever the reason, I would think he had a more positive effect on by being on film rather than seeing active service.

Ended up being a pretty good war film. A bit more acting cred for John Wayne than in his Westerns, which is fine. Some really good combat scenes, by the standards of the time. And Susan Hayward provided the much-needed eye candy. Sitting here in the hyper-polarized polity of today, it's a little hard to wrap one's mind around the wartime unity. And yes, I noticed the depictions of Japanese soldiers that are considered racist in today's oh so sensitive times. But it's never fair to judge personages or art from the past by a politically correct standard of which they knew nothing. Sort of like criticizing Jesus for admonishing slaves to obey their masters.

I was a "Seabee" w/ MCB 4, from 1964-1970!! In basic training in Port Hueneme California, during our first week of training we were marched to the post theater, and were shown this movie. We for the most part thought it was a good movie, but thought it might have been a little overplayed as a promotional thing to peak our interests in becoming a "SeaBee!? ..Well after two full tours in Viet Nam, with my battalion! I have come to the realization. That this is one of the few Wayne war movies of the WW2 time frame that is as close to accurate as they could portray a unit of the Armed Forces! A bunch of Construction workers doing their damndest to get a job done no matter the adversity or dangers ! the only real link they had to being in the military was the fact they were wearing uniforms! they Build and Fight! and Party hard !! just as we did and as the Bees still do !!

A fine John Wayne movie and no WWII movie collector should be without it. This movie's great patriotic musical score is also a fine example of strong & very well-written harmonies for male chorus; the score sounds like the U.S. Navy Band's men's chorus (an astounding group of music professionals by the way) and is a dramatic performance that supports this very positive story of the Seabees. With some added drama along the way, this movie demonstrates some of the work done by the SeaBees - building facilities & runways on remote islands during WWII; massive runway construction with PSP grid materials, bulldozing, & hut construction, which were all representative of the basics that needed accomplishing during this campaign. This was a refreshing viewing experience in that the then media was supportive of the American fighting man, and while this may make some in today's culture wince, that's their problem. Today's warriors and sailors are just as honorable & deserving of the kind of support that surrounds this kind of movie, and watching this production reminds you of that fact. Very dramatic, perhaps over-acted at times, but a great story about our fine Seabees! If you are a patriot, I believe you'll enjoy this movie.

John Wayne and Dennis O'Keefe butt heads in The Fighting Seabees, and not just over military strategy. This WW2 war movie is also a love triangle, as both men fight over the beautiful and smart Susan Hayward. I thought the romance was the most interesting part of the movie, but unfortunately for me, the war scenes were more frequent. However, if you're looking for a straight war movie, you'll probably think the romantic scenes are the unnecessary ones!

The film was made during WW2, and it was mostly a pro-American propaganda film to boost morale and ensure the folks at home, "Have no fear, we'll lick this thing!" The Duke is the head of a construction company building in the South Pacific. When the Japanese invade, the "fighting" Seabees must come together and protect the island. If you're a John Wayne fan, you probably won't find any problem with this one. If you're looking for a young Susan Hayward flick, rent Adam Had Four Sons instead.

Werner's rather tepid 6 out of 10 evaluation of THE FIGHTING SEABEES notwithstanding (I'd have given the film much higher, but that is just opinion), the allegation that Wayne failed to perform military service during World War II owing to "disabling restrictions" is simply not true. Accounts vary in accounting for his lack of military service, but none of them have to do with disabilities of any kind. As a married man with four children, he was exempt from the draft. His daughter Ayssa reports that Wayne was eager for military service but that pressure from Republic Pictures (with whom he was making enormously profitable films) convinced him not to volunteer for military service. A less flattering picture emerges from Gary Wills JOHN WAYNE'S America: THE POLITICS OF CELEBRITY in which evidence seems to indicate that Wayne (who was no physical coward by any stretch of the imagination) made a complex decision based on his growing stature in the film industry, his value as a propaganda symbol, his increasing paycheck, and the fact that he found film-making so rewarding. Whether an outside observer finds this an appealing portrait or not, there is ample evidence to suggest that Wayne always regretted thereafter not having served on active duty.

An American war film; A story about the rebellious head of a civilian construction company in the South Pacific who defies military orders to train his men for combat, which leads to tragic circumstances and a new military initiative for fightback. This is a patriotic fictional story about the creation of the United States Naval Construction Battalions, better known as the Navy Seabees. It has a theme about heroic sacrifice and the expiation of past mistakes. Nevertheless, there is some implausibility for those aware of the historical accuracy of the period. Character development is lean, and the romantic subplot is a deviation from the main story thrust, but there is good chemistry between a forceful John Wayne and a vivacious Susan Hayward. The Academy Award-nominated film score lends an atmosphere of foreboding, but it also falters to sappy in the scenes of romance.

CONTINUING in the Hollywood tradition and fine custom of rendering a fine line of films which were used as a means of communications and edification to the American People; we find the folks over on "Poverty Row" chipping in and pulling more than their weight. With the release of THE FIGHTING SEABEES (Republic Pictures, 1945) not only filled the bill, but also turned out to be one of the finest movies to come out of that studio.

BEING the Studio which had the (deserved) reputation of producing mostly attractions for the Saturday Matinée crowd; these of course being mainly the "B" Western Series and the Serials;Republic did such titles as THE RED PONY, SANDS OF IWO JIMA and THE QUIET MAN;all "A" Films.

IN addition to those listed above, we must add what is today's analyzed specimen, the screen story of the Naval Construction Battalion, much better known as THE FIGHTING SEABEES. Although it was produced in time for a 1945 release, it still packed a punch with the morale of the Armed Forces; as well as that of those at home.

SENSING that they had a very important story to tell, the Production Team set out to "Bulk up" the headliners of the cast. First of all they needed a male lead. They wanted someone who would have had experience in both the dramatic vein and in the action genre. He would have to be a 100% red blooded American Male. Well, the Republic Brain trust didn't have to look very far at all; for among their Contract Players one True Movie "Star" who would fit the bill to an absolute degree. Gee, I wonder just who that would be? ONE would certainly not have to be a film buff to come up with the answer in John Wayne.

DUKE had put in a lot of time and paid his dues with a long stint as the featured player in that series of Lone Star Western Productions, which of course was a subsidiary of Monogram Pictures. Mr. Wayne later signed on with Republic, where he was cast as the lead in their THREE MESKITEERS Western Series. More importantly, it was during this period that he was lent out to just about every studio for some movie or other. In one of his loan-outs, Director John Ford borrowed his services from Republic for the male lead in STAGECOACH (Walter Wanger Productions/United Artists, 1939) It gave a big boost to Duke's value and her saw his stock go sky high.

WORKING for about all of the other Studios in various types of roles (mostly those of a Man of Action of some sort or another), Wayne's name and reputation grew considerably. So for this time at least, there would be no going to 20th Century-Fox, Universal, Paramount or MGM for a starring role in a major motion picture. Duke would have only to stay on the Republic lot.

COSTARS for the production were a pair of most capable and popular Actors. Second lead went to Dennis O'Keefe, who while never ascending to the heights of Star, nonetheless had been most successful in many a lesser movie and as a capable, likable of a Second Lead. His casting proved to be well done as he and Wayne performed very well together, having several great scenes together.

ADDITION of Miss Susan Hayward, on loan from 20th Century-Fox (?) to the cast gave the film a great balance on the top of the bill. The insertion of her character (or any lovely lady) into the story would almost always be cause for an example of "the Eternal Triangle." And so it was; but this was Wartime and it would be handled in such a way as to remind all that this was a time of sorrow and self-sacrifice.

REPIUBLIC spared no expense in adding to the cast in a great number of tried and true character actors in supporting roles. The task was accomplished with the employ of such names as: William Frawley (Fred Mertz and 'Bub', later on TV), Grant Withers, Chief Thundercloud, J.M. Kerrigan, Leonid Kinskey, Paul Fix (Mica), Ben Welden and many others.

WHILE Republic gave THE FIGHTING SEABEES a much larger budget than most, they still got their money's worth in every respect; for while the movie called for a great deal more outdoor shooting on location than most any other of what they usually made in their Westerns and Serials. Their remedy was to stick to what they always did the best; that being to put their 'Thrill Factory Assembly Line" into working on the production.

THIS meant that they merely went to doing what they did best. They could use some of their own stock scenes of explosions, floods, fires and volcanic eruptions in movie after movie, without any adverse effect. These were always convincing and had served them well for years in lesser films.

THE reason because of their great Special Effects department, the scenes of train & airplane crashes or what have you, were done by the best guys in the business; being the Brothers Lydecker, Howard and Theodore. Their work was as fine as any in Hollywood and much better than in most cases. Even the 'Big 5' Studios of MGM, Paramount, 20th Century-Fox, RKO Radio and Warner Brothers all looked covetously at Republic's Special Effects team.

OUR STORY…………………Following the events of December 7, 1941 the need to have an all military construction unit; as the Imperial Japanese Armed Forces had no respect for unarmed civilian workers who were employed in building air strips, military compounds, etc., all throughout the Philippines and other locales in the South Pacific, They waste not a frame of film in giving background, the problems and the solution.

POUND for pound or rather frame for frame, we can't think of a better example of a great World War II Movie, BAR NONE!

POODLE SCHNITZ!!

Typical WWII era movie in terms of fighting the Japs. You will laugh at the subhuman portrayals of the little yellow men especially in the two-man tanks, unless you're Japanese of course. Lot's of simple minded expressions and some buck teeth. It makes you want to see them killed!

Basically, any movie with John Wayne is appealing. The man simply commands respect, and the women always love him, especially Susan Hayward who's a doll. Love and War; Usually the best themes for big pictures.

It didn't seem like there was much action until the last part of the film but that was well worth the wait. Hard to imagine all the gun fire while Seabees were trying to build on a remote island in WW ll and seeing their crew get blown up all around them. The first part was mostly John Wayne and Dennis O'Keefe dealing with the mundane bureaucratic red tape from the army. But that's where my favorite actress of all time, Susan Hayward saves the day. She is brilliant in playing the love interest of the leading men. This is why she is an Oscar winner and a star of many outstanding films. William Frawley was outstanding as Wayne's foreman and top man in rallying the troops. Also great to see Sascha, the bartender at Rick's Cafe Americaine, in Casablanca, Leonid Kinskey. Hayward, O'Keefe and John Wayne were exemplary in depicting the passion of our heroes, The Fighting Seabees.

It's quite understandable that wartime this ultra nationalism propaganda make sense, war is war including this unreliable movie even more with John Wayne leading the process, works to Americans who needed to be convincing your people to die for the country, typical movie that doesn't adds to much in nothing, only to Americans whose are blind about the war!!

Resume:

First watch: 1997 / How many: 2 / Source: TV-DVD / Rating: 6.

Despite their name, the "Seabees" were not some sort of maritime insect. During World War II, the U.S. Navy initially employed civilian workmen to build airstrips and other infrastructure in the Pacific combat zone. Citing international conventions which forbade the arming of civilians, the Navy always refused to arm these men to allow them to defend themselves against the Japanese, even though the Japanese often targeted them because of their value to the American war effort. This dilemma was eventually solved by the formation of Construction Battalions which formed part of the Navy and whose members had received formal military training. As they were officially servicemen, there could be no objection to arming them. The term "Seabees" derives from "CBs", the abbreviation for "Construction Battalions".

"The Fighting Seabees" tells the story of how the Seabees were created, in heavily fictionalised form. John Wayne plays Wedge Donovan, the boss of a construction company doing work for the Navy, who frequently clashes with the top brass over the fact that his men are not allowed to bear arms. The film tells the story of how Donovan and his men are recruited into the Seabees and of how they earn their spurs in battle. There is also a sub-plot involving a love-triangle between Donovan, a naval officer named Robert Yarrow and Connie Chesley, a beautiful lady journalist played by Susan Hayward.

The film was made in 1944, so it is hardly surprising that it tells its story from a highly propagandist angle. As might be imagined, its portrayal of the Japanese is racist in the extreme. Defenders of the film-makers might try and argue that it is unfair to judge by the standards of twenty-first century political correctness, but in fact much of the language used would also have been unacceptable by the standards of the first half of the twentieth century, at least in peacetime. Indeed, I cannot think of any period in history when references to a foreign nation as "bug-eyed monkeys" would have been taken as anything but grossly insulting. To defend the use of such language in wartime ignores the fact that the war was, among other things, a war against the racism of the Axis powers.

One reviewer describes Donovan as being the most unsympathetic character John Wayne ever played, and I can't really disagree with that. Even as a civilian Donovan is an irresponsible hothead whose burning eagerness to get to grips with the enemy ruins a carefully planned military operation and leads to the deaths of several of his employees. As a commissioned officer in the Seabees he displays a blithe disregard of military orders, which he only follows when it suits him to do so. At one point he is threatened with a court-martial by the calmer, saner Yarrow. I can't understand what the lovely Connie saw in him. Mind you, her character is a bit of a makeweight; the whole love-triangle subplot was probably devised to stretch out the film to the regulation length (around 90 minutes seems to have been the minimum length of A-movies) and because the largely young male target audience would have been disappointed had the film not included at least one pretty girl.

With a budget of $1.5 million, this was the most expensive film ever made by its studio, Republic Pictures. Some of that money seems to have been put to good use; the special effects used to create the battle scenes were well done by the standards of the forties, and these scenes are able to generate considerable excitement. They are, however, about the only redeeming feature that the film possesses. Not all wartime propaganda movies were bad. Indeed, some such as the American "Casablanca" and the British "Went the Day Well" must rank as great classics of the cinema. Something like "The Fighting Seabees", however, will never rank alongside them. 4/10