Lieutenant Robert Montgomery is determined to show that motorized torpedo boats can contribute significantly to the war, not just deliver mail. He has "Rusty" (John Wayne) as his second-in-command, and they encounter a challenging situation facing the advancing Japanese forces while Americans are struggling in Manila. Amidst the constant danger and pressure, "Rusty" manages to pursue a romantic connection with nurse "Sandy" (Donna Reed), and Ward Bond provides some moments of levity alongside Russell Simpson’s character, “Dad,” which helps maintain the story's momentum. The screenplay was co-written by "Spig" Wead—a figure portrayed by Wayne in "The Wings of Eagles"—which lends a sense of realism to the narrative as their troops are compelled to retreat toward Australia. The film incorporates effective visual effects and action sequences, with close calls that allow Ford’s three leads to tell the story in a way that avoids excessive patriotism compared to some other films created during WWII to encourage public support. Wayne is appealing here, connecting well with Reed and engaging the viewers, which proves successful.

Source on TMDB