The Gallant Hours (1960)

An unusual war film, The Gallant Hours is notable for the restraint with which it conducts itself. As a biography of the man who turned Guadalcanal into a stunning U.S. victory, Gallant would seem a natural for epic, intense scenes of battle and for the kind of macho posturing that can sometimes be found in war films. Instead, director Robert Montgomery and writers Frank D. Gilroy and Beirne Lay, Jr. opt to exclude almost all battle footage and to focus on the behind-the-scenes drama and, in this case, the man that holds the cards in the conflict and must decide how to play them. It's a bold, brave choice, and while those expecting a typical war film will be disappointed, those who savor character development and the drama of subtle expression will be well rewarded. Despite the intentions of its director and writers, Gallant would be a much lesser film with someone other than James Cagney in the lead. His performance is a treasure, a quiet, nuanced, deeply thought out and deeply felt performance that is nevertheless powerful and moving. He builds tension and drama in the most underhanded, marvelous way, and his work here is solid gold. Gallant is not without flaws, including needless narration and a tendency to drag in places. But its assets definitely outweigh its demerits. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide