Wake Island
Seen it?1942 | 87 min | War, Action, Drama
Saturday Specialearly ratingWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (89% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it drew serious awards attention, despite soft box office. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for action fans and history buffs. If you loved The Guns of Navarone or The Pianist, start here.
- The mood
- Intense.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 27 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1942: an older pace and style.
In late 1941, with no hope of relief or re-supply, a small band of United States Marines tries to keep the Japanese Navy from capturing their island base.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
89% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsStrong
Nominated for 4 Oscars.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$4 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 12K people sought it out in the past year
More like this
The Guns of Navarone Saturday SpecialAnother war drama, and a Saturday Special.
The Final Countdown
Weeknight WatchAnother war story, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
The Pianist
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed war drama.
The English Patient Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed war drama.
The Caine Mutiny Saturday SpecialAnother war drama, and a Saturday Special.
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Cast & crew
Directed by John Farrow
- Brian DonlevyMaj. Geoffrey Caton
- Macdonald CareyLt. Bruce Cameron
- Robert PrestonPvt. Joe Doyle
- William BendixPvt. Aloysius K. "Smacksie" Randall
- Albert DekkerShad McClosky
- Walter AbelCmdr. Roberts
- Mikhail RasumnyIvan Probenzky
- Rod CameronCapt. Pete Lewis
- Bill GoodwinSgt. Higbee / Narrator (voice)
- Damian O'FlynnCapt. Bill Patrick