To the Shores of Tripoli is a Technicolor 1942 film starring John Payne, Maureen O'Hara, Randolph Scott, and Nancy Kelly. The movie was directed by H. Bruce Humberstone and produced by Milton Sperling.
Plot and production
Titled after a lyric in the Marines' Hymn, which contains the phrase "...to the shores of Tripoli" (which is, itself, a reference to the Battle of Derne) the film is one of the last of the pre-Pearl Harbor service films. When the film was in post-production the Pearl Harbor attack occurred having the studio shoot a new ending where Payne re-enlists.
Wealthy university graduate and playboy Payne enlists in the U.S. Marine Corps as a private where he meets his Drill Instructor Scott and falls in love with Navy Nurse O'Hara. In sequences filmed at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego Scott gives Payne an opportunity to demonstrate his leadership potential by drilling his platoon. To Scott's amusement the Marines mock Payne and perform slapstick antics during the drill as Payne marches them away. As Scott is enjoying himself the platoon marches back and performs close order drill of a high order of perfection. Scott is greatly surprised until he looks over the platoon and notices several Marines have black eyes, chipped teeth and bruises.
Payne is selected for Sea School and on gunnery practise during naval manoeuvers he manages to save Scott's life when repairing gunnery targets. Despite winning the respect of Scott and his fellow Marines, Payne leaves the Marines and hears the news of the Pearl Harbor attack when driving in a car. His way is blocked by his old platoon marching for embarkment. Payne runs to Scott to reenlist; Payne enters the ranks that close up as he dresses in his old uniform his platoon his kept. Payne's proud father asks him to "Get a Jap for me".
Though a successful film, author Leon Uris ridicules the film in his reaction of Marines who see it in Battle Cry.
External links
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