The Gallant Hours

The Gallant Hours is a 1960 American docudrama about William F. Halsey, Jr. and his efforts in fighting against Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto and the Imperial Japanese Navy in the Guadalcanal campaign of World War II. This film was directed by Robert Montgomery, who also did uncredited narration, and stars James Cagney as Admiral Halsey. Featured players include Dennis Weaver, Ward Costello, Vaughn Taylor, Richard Jaeckel, and Les Tremayne. The screenplay was by Frank D. Gilroy and Beirne Lay, Jr., and the unusual a cappella choral score was composed and conducted by Roger Wagner, although the theme song was written by Ward Costello. The film was produced by Montgomery and Cagney, the only film made by their joint production company. The Gallant Hours was released by the United Artists company on June 22, 1960. Description The Gallant Hours depicts the crucial five-week period in October–November 1942 after Admiral Halsey (James Cagney) took command of the beleaguered American forces in the South Pacific Area. That period of combat, highlighted by the Guadalcanal Campaign which serves as the movie’s focus, became a turning point in the struggle against the Japanese Empire in that theatre during World War II. The story is told in flashback, framed by Halsey ceremonially leaving his command in 1947.