34

Signed by Wayne and over 50 cast and crew of "They Were Expendable"

John Wayne

Commemorative poster Signed,

thanking John Ford for leadership during filming of They Were Expendable (1945), featuring an ink and watercolor illustration by MGM art director Malcolm F. Brown showing two PT boats. Additionally signed by over 50 cast and crew, including Robert Montgomery, Marshall Thompson, Jack Holt, Harry Tenbrook, Jeff York, cinematographer Joseph H. August and unit art director Malcolm F. Brown. 24¼x18½ inches, illustration board; some faint splattering of watercolor paint, few minor indentations at upper right, faint toning at edges.

Np, circa 1945.

  • Notes: The text, painted by Brown [possibly also composed by him]: "Commander John Ford / from / his 'Expendable' crew / We give thanks to you, our loyal commander, / for making this picture one we'll always remember. / We knew who was boss right from the beginning, / As you wielded the big stick in every inning. / You didn't draw your punches for the short or tall, / They all looked alike the big and the small. / So if this crew is together again soon, / We want you as captain playing the tune. / We think you'r[e] tops even if you gave us hell, / So we'll BELAY the chatter and say THAT'S WELL."

    Provenance: From the family of John Ford.
  • Condition:
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November 6, 2025 12:00 PM EST
New York, NY, US

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