Flying Leathernecks
"Solid performances and fine camerawork."-Geoff Andrew, Time Out Film Guide
Marine fighter squadron VMF 247 is in the thick of it on Guadalcanal. The besieged airstrip they hold is hammered almost nightly by offshore batteries. Malaria and combat fatigue grip many of the men. Fuel is low. Replacement parts for the squad's Wildcat planes are few. And the only things not in short supply are the enemy...and Major Don Kirby's determination to keep fighting with whatever he has.
American icon John Wayne is in the cockpit and in command as Kirby, a courageous leader at odds with his executive officer (Robert Ryan) and the forefront of tacticians eager to coordinate ground combat with low-flying aerial sorties. Nicholas Ray (Rebel Without A Cause) directs, skillfully incorporating actual battlefield and dogfight footage. Flying Leathernecks has the flight stuff!
Member Reviews
John Wayne Flying High - MovieProf
1951's "Flying Leathernecks" is one of several John Wayne films that deal with the Pacific theatre of World War II. Wayne plays the new commander of a flying unit that is being used for the Guadalcanal campaign. His second in command is Robert Ryqan, who has been passed over due to the feeling that he is perhaps too weak to lead. The tension between Wayne and Ryan is highlighted throughout the film as they attempt to aid the U.S. marines in destroying the Japanese on Guadalcanal.
Like most of Wayne's war films, this is a good one. The stock footage taken from the actual campaign intersperced with this film is the one negative: the real footage does not integrate well with the film.The Duke is fying high! - MovieLover5
Kind of a predictable WW2 saga, with the plot having Wayne in charge of a squadron of Marine Corps fighter pilots. He is a believer in the fighter pilots providing close support to the ground troops, but unable to convince the brass this is the way to go. Naturally, on the outside he's the tough leader, but caring on the inside. Robert Ryan is his 2IC, and naturally does not agree with wayne's style, setting up the standard conflict.
What makes this film very interesting for those interested in WW2, is the amount of actual air combat footage incorporated into the movie. It's all in colour, making it rather unique. At the same time, some of it is very gruesome, and sad when you think you are actually watching the death of real people.
Member Reviews
Read All...
John Wayne Flying High - MovieProf
1951's "Flying Leathernecks" is one of several John Wayne films that deal with the Pacific theatre of World War II. Wayne plays the new commander of a flying unit that is being used for the Guadalcanal campaign. His second in command is Robert Ryqan, who ...The Duke is fying high! - MovieLover5
Kind of a predictable WW2 saga, with the plot having Wayne in charge of a squadron of Marine Corps fighter pilots. He is a believer in the fighter pilots providing close support to the ground troops, but unable to convince the brass this is the way to go. ...