Synopsis
Major Daniel Kirby takes command of a squadron of Marine fliers just before they are about to go into combat. While the men are well meaning, he finds them undisciplined and prone to always finding excuses to do what is easy rather than what is necessary. The root of the problem is the second in command, Capt. Carl 'Griff' Griffin. Griff is the best flier in the group but Kirby finds him a poor commander who is not prepared to make the difficult decision that all commanders have to make - to put men in harm's way knowing that they may be killed.
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Cast
- John WayneMaj. Daniel Xavier Kirby
- Robert RyanCapt. Carl 'Griff' Griffin
- Don TaylorLt. Vern 'Cowboy' Blithe
- Janis CarterJoan Kirby
- Jay C. FlippenMSgt. Clancy, Line Chief
- William HarriganDr. Lt.Cdr. Joe Curran
- James BellColonel
- Barry KelleyBrigadier General
- Maurice JaraShorty Vegay
- Adam WilliamsLt. Bert Malotke
Recommendations
- 90
The New York Times
With Mr. Wayne, Mr. Ryan and their charges in the cockpits against the crackling magnificence of Mr. Ray's battletorn sky, the picture is all it should be. - 80
Los Angeles Times
Terrific aerial footage and fine performances. [24 Dec 1998, p.F12] - 80
The Observer (UK)
Conventional, highly efficient patriotic war drama, made during the Korean War but set in the Pacific during the Second World War. John Wayne as a martinet US Marine Crops squadron leader is confronted by Robert Ryan as a compassionate second-in-command, and the flying sequences are as outstanding as one might expect from a movie produced by ace aviator Howard Hughes. [08 Dec 2002, p.8] - 70
Variety
Actual color footage of battle action in the Pacific has been smartly blended with studio shots to strike a note of realism. - 60
Time Out
Thanks to the solid performances and fine camerawork, the film is not bad, merely professional. - 60
TV Guide Magazine
Although a passable war film, Flying Leathernecks must be considered something of a disappointment for fans of Wayne, Ryan, and director Nick Ray.
