Flying Leathernecks

Name: Flying Leathernecks
Genre: Action, Drama, War
Released: August 28, 1951
Duration: 102 min
Rating: 75
Cast: Adam Williams, Barry Kelley, Don Taylor, James Bell, Janis Carter

1951

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Generally favorable reviews based on 6 Critic Reviews

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Flying Leathernecks

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Movie Details & Credits

RKO Radio Pictures | Release Date: August 28, 1951 | Approved

Starring: Adam Williams, Barry Kelley, Don Taylor, James Bell, Janis Carter, Jay C. Flippen, John Wayne, Maurice Jara, Robert Ryan, William Harrigan

Summary: Major Kirby leads The Wildcats squadron into the historic WWII battle of Guadalcanal.

Director: Nicholas Ray

Genre(s): Action, Drama, War

Rating: Approved

Runtime: 102 min

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Critic Reviews

Howard Thompson

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. Read full review

The Observer (UK) Philip French

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]

Susan King

Terrific aerial footage and fine performances. [24 Dec 1998, p.F12]

Staff (Not Credited)

Actual color footage of battle action in the Pacific has been smartly blended with studio shots to strike a note of realism. Read full review

TV Guide Magazine Staff (Not Credited)

Although a passable war film, Flying Leathernecks must be considered something of a disappointment for fans of Wayne, Ryan, and director Nick Ray. Read full review

Staff (Not Credited)

Thanks to the solid performances and fine camerawork, the film is not bad, merely professional. Read full review

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codyz

Aug 8, 2023

Overall, this is kind of backwards moviemaking. The producers got their hands on all this color combat footgage, and decided to make a movie around it. So when movie switches back and forth, between real and staged, it really took me out of the drama. That said, the movie is anchored byOverall, this is kind of backwards moviemaking. The producers got their hands on all this color combat footgage, and decided to make a movie around it. So when movie switches back and forth, between real and staged, it really took me out of the drama. That said, the movie is anchored by the two stars, which makes the film watchable. Especially John Wayne. This is a more hard edged WW2 role for him. He's tough as nails, and has no time to babysit and coddle his young squad, and he frequently calls out their bs. This is contrasted with Robert Ryan. He leadership style is to be one of the guys, be more empathetic, and the two leads clash alot, espcially when lives are lost.… Expand

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