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58% Critic Match
Flying Leathernecks
“From Guadalcanal to Okinawa...the Marine air-devils blazed a trail of glory...while the women they left behind fought battles of their own!”
5.8 / 10• 1951• 1h 42m•NR• English
WarActionDrama
Storyline
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.
Cast & Crew
John Wayne
Maj. Daniel Xavier Kirby
Lead
Robert Ryan
Capt. Carl 'Griff' Griffin
Don Taylor
Lt. Vern 'Cowboy' Blithe
Janis Carter
Joan Kirby
Jay C. Flippen
MSgt. Clancy, Line Chief
William Harrigan
Dr. Lt.Cdr. Joe Curran
James Bell
Colonel
Barry Kelley
Brigadier General
What People Are Saying
3.0
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Nicholas Ray's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
3.0
“Every frame feels alive. Flying Leathernecks is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
