RKO Radio Pictures released Flying Leathernecks on August 28, 1951. Nicholas Ray directed the film starring John Wayne, Robert Ryan, and Don Taylor.
‘Flying Leathernecks’ Plot Synopsis
In Flying Leathernecks, Major Daniel Kirby takes command of a squadron of Marine fliers known as the Wildcats just before they are about to go into combat in the Battle of Guadalcanal. However, his troops are not only undisciplined, but are apt to take the easy route rather than do whatever is necessary to properly complete the task at hand. Kirby’s second in command, Capt. Carl ‘Griff’ Griffin is the source of this laziness. Even though he’s the squadron’s best pilot, Kirby finds him to be a terrible commander with the inability to make the difficult decisions that may lead to his subordinate’s deaths. That can lead to disaster as they head straight into the historic battle.
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RKO Radio Pictures released Flying Leathernecks on August 28, 1951. Nicholas Ray directed the film starring John Wayne, Robert Ryan, and Don Taylor.
On paper this sounds good, with Nicholas Ray directing, and Robert Ryan starring. But your review makes it sound awful, so I probably won’t give it a shot. I do second Shea’s recommendation of Ray’s Johnny Guitar. Also Bigger Than Life and In A lonely place(sorry to keep harping on that one) Ray is a highly regarded filmmaker today with modern critics.
Yeah, if you want to watch a John Wayne war film, maybe see In Harm’s Way or Sands of Iwo Jima first.