Flying Leathernecks
Seen it?1951 | 102 min | War, Action, Drama
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (75% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for action fans and history buffs. If you loved Top Gun: Maverick, start here.
- The mood
- Intense.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 42 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1951: an older pace and style.
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.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
75% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$3 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 19K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Midway
Weeknight WatchAnother military action film, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Memphis Belle Sunday Safe BetAnother military war drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Pearl Harbor Sunday Safe BetAnother war drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Top Gun: Maverick
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed action film.
The Final Countdown Weeknight WatchAnother war story, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Nicholas Ray
- 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