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Released in 1955, Strategic Air Command is a classic aviation film directed by Anthony Mann and starring James Stewart, June Allyson, and Frank Lovejoy. The movie tells the story of a baseball player turned bomber pilot who is called back to active duty during the Cold War.
The Plot
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The main character, Lt. Col. Robert “Dutch” Holland, is a former baseball player who is recalled to active duty in the Strategic Air Command (SAC) during the Korean War. After completing his training, he becomes a B-36 bomber pilot and is stationed in Alaska.
While on a routine training mission, Dutch is forced to make an emergency landing in Newfoundland due to bad weather. There, he meets his wife, Sally, who has flown in to join him. They spend a few days together before Dutch is called back to duty.
As tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union escalate, Dutch is given a secret mission to fly a B-36 bomber to England and back. The mission is meant to demonstrate the United States’ ability to strike the Soviet Union with nuclear weapons.
The Cast
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The movie stars James Stewart as Lt. Col. Robert “Dutch” Holland, a former baseball player turned bomber pilot. June Allyson plays his wife, Sally, and Frank Lovejoy plays Dutch’s friend and fellow pilot, Col. “Rock” Roscoe.
The rest of the cast includes Harry Morgan, who plays Sgt. Bible, a tough-talking crew chief, and Jay C. Flippen, who plays Gen. Ennis C. Hawkes, the commanding officer of SAC.
The Aviation
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Strategic Air Command is known for its accurate portrayal of the B-36 bomber, which was the mainstay of the SAC fleet during the early years of the Cold War. The movie features several scenes of the massive bomber in flight and on the ground.
The film also includes scenes of other aircraft, including the F-86 Sabre and the F-84 Thunderjet, as well as aerial footage of the Alaskan wilderness and the English countryside.
The Production
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The movie was produced by William Perlberg and George Seaton and was shot on location at several Air Force bases, including Travis Air Force Base in California and Limestone Air Force Base in Maine.
The film’s director, Anthony Mann, was known for his work in the Western genre and brought a gritty, realistic style to the aviation scenes in the movie.
The Reception
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Strategic Air Command was a box office success and received generally positive reviews from critics. The movie was praised for its accurate portrayal of the B-36 bomber and its use of actual Air Force personnel and equipment.
The film also received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
The Legacy
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Strategic Air Command has become a classic aviation film and is remembered as one of the best movies about the early years of the Cold War. The film’s realistic portrayal of the B-36 bomber has made it a favorite among aviation enthusiasts.
The movie also helped to raise public awareness of the Strategic Air Command and its role in defending the United States during the Cold War.
Conclusion
Strategic Air Command is a classic aviation film that tells the story of a bomber pilot during the early years of the Cold War. The movie features stunning aerial footage of the B-36 bomber and other aircraft and is known for its accurate portrayal of the Strategic Air Command.
The film’s cast, led by James Stewart and June Allyson, delivers solid performances, and the movie’s realistic portrayal of military life adds to its authenticity.
Overall, Strategic Air Command is a must-see for aviation enthusiasts and fans of classic cinema.
