Air Force Movie Review Source Bing.com
Air Force, a movie released in 1943, is a war-drama centered around the crew of a B-17 bomber during World War II. The movie follows the crew of the bomber as they fight their way through enemy territory. The story is told through the perspective of Lt. Henry T. “Hank” Kowalski, who is assigned the task of leading the bomber on its mission. Air Force is a classic war movie, and it stands the test of time.
Plot
The movie opens with the arrival of Lt. Kowalski and his crew on their B-17 bomber. They are assigned a mission to bomb a Japanese naval base in the South Pacific. On their way to their destination, their bomber is attacked by Japanese fighter planes and their mission is diverted. The B-17 is damaged and the crew is forced to take refuge on an island. While on the island, they meet a group of Chinese soldiers who have been stranded there, and the crew is forced to work together in order to survive.
The crew eventually makes it to the Japanese naval base and successfully carries out their mission, but they are soon pursued by a squadron of Japanese fighter planes. In a dramatic battle, the crew manages to fight off their attackers and make it back to base safely. The movie ends with Lt. Kowalski being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery and leadership.
The Cast
The cast of Air Force includes some of the biggest names in Hollywood at the time. John Ridgely plays Lt. Kowalski, the leader of the bomber crew. Ward Bond plays Sergeant Joe Winocki, a tough-as-nails soldier who serves as Kowalski’s right-hand man. Gig Young plays Corporal Frank McCord, the bomber’s gunner. The cast also includes Arthur Kennedy, George Tobias, and John Garfield.
Production
Air Force was directed by Howard Hawks, who is known for his work on such films as Bringing Up Baby, His Girl Friday, and The Big Sleep. The film was produced by Hawks’s production company, Winchester Pictures, and it was distributed by Warner Bros. The film was shot on location in Arizona and New Mexico, and it was released on December 31, 1943.
Reception
Air Force was well-received by critics and audiences alike. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Sound Recording, Best Cinematography, and Best Special Effects. The film was also a box office hit, earning over $5 million in its initial release. The film has since become a classic war movie and it is often cited as one of the best World War II films of all time.
Conclusion
Air Force is a classic war movie that has stood the test of time. The movie follows the crew of a B-17 bomber as they fight their way through enemy territory, and it features a stellar cast of Hollywood stars. The film was well-received by critics and audiences alike, earning four Academy Award nominations and becoming a box office hit. Air Force is a must-watch for any fan of classic war movies.
