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“Strategic Air Command” is a movie that was released in 1955. It is a drama film that was directed by Anthony Mann and starred James Stewart and June Allyson. The movie was produced by Paramount Pictures and was shot in Technicolor. The movie is about the United States Air Force’s Strategic Air Command and the role it played in the Cold War.
Plot
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The movie follows the story of Lt. Col. Robert “Dutch” Holland (James Stewart), a former baseball player who is now a pilot in the Strategic Air Command. He is called back to active duty during the Korean War and struggles to balance his duty to his country and his family.
After the war, Holland is selected to train a crew of new B-36 bomber pilots. He is given the task of making sure that the United States is always ready to defend itself against any attack from the Soviet Union. Holland is also reunited with his wife, Sally (June Allyson), and their young son, who had been living in California while Holland was stationed in Texas.
Throughout the movie, Holland is faced with various challenges, including mechanical problems with the planes, the strain on his marriage, and the threat of a nuclear attack. The movie ends with Holland successfully completing a training mission and being reunited with his family.
Production
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The movie was produced by Paramount Pictures and was shot on location at various Air Force bases in the United States. The film’s director, Anthony Mann, was known for his work in film noir and westerns, but this was his first time directing a movie about the military.
James Stewart, who played Lt. Col. Holland, was a former Air Force pilot himself. He had flown in World War II and had remained in the Air Force Reserve until 1968. In fact, he had been promoted to Brigadier General in the Air Force Reserve in 1959, just four years after “Strategic Air Command” was released.
Reception
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“Strategic Air Command” was released during the height of the Cold War and was well-received by audiences. The movie was praised for its technical accuracy and for its portrayal of the men and women who served in the Strategic Air Command. It was also noted for its impressive aerial footage of the B-36 bomber.
Critics were more mixed in their reviews of the movie. Some praised James Stewart’s performance and the film’s technical aspects, while others felt that the movie was too slow-paced and lacked a compelling story.
Legacy
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“Strategic Air Command” is now considered a classic Cold War movie and is often shown in film studies classes. The movie’s accurate portrayal of the Strategic Air Command has also been praised by military personnel.
The movie was also notable for its use of the B-36 bomber, which was the largest bomber ever built by the United States. The B-36 was retired from service in 1959, just four years after “Strategic Air Command” was released.
Conclusion
“Strategic Air Command” is a classic Cold War movie that tells the story of the United States Air Force’s Strategic Air Command. The movie is notable for its technical accuracy, impressive aerial footage, and James Stewart’s performance. While some critics felt that the movie was slow-paced, it is now considered a classic and is often shown in film studies classes.
