NR | 1h 42m | Action, Drama, War | 1951
In the world of cinema, the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) is most often seen in amphibious combat operations. Marines also played a lesser-known role in air missions and came into their own during World War II.
“The Flying Leathernecks,” produced in 1951, showcases this aerial element of the USMC (officially designated as the United States Marine Corps Aviation) during World War II, with the Pacific theater as its backdrop. It features fine performances by its two leads, John Wayne and Robert Ryan, as well as lots of tense drama and spectacular aerial combat scenes.
The film begins in the summer of 1942, during the height of the Pacific War, which saw the U.S. Armed Forces fighting to preserve freedom against the violently expansionistic forces of the nascent Japanese empire.
During a change of command, Maj. Dan Kirby (Wayne) arrives at the Cactus airfield on the island of Guadalcanal. He is to take command of squadron VMF-247, a U.S. Marine Corps Aviation unit that is sorely lacking in pilots, planes, ammunition, and other supplies, because of its fierce fighting against the Japanese.
Kirby is replacing Capt. Carl “Griff” Griffin (Ryan), who was passed over by the higher-ups for command of unit VMF-247, nicknamed the “Wildcats.” The rank-and-file men of the squadron were preparing to celebrate Griffin’s command (with beers at the ready) since he'd been stationed on the island with the men for some time. Instead, they are let down when they see that Kirby is taking over.
Indeed, the marines have grown used to Griffin’s casual leadership style, which entails being sensitive to their individual needs and concerns. Conversely, Kirby’s approach contrasts sharply with Griffin’s. Kirby’s way of caring comes in the form of being a stricter, by-the-books officer.
Not only do the two men clash over leadership styles, but Griffin also feels miffed that Kirby superseded him as squadron commander. Meanwhile, Kirby believes Griffin to be incapable of properly disciplining the men since he has grown too fond of them.
The marine squadron’s base is constantly attacked by Japanese military forces. Early on, we see a surprise Japanese air-to-ground attack that decimates the marine’s planes. Japanese ships off the island’s coast bombard the base.
Since Kirby is skilled at close air support (CAS), which involves supporting friendly ground forces by conducting air-to-ground strafing runs, he utilizes CAS tactics against the Japanese.
The conflict between Kirby and Griffin takes center stage. Due to Kirdy’s unorthodox tactics and the growing enmity between the two officers, Kirby and Griffin must either learn to work together for the mission’s sake, or risk demoralizing the men under their command, which could endanger the entire squadron.
However, a common problem of war movies with large casts is that they minimize the experiences of the rank-and-file troops, in this case, the men of squadron VMF-247. Although the film attempts to humanize marines by showing them writing letters to their loved ones back home, it seems a rather perfunctory touch and doesn’t shed enough light on their personalities, motivations, or backgrounds.
To the film’s credit, several supporting players deliver memorable performances. Character actor Jay C. Flippen, who plays Kirby’s old battle buddy Master Sgt. Clancy, uses his background in stand-up comedy to great effect here, providing some well-needed laughs amid the grueling hardships that the marines endure.
There are also some enjoyable scenes with actors Don Taylor, who plays Lt. Vern “Cowboy” Blithe and Griff’s brother-in-law; and Janis Carter, who plays Kirby’s wife Joan, but their limited on-screen time results in limited investment in their characters. Carter, in particular, seems underused in the film’s subplot.
To the film’s credit, there are some great action sequences that get the blood pumping. Director Nicholas Ray (“Rebel Without a Cause,” “In a Lonely Place”) utilized a mixture of archival war footage with staged scenes, and the results effectively convey the war’s brutality.
Overall, “The Flying Leathernecks” does an admirable job of showing us World War II through a unique lens that differs from the usual boots-on-the-ground fighting. It combines excellent acting performances and capable direction with visceral action sequences to deliver an entertaining wartime movie package.
