Regular Price $14.98

Starring: John Garfield,  John Ridgely,  Gig Young,  Arthur Kennedy,  Charles Drake, 
Directed By: Howard Hawks, 
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Release Date: 1943-03-20
Studio: MGM (Warner)
Format: Black & White,  NTSC, 

Editorial Reviews and DVD Information about Air Force (1943)

Amazon.com
There was no better director than Howard Hawks at depicting group action. Because of his sense of character and pacing, Air Force transcends its propaganda purpose. It's well crafted all the way around, from the acting to the writing to the aerial fighting to James Wong Howe's painstakingly striking cinematography. A B-17 takes off from San Francisco in December of 1941 headed for Hawaii only to witness the Pearl Harbor attack from above, so it lands and takes off to thwart an oncoming attack. Reassigned to Manila, the crew (which includes the always cynical John Garfield, Gig Young, Arthur Kennedy, George Tobias, and Harry Carey) is thrust into the thick of battle. Incidentally, Hawks enlisted William Faulkner to rewrite a death scene that resulted in a sublime sense of honor. He also added some epigrammatic polish to some dialogue, such as Tobias's dismissal of California: "The sun shines and nothing ever happens, and before you know it you're 60 years old." --Bill Desowitz

Customer Reviews for Air Force (1943)

Air Force
Who could go wrong with Howard Hawks? A fanciful propagandistic tale set in the days surrounding the Pearl Harbor attack. The "Mary Ann" goes more places in a few days and even leads a counterattack on the entire Japanese fleet only a few days later. Still, it is one of my favorites, I dig the B-17C/D and the cast, featuring a lot of second-line Warner Brothers actors for the time, except Harry Carey, is tight. Commentary would have made this even better.Air Force (1943)

A good buy
I wanted to buy this film because I heard the Lux Radio Theatre version of it, and it was not only enjoyable, but the story began at Maither Field, which is not very far from where I live. And...I wasn't disappointed, but I do think the ending drags a bit. However, it's a valuable film because it gives the viewer a good survey of the first few days of World War II. Many people don't know that Pearl Harbor was only one of the places attacked by the Japanese on December 7th and 8th. I sure didn't until recently, when I saw the Ken Burns documentary. Pearl Harbor was just the tip of the iceberg.

Also, the Special Features section on the disc is excellent. Not only is the Lux program included, but there is a short subject about the WACs which is very interesting. All in all, this disc is a nice starting place for someone who might be curious about the era, or just looking for some good entertainment.Air Force (1943)

Off We Go....
Ahhh to hate those from Japan! How easy it was to twist the facts to put the fear of God into the average American! This attempt at propaganda had it all...the proud father, the tough kid, the boy next door, and even the cute dog! Too bad it was over the top. Still...it is a popcorn movie that could be used to open talk on fear and racism in the 1940's as well as what people will do to win you over to their cause. I enjoy watching it and would recommend it for a collector. Most others would be put off by the heavy hand of hollywood!Air Force (1943)

A fantastic classic World War II movie
This is a classic must have for all lovers of history and World War II.Air Force (1943)

Air Force
As a fan of most flying films and military ones in particular, this was a good movie. Naturally because it was produced during WWII it was very slanted in its language and portrayal of the Japanese. As I desire to have as many classic WWII flying films in my liabrary as possible, I am happy to have this one.Air Force (1943)

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