| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
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John Ridgely | ... |
Pilot
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| Gig Young | ... |
Co-Pilot
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| Arthur Kennedy | ... |
Bombardier
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| Charles Drake | ... |
Navigator
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| Harry Carey | ... |
Crew Chief Sgt. White
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| George Tobias | ... |
Asst. Crew Chief
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Ward Wood | ... |
Radio Operator
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Ray Montgomery | ... |
Asst. Radio Operator
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| John Garfield | ... |
Aerial Gunner Joe Winocki
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| James Brown | ... |
Pursuit Pilot - Passenger
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Stanley Ridges | ... |
Major Mallory
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| Willard Robertson | ... |
Colonel at Hickam Field
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Moroni Olsen | ... |
Col. Blake
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| Edward Brophy | ... |
Marine Sgt. J.J. Callahan
(as Edward S. Brophy)
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Richard Lane | ... |
Maj. W.G. Roberts
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On December 6, 1941 nine B-17 bomber set off on a flight from San Francisco to Hawaii. One of the bombers, the Mary Ann, is commanded by 'Irish' Quincannon. The bombardier, Tommy McMartin, has a sister living in Hawaii and the co-pilot, Bill Williams, is sweet on her. The men are all highly professional with the exception of aerial gunner Joe Winocki, a bitter man who has every intention of leaving the army air corps. They arrive at Hickam Field on the morning of December 7, just as the Japanese are attacking Pearl Harbor and other military facilities. All of the men prepare to face the enemy, including Winocki whose attitude changes quickly. The bomber and its crew will participate in many missions but not all will survive. Written by garykmcd
I've seen this on cable dozens of times and almost never turn it off when it comes on. Some of the comments about the racist terms are simply naive. Trying to judge a movie 60 years later using political correctness as a measurement is like trying to compare Slater Martin with Michael Jordan. Air Force was released in 1943 meaning it was written and produced shortly after Pearl Harbor. So, the terms "Fried Jap" are understandable considering the times. Yes, the death bed scene was sappy. But the scene where the "Mary Anne" is trying to take off just one step ahead of invading japaness troops is exciting. The special effects are good (again, considering the technology 60 years ago) and although you can point to problems here or there, I think Howard Hawks and a great cast make this a movie people will enjoy for many more decades.