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About
Major Daniel Kirby takes command of a squadron of Marine fliers just before they are about to go into combat. While the men are well meaning, he finds them undisciplined and prone to always finding excuses to do what is easy rather than what is necessary. The root of the problem is the second in command, Capt. Carl 'Griff' Griffin. Griff is the best flier in the group but Kirby finds him a poor commander who is not prepared to make the difficult decision that all commanders have to make - to put men in harm's way knowing that they may be killed.
Theatrical
Aug 28, 1951
DVD / Blu-ray
May 4, 2004
Director
Writers
Producer
Studio
RKO Radio Pictures
Cast
Full credits →J
John Wayne
Maj. Daniel Xavier Kirby
R
Robert Ryan
Capt. Carl 'Griff' Griffin
D
Don Taylor
Lt. Vern 'Cowboy' Blithe
J
Janis Carter
Joan Kirby
J
Jay C. Flippen
MSgt. Clancy, Line Chief
W
William Harrigan
Dr. Lt.Cdr. Joe Curran
J
James Bell
Colonel
B
Barry Kelley
Brigadier General
M
Maurice Jara
Shorty Vegay
A
Adam Williams
Lt. Bert Malotke
J
James Dobson
Lt. Pudge McCabe
C
Carleton Young
Col. Riley
M
Michael St. Angel
Capt. Harold Jorgensen, Ops. Officer
B
Brett King
1st Lt. Ernie Stark
G
Gordon Gebert
Tommy Kirby
H
Hal Bokar
Lt. Deal (uncredited)
B
Barry Brooks
Squadron Commander (uncredited)
C
Charles Brunner
Charlie's Father (uncredited)
R
Richard Condon
1st Pilot Replacement (uncredited)
J
James Craven
Fleet CIC Commander (uncredited)
