Flying Leathernecks(1951)
“From Guadalcanal to Okinawa...the Marine air-devils blazed a trail of glory...while the women they left behind fought battles of their own!”
Overview
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.
Director
Nicholas Ray
Studio
RKO Radio Pictures
Cast
John Wayne
as Maj. Daniel Xavier Kirby
Robert Ryan
as Capt. Carl 'Griff' Griffin
Don Taylor
as Lt. Vern 'Cowboy' Blithe
Janis Carter
as Joan Kirby
Jay C. Flippen
as MSgt. Clancy, Line Chief
William Harrigan
as Dr. Lt.Cdr. Joe Curran
James Bell
as Colonel
Barry Kelley
as Brigadier General
Maurice Jara
as Shorty Vegay
Adam Williams
as Lt. Bert Malotke
James Dobson
as Lt. Pudge McCabe
Carleton Young
as Col. Riley
Where to Watch
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Movie Facts
Release Year
1951
Runtime
1h 42m
Language
English
Rating
5.9 / 10
Production Companies
RKO Radio Pictures
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch Flying Leathernecks?▼
Check the "Where to Watch" section above for current streaming platforms, rental options, and purchase links for Flying Leathernecks (1951).
What is Flying Leathernecks 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.
Who directed Flying Leathernecks?▼
Flying Leathernecks was directed by Nicholas Ray and released in 1951. It is a war, action, drama film.
How long is Flying Leathernecks?▼
Flying Leathernecks has a runtime of 1 hours and 42 minutes (102 minutes total).
Who stars in Flying Leathernecks?▼
The cast of Flying Leathernecks includes John Wayne as Maj. Daniel Xavier Kirby, Robert Ryan as Capt. Carl 'Griff' Griffin, Don Taylor as Lt. Vern 'Cowboy' Blithe, Janis Carter as Joan Kirby, Jay C. Flippen as MSgt. Clancy, Line Chief and more.
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