It’s an old story, but it works. A tough as nails commander, is sent in to harden men for battle. This is the case with Flying Leathernecks. John Wayne plays Major Daniel Xavier Kirby. He is a marine corps pilot. He is tasked with getting the men to be the best fighter pilots. His methods alienate many. This includes Captain Carl (Griff) Griffin. He becomes angry and upset at Kirby’s seeming indifference to pilot casualties. One incident that stands out, is a harsh lesson, that Major Kirby gives the pilots. A pilot who didn’t follow instructions was killed by Japanese soldiers. Kirby shows his men the body. This is to point out what happens when instructions aren’t followed.
Kirby has trained his pilots, and is sent home. His wife, Joan, (Janis Carter), is thrilled that her husband is home. The captain’s son, Tommy, (Gordon Gebert), doesn’t recognize his father, and needs an introduction. The family reunion isn’t permanent. Major Kirby is recalled. He must take command of the marine flyers, and do what is necessary. This is done, but Kirby is taken out of action for good. He is shot down and is wounded. He is disappointed, but knows the unit has done it’s job, and is in good hands, with Captain Griffin.
A story like this, wasn’t a stretch for John Wayne. He played many military men, and is good in this. He and Robert Ryan help out this standard movie, with their characters bickering. A brawl between them is averted, when the brigadier general calls Kirby in for a briefing. Kirby and Griffin, put aside their differences, when they realize the mission is what matters.
Flying Leathernecks is a good tribute to the marine flyers in World War 2. The flying sequences are given realism. It also shows the strain of command, as well as the difficulty of flying in combat. There may be better films about combat, but it keeps the viewer’s interest.