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Flying Leathernecks

Flying Leathernecks

From Guadalcanal to Okinawa...the Marine air-devils blazed a trail of glory...while the women they left behind fought battles of their own!

19515.81h 42m

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.

Directed by Nicholas Ray
Written by Beirne Lay Jr., Edmund Grainger, James Edward Grant
Produced by Edmund Grainger
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Top Cast

John Wayne

John Wayne

Maj. Daniel Xavier Kirby

Robert Ryan

Robert Ryan

Capt. Carl 'Griff' Griffin

Don Taylor

Don Taylor

Lt. Vern 'Cowboy' Blithe

Janis Carter

Janis Carter

Joan Kirby

Jay C. Flippen

Jay C. Flippen

MSgt. Clancy, Line Chief

William Harrigan

William Harrigan

Dr. Lt.Cdr. Joe Curran

James Bell

James Bell

Colonel

Barry Kelley

Barry Kelley

Brigadier General

Maurice Jara

Maurice Jara

Shorty Vegay

Adam Williams

Adam Williams

Lt. Bert Malotke

Themes & Keywords

world war iifighter pilotu.s. air forcemarine corpspacificokinawapacific island

About Flying Leathernecks

Flying Leathernecks is a war, action, drama film released in 1951 exploring themes of world war ii, fighter pilot, u.s. air force, marine corps, pacific, okinawa. Directed by Nicholas Ray, it stars John Wayne, Robert Ryan, Don Taylor. 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.

Movies Similar to Flying Leathernecks

Discover titles like Flying Leathernecks — ranked by similarity and community votes

We found 15 movies similar to Flying Leathernecks

If you enjoyed Flying Leathernecks, you'll love these handpicked recommendations. Each title below shares similar themes, tone, and storytelling style. Our algorithm analyzes genres, keywords, director filmography, and cast connections to find the closest matches. Whether you're looking for the same emotional depth, narrative structure, or visual style, these picks are curated to deliver the best viewing experience for fans of Flying Leathernecks.

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