Flying Leathernecks (1951): Cast, Ratings & Plot
Flying Leathernecks is a 1951 action drama directed by Nicholas Ray, starring John Wayne, Robert Ryan and Jay C. Flippen. It runs 1 hour 42 minutes. Critics gave it 75% on Rotten Tomatoes and 75 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.3/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 42m (102 min)
- Director
- Nicholas Ray
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- RKO Radio Pictures
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Flying Leathernecks About?
The premise of Flying Leathernecks without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
During the Korean War, Marine Major Daniel Kirby demands strict adherence to discipline among his fighter pilots. His intense leadership style puts him at odds with Captain Carl Griffin, whose independent spirit challenges Kirby’s authority. As tensions rise, the men face intense aerial combat and must confront their personal boundaries and make critical decisions under pressure, testing their courage and loyalty in the face of war.
Flying Leathernecks Themes & Keywords
· 36 tags- pacific war
- u.s. marine corps
- world war two
- guadalcanal
- fighter pilot
- fighter plane
- pacific theater
- u.s. military
- single engine airplane
- man wears a uniform
- military uniform
- man in uniform
+24 more Show fewer
- japanese military
- aviation
- aerial combat
- explosion
- ship
- fighter bomber
- honolulu hawaii
- texan
- pacific ocean
- hawaii
- military officer
- aerial dogfight
- japanese soldier
- cockpit
- usmc united states marine corps
- ray and ryan
- rainstorm
- parachuting
- okinawa japan
- native american
- marriage
- general
- drunkenness
- air raid
Flying Leathernecks Cast
John Wayne leads the cast, with Robert Ryan and Jay C. Flippen. Directed by Nicholas Ray; 10 actors are credited in all.
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Director Nicholas Ray
Also Starring in Flying Leathernecks
· 6 moreMore from Nicholas Ray
More films directed by Nicholas Ray, best-rated first: Rebel Without a Cause, They Live by Night, Johnny Guitar (re-release) and Wet Dreams.
Flying Leathernecks Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Flying Leathernecks 75% on Rotten Tomatoes and 75 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.3/10.
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IMDb 6.3 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 75% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 62%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 75 Metascore
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 59% User score
See on TMDB
Flying Leathernecks Plot Summary
What happens in Flying Leathernecks from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Major Dan Kirby joins the VMF-247 squadron, known as the “Wildcats,” as their new commander, stepping in unexpectedly as the troops were anticipating Captain Carl “Grif” Griffin to take over. From the outset, Kirby establishes himself as a no-nonsense leader. Amid the chaos of the Guadalcanal campaign, he finds himself with limited aircraft and immense pressure, as the enemy relentlessly targets their airfield. His pilots, youthful and often reckless, struggle to follow orders, risking both their lives and the aircraft in their care. Kirby’s relentless drive for excellence contrasts sharply with Griffin’s more compassionate approach, particularly as Griffin’s own brother-in-law, Vern “Cowboy” Blithe, is among the young pilots.
Full summary
The whole story of Flying Leathernecks, scene by scene
Flying Leathernecks Trailers & Videos
3 videos: 1 trailer and 2 clips.
- Clip Jigsaw 4, They're on Your Tail!
- Clip Bombing the Japanese Convoy
How Well Do You Know Flying Leathernecks?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who is the stern leader that takes command of VMF-247?
Cars in Flying Leathernecks
12 cars on screen, including the 1942 Ford GPW and the 1942 Willys MB 'Jeep'.
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1942 Ford GPW Important role -
1942 Willys MB 'Jeep' Important role -
1942 Willys MB 'Jeep' Important role -
1941 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Minor role
Seen Flying Leathernecks?
Movies Like Flying Leathernecks
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Marines Fly High, Flight Command and Flying Tigers.
Flying Leathernecks FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Flying Leathernecks, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Flying Leathernecks?
Flying Leathernecks runs 1 hour 42 minutes (102 minutes).
When was Flying Leathernecks released?
Flying Leathernecks was released on August 28, 1951.
Who directed Flying Leathernecks?
Flying Leathernecks was directed by Nicholas Ray.
More films by Nicholas Ray Who is in the cast of Flying Leathernecks?
Flying Leathernecks stars John Wayne, Robert Ryan and Jay C. Flippen, among 10 credited actors.
How is Flying Leathernecks rated?
Flying Leathernecks has 6.3/10 on IMDb, 75% on Rotten Tomatoes, 75 on Metacritic and 59% on TMDB.
Does Flying Leathernecks have a post-credit scene?
No. Flying Leathernecks has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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