Flying Tigers *** (1942, John Wayne, John Carroll, Anna Lee, Paul Kelly, Mae Clarke, Gordon Jones) – Classic Movie Review 7172

John Wayne stars in the 1942 black and white movie Flying Tigers as Airman Jim Gordon who leads a Flying Tigers squadron in the US fight against the Japanese, with the help of his seasoned lieutenant Hap Davis (Paul Kelly) and new chap Woody Jason (John Carroll), over war-torn China.

But Woody Jason proves a thorn in Jim Gordon’s side, and fights him for his girlfriend Brooke Elliott (Anna Lee)’s hand, in Republic Pictures’ overdone and clichéd, but entertaining and influential World War Two war action movie with a dash of romance.

Director Miller keeps Flying Tigers busy and fast moving, glossing over its blatant flag-waving and obvious manipulations, so it seems to boast more quality than it actually has, and the air battles are well done.

Flying Tigers was nominated for three Oscars. Victor Young’s sterling music score was Oscar nominated for Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture, Daniel J Bloomberg was nominated for Best Sound, Recording and Howard Lydecker (photographic) and Daniel J Bloomberg (sound) were nominated for Best Special Effects.

The screenplay by Kenneth Gamet and Barry Trivers is based on a story by Kenneth Gamet.

Also in the cast are Mae Clarke, Gordon Jones, Addison Richards, Bill Shirley, Tom Neal, Edmund MacDonald, David Bruce, Chester Gan, James Dodd, Gregg Barton, John James and Charles Lane.

© Derek Winnert 2018 Classic Movie Review 7172

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