It has been stated by many that the story here was weak, the script lacking, but in truth it is an accurate portrayal of the sacrifices of the men and their families that protected this nation during the years of the cold war. There was no better person to have the lead role in this film than Jimmy Stewart. A decorated bomber pilot in WWII and a Brigader General in the Air Force reserve, he was best able to understand the thinking an d actions of the character in this film. While she was excellent in her part, June Alyson's Mrs. Holland was too much of the 1950's "Donna Reed/Leave it to Beaver/Father Knows Best" picture of the ideal family life. Just as artificial as the housewife of TV fare preparing dinner in a cocktail frock and high heels.
There were also fine performances from J.C. Flippen, Frank Lovejoy, Harry Morgan and Rosemary DeCamp, all well known character actors most of whom also had well known TV careers. The film was, of course, a propaganda film, but not all propaganda is necessarily bad. And the flying sequences are all superb. Another fine Stewart performance.
There were also fine performances from J.C. Flippen, Frank Lovejoy, Harry Morgan and Rosemary DeCamp, all well known character actors most of whom also had well known TV careers. The film was, of course, a propaganda film, but not all propaganda is necessarily bad. And the flying sequences are all superb. Another fine Stewart performance.