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Air Force Overview:

Air Force (1943) was a Black-and-white - War Film directed by Howard Hawks and produced by Hal B. Wallis and Jack L. Warner.

SYNOPSIS

The story of the crew manning a B-17 Flying Fortress in action throughout the Pacific is tailor-made for director Hawks, the undisputed master of men-under-pressure adventures. Stirring aerial battle scenes and believable dialogue life this far above the average WWII propaganda vehicle.

(Source: available at Amazon AMC Classic Movie Companion).

Academy Awards 1943 --- Ceremony Number 16 (source: AMPAS)

AwardRecipientResult
Best CinematographyJames Wong Howe, Elmer Dyer, Charles MarshallNominated
Best Film EditingGeorge AmyWon
Best WritingDudley NicholsNominated
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Air Force BlogHub Articles:

Air Force (1943): Howard Hawks Takes on WWII

By 4 Star Film Fan on Nov 4, 2020 From 4 Star Films

At times, Air Force functions like a staged documentary. It feels both instructive and informed by Howard Hawks’ own passion for aviation. It has the simple task of making sure the folks at home can empathize with their boys up in the air. In fact, it falls short of being a mere instructional ... Read full article

Air Force (1943)

By Beatrice on Oct 11, 2014 From Flickers in Time

Air Force Directed by Howard Hawks Written by Dudley Nichols 1943/USA Warner Bros. First viewing/Amazon Instant Video Air Force is a solid piece of wartime propaganda, this time in the air. An air crew comprised of the usual assortment of Hollywood types has been assigned to deliver a new bomber... Read full article

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Air Force Quotes:

Pilot Irish Quincannon: Tell the crew they can sleep in the next world.
Pilot Irish Quincannon: Pilot to crew: take a good look at Pearl Harbor. Maybe it's something you'll want to remember.
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Air Force Facts
The aircraft that played the parts of Zeros in the film were actually Republic P-43A Lancers.
The only members of "Maryann" killed during the film were both kissed good-bye at the beginning of the movie: John Ridgely ("The Pilot") by his wife and Ray Montgomery ("Assistant Radio Operator) by his mother. Also, these are the only crew members to have someone "see them off" at the beginning of their mission.
The real Mary Ann was used on a tour to promote the film, then assigned to Hobbs Army Air Field in New Mexico. Some time in 1943 it was flown to Amarillo Army Air Field, where, according to a newspaper article, it was taken off flight status the next day, and assigned to ground school.
One of the top three money makers for Warner Brothers in 1943.
The U.S. Army Air Forces aircraft that appeared in the film were:
  • Ten Boeing B-17C/D Flying Fortresses from Hendrick Field, Sebring, Florida.
  • North American AT-6 Texans (as Japanese fighters) and Bell P-39 Airacobras, Curtiss P-40Cs and Republic P-43A Lancers from Drew Field.
  • Six Martin B-26C Marauders from McDill Field, Tampa, Florida, as the Japanese bombers.

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