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!”
Synopsis
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.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Bombing the Japanese ConvoyOfficial
Type: Clip • Published 2025-05-07
Top Cast
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John Wayne
Maj. Daniel Xavier Kirby
Robert Ryan
Capt. Carl 'Griff' Griffin
Don Taylor
Lt. Vern 'Cowboy' Blithe
Janis Carter
Joan Kirby
Jay C. Flippen
MSgt. Clancy, Line Chief
William Harrigan
Dr. Lt.Cdr. Joe Curran
James Bell
Colonel
Barry Kelley
Brigadier General
Maurice Jara
Shorty Vegay
Adam Williams
Lt. Bert Malotke
James Dobson
Lt. Pudge McCabe
Carleton Young
Col. Riley
Michael St. Angel
Capt. Harold Jorgensen, Ops. Officer
Brett King
1st Lt. Ernie Stark
Gordon Gebert
Tommy Kirby
Hal Bokar
Lt. Deal (uncredited)
Barry Brooks
Squadron Commander (uncredited)
Charles Brunner
Charlie's Father (uncredited)
Release History & Theatrical Window
August 28, 1951
Wide Cinema Exhibition
June 3, 2022
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Nicholas Ray
- Screenplay & Story
- Beirne Lay Jr., Edmund Grainger, James Edward Grant
- Original Score
- Roy Webb
- Original Title
- Flying Leathernecks
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 42m
- Production Studios
- RKO Radio Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Nicholas Ray
Beirne Lay Jr., Edmund Grainger, James Edward Grant, Kenneth Gamet
Roy Webb
William E. Snyder
Sherman Todd
Edmund Grainger
Department Leadership Roster
Nicholas Ray
Director
Edmund Grainger
Producer
Beirne Lay Jr.
Screenplay
Edmund Grainger
Screenplay
James Edward Grant
Screenplay
Sherman Todd
Editor
William E. Snyder
Director of Photography
Michael Woulfe
Costume Design
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Flying Leathernecks.
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John Wayne Film Collection
A chronological collection of films featuring John Wayne, spanning his early uncredited appearances and B-westerns through his major Hollywood roles and final film, The Shootist. Includes credited and verified uncredited acting appearances, while excluding television appearances, archival-footage documentaries, and films in which Wayne served only as a producer or director.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flying Leathernecks
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Flying Leathernecks about?
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.
Who directed Flying Leathernecks?
Flying Leathernecks was directed by Nicholas Ray.
Who stars in Flying Leathernecks?
The principal cast of Flying Leathernecks includes John Wayne, Robert Ryan, Don Taylor, Janis Carter, Jay C. Flippen.
When was Flying Leathernecks released and how long is it?
Flying Leathernecks was released in 1951 with a total runtime of 1h 42m.
Who composed the musical score for Flying Leathernecks?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Flying Leathernecks was composed by Roy Webb.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Flying Leathernecks?
Flying Leathernecks holds official age classifications: DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).