David Spalding

I believe this film was a companion to a Smithsonian exhibit/road show, and based upon the exhibit book by the same name. It has some great footage from 20th century sci-fi films, and magazines. The theme follows how the concept of "the world of tomorrow" changed through the events of the century: World War, Depression, World War, post-war industrial boom, tumultuous Sixties, etc. The visions of the future by artists, industrial designers, inventors, and consumer product mavens tells more than you'd think about the society at the moment.

Wish I could find this on DVD -- and get the book --as they are quite memorable, and rather unique.

If what you want is a thoughtful, authentic war drama, look elsewhere. This one's hilariously typecast, predictable, rigidly rah-rah, and ... gorgeous in Technicolor. The side story about the conniving sergeant is amusing, but distracting. The dialog is delivered with rapid-fire precision by the accomplished cast, so don't sneeze or you'll miss something.

The star of the picture is the combat footage. Lots and lots of great color footage of planes, some of them making emergency landings and airborne kills.

Oh, and look for a mighty young Rock Hudson in the squadron.