Stephen McNally

Gail Russell

Alex Nicol

Richard Long

Charles Drake

Robert Arthur

Rock Hudson

Peggie Castle

James Best

Parley Baer

Joseph Pevney

Joseph Hoffman

Robert L. Richards

Robert Soderberg

Clifford Stine

Bernard Herzbrun

Edward L. Ilou

Michael Smolen

Russell A. Gausman

Joseph Kish

Leslie I. Carey

Joe Lapis

Joseph Gershenson

Russell F. Schoengarth

Bill Thomas

Bud Westmore

Joan St. Oegger

David S. Horsley

Clyde De Vinna

Aaron Rosenberg

Drama

Air Cadet

Universal International Pictures

United States of America

CinemaSerf

This could almost be a training/recruitment exercise for the US Air Force as we follow the rather contrived relationship between "Maj. Page" (Stephen McNally), his independently-minded student "Ross" (Richard Long) and his estranged wife and new friend of his amorous young pupil "Janet" (Gail Russell). There is some fine aerial photography here, early jet aircraft put through their paces - bit the story and acting are very disjointed. It can't quite decide whether it's about the science, the disciplined training or the romance - and as a result it all rather misfires leaving us with a rather dull experience. It does give us the briefest of illustrations as to just how green some of these would-be pilots were - best exemplified by Alex Nicol's barely started shaving "Joe", but the rivalry between the two leading roles is too manufactured and Russell injects little by way of charisma into her role before a conclusion that I felt distinctly predictable - and sentimental. Maybe worth a watch for the planes - and an early outing for Rock Hudson, but not for much else, sorry.

English

Air Cadet

Cast

Reviews