JET PILOT

PRODUCED BY HOWARD HUGHES
DIRECTED BY JOSEF VON STERNBERG
AN RKO RADIO PICTURE
RELEASED BY UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c187/john-wayne/John%20Wayne/JetPilot_Rep.jpg..http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c187/john-wayne/John%20Wayne/wayne060001.jpg

INFORMATION FROM IMDb

Plot Summary
Air Force Colonel Shannon is assigned to escort defecting Soviet pilot Anna.
He falls in love with her, but she is scheming to lure him back to the USSR. But Shannon has a scheme of his own.
Summary written by Jim Beaver

Full Cast
John Wayne .... Col. Jim Shannon
Janet Leigh .... Lt. Anna Marladovna Shannon/Olga Orlief
Jay C. Flippen .... Maj. Gen. Black
Paul Fix .... Maj. Rexford
Richard Rober .... FBI Agent George Rivers
Roland Winters .... Col. Sokolov
Hans Conried .... Col. Matoff
Ivan Triesault .... Gen. Langrad
Dorothy Abbott .... Girl (uncredited)
Phil Arnold .... Bellboy (uncredited)
Lois Austin .... Saleswoman at Palm Springs dress shop (uncredited)
Paul Bakanas .... Russian security man (uncredited)
Gregg Barton .... MP (uncredited)
John Bishop .... Maj. Sinclair (uncredited)
Perdita Chandler .... Georgia Rexford (uncredited)
Joyce Compton .... Mrs. Simpson (uncredited)
Tom Daly .... Hotel clerk (uncredited)
James Dime .... Russian security man (uncredited)
Alan Dinehart III .... Fresh kid at Palm Springs dress shop (uncredited)
Jane Easton .... Girl (uncredited)
Bill Erwin .... Sergeant (uncredited)
Gene Evans .... Airfield sergeant (uncredited)
Elizabeth Flournoy .... WAF captain (uncredited)
Paul Frees .... Lt. Tiompkin (uncredited)
Barbara Freking .... WAAF private (uncredited)
Vincent Gironda .... Muscleman (uncredited)
Fred Graham .... Sergeant (uncredited)
Don Haggerty .... Sergeant (uncredited)
Janice Hood .... Girl (uncredited)
Darrell Huntley .... Officer (uncredited)
Joan Jordan .... WAC sergeant (uncredited)
Mike Lally .... Waiter (uncredited)
Harry Lauter .... Sergeant (uncredited)
Ruth Lee .... Mother (uncredited)
Nelson Leigh .... FBI agent (uncredited)
Sylvia Lewis .... WAC corporal (uncredited)
Herbert Lytton .... FBI agent (uncredited)
Michael Mark .... Russian general (uncredited)
Allen Mathews .... Headwaiter (uncredited)
Keith McConnell .... Bartender (uncredited)
John Morgan .... Lieutenant (uncredited)
Al Murphy .... Waiter (uncredited)
Wendell Niles .... Major (uncredited)
Richard Norris .... Russian interrogator (uncredited)
David Ormont .... Russian interrogator (uncredited)
Jack Overman .... Sergeant (uncredited)
Denver Pyle .... Mr. Simpson (uncredited)
Theodore Rand .... Waiter (uncredited)
Joey Ray .... Waiter (uncredited)
Gene Roth .... Sokolov's batman (uncredited)
Jack Shea .... MP (uncredited)
Jim B. Smith .... (uncredited)
Ruthelma Stevens .... Saleswoman (uncredited)
Armand Tanny .... Muscleman (uncredited)
Kenneth Tobey .... Sergeant (uncredited)
Mamie Van Doren .... WAF (uncredited)
Billy Vernon .... Drunk (uncredited)
Smoki Whitfield .... Henry (uncredited)
Joan Whitney .... WAC sergeant (uncredited)
Biff Yeager .... Captain (uncredited)
Carleton Young .... Technical Sergeant in Palmer Field control tower (uncredited)

Directed
Josef von Sternberg
Jules Furthman (uncredited)

Writing Credits
Jules Furthman

Produced
Jules Furthman .... producer
Howard Hughes .... producer

Original Music
Bronislau Kaper

Cinematography
Winton C. Hoch

Stunts
Chuck Yeager .... aerial stunts (uncredited)

Trivia
Filmed between December 8, 1949 and February 8, 1950, this long held-back movie finally debuted on September 25, 1957 in Los Angeles, followed by its Manhattan opening at the Palace Theatre on October 4, 1957.

The US Air Force, still taking advantage of Chuck Yeager's 1947 supersonic flight for publicity, offered his services as a stunt pilot. During a stunt involving the inverted dive of an F-86, Yeager misjudged the dive and overstressed the plane's tail, causing the horizontal stabilizer to come apart while he was too low to eject. He barely managed to pull out.

In a later flight, his plane's engine lost a turbine disk during a routine climb, forcing a dead-stick landing.

Howard Hughes intended to show off the latest in aircraft technology in 1950 (when this film was shot). By the time it was released to the public, in 1957, the aircraft featured were already obsolete.

Features a night intercept of a B-36B by a Lockheed F-94A Starfire. Although the scene is very dark, the rarely seen retractable 20mm cannon turrets of the B-36B are visible in the extended position.

Russian "Yaks" were portrayed by Lockheed T-33As. Dark paint on the lower fuselage obscured the jet intakes, and the tip of the vertical stabilizer was painted light gray to change its outline.

Airfield scenes set in Russia were actually filmed on the main flightline at George AFB, outside of Victorville California, which appeared suitably primitive.

The gloss-black, prototype Northrop XP-89 scorpion appears in some scenes set in Russia.

The last two flights of the first Bell X-1, Glamorous Glennis, were filmed for inclusion in Jet Pilot. It played the part of a Soviet "parasite fighter". The movie shows it being launched from a Boeing B-29 Superfortress. The X-1 was repainted for its role. The vertical stabilizer, fairings on the top and bottom of the fuselage, and the left wing and horizontal stabilizer were painted white. It continued to wear the movie makeup while displayed at the National Air and Space Museum until it was restored for installation in the Milestones of Flight Gallery in 1976.

After intercepting the B-36 in a F-94 Starfire, they are shown departing in a F-80 Shooting Star.

In 1952, at the height of The Cold War, those "take cover" drills, the McCarthy Hearings and the aftermath of the Rosenberg Trials, this picture featured John Wayne portraying an American pilot in love with a defecting Russian spy. The film was put on the shelf for five years.

The film was produced by RKO in 1950 which was owned by Howard Hughes. By the time it was released in 1957, Hughes had sold RKO and the film was released by Universal.

Goofs
* Revealing mistakes: When the fighter breaks off after the radar intercept, the markings on the plane are backwards (flipped film).

* Continuity: When Anna climbs in the two seat jet, there is a canopy support visible. When she taxis away and lowers the canopy the support is missing. The support is used to prevent the canopy from accidentally closing when ground crew are working on the plane.

Advertising carried the credits "Starring John Wayne, Janet Leigh,
and the United States Air Force."

Memorable Quotes (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050562/quotes)

Filming Locations
Edwards Air Force Base, California, USA
Victorville Air Force Base, Victorville, California, USA
Williams Air Force Base, Gilbert, Arizona, USA

Previous Discussion:-
Jet Pilot (http://www.dukewayne.com/showthread.php?t=1163)

Hi,

How Duke, could make Sands of Iwo Jima and Rio Grande
and manage to make this utter tosh, in-between, is beyond belief!!!
One of his Top 5 worse films!
He should have walked away, from this one, but perhaps it was the money!
Fortunately, for us all, Howard Hughes hid it from us, for a few years,
to save us from the torture!!!
Duke was at his worst hammy, and making silly facial expressions!!
Another film, adding ammunition, to the critics of his acting.

One quote I read said that
the chemistry, between Duke and Janet was great,
I'm sorry, but I can't see that, it wasn't bad, but chemistry there was not!!
The whole plot was preposterous and uncredible,
and everytime we saw, Janet's bosom, we got all those whooshing sounds!!
It all proved how obsessed and sad, Hughes really was!!!

It was the Directors, only film, and from this result, one can see why!!
By the time the film was released,the cold war was obsolete,
the planes were obsolete,and the whole film, was obsolete!!
Its reviews were devastating, critics were embarrassed,
of how outrageous and silly it all was, and the audiences agreed.

Rating 3/10 for the silliness!

Jet Pilot. What can you say that hasn’t been said before?
Janet Leigh’s flight suit is nice.
Other than that if you were hospitalised and in a coma and forced to watch this film it might be enough to drive you out of your coma out of your bed to find the off switch or bite the power cable in two!
I would rate it as his worst but with Howard Hughes in charge who knows what the original concept was. At least he had the decency to bury it.

:fear2:

Different strokes for different folks I guess. I always considered "Jet Pilot" to be great fun. Why can't anyone see this movie for what it is...a comedy! There are many great lines and scenes...Duke telling Paul Fix he changed his mind about taking Anna to Palmer Fields (after seeing her come from the shower), the running gag about Anna not understanding some of the American lingo (stuffed, cupcake, etc...). I could state at least another dozen times in this film that made me laugh. And lets not forget the absolutely gorgeous technicolor, and the scenes of the jets making maneuvers thru the air.

Worst 5? As Duke would say, "Not Hardly".

Must be the exhaust fumes from the planes. I must inhale next time. B)

That explains why there is music everytime you see the planes.

So Jet Pilot and The Conqueor are now both officially comedies?

Can Ethan and Kevin set up a separate category :stunned:


Best


Mike

Hi

I thought Jet Pilot was watchable, the trouble with the picture was thatHughes wouldn't let it go he spent large amounts of money and film shooting the ariel scenes. By the time he had finished as you say the film was badly dated.


Regards

Arthur

Originally posted by DukePilgrim@Jan 26 2006, 12:29 PM
Must be the exhaust fumes from the planes. I must inhale next time. B)

That explains why there is music everytime you see the planes.

So Jet Pilot and The Conqueor are now both officially comedies?

Can Ethan and Kevin set up a separate category :stunned:
Best
Mike
26003


:uhuh2:

I'll take Jet Pilot any day over a number of awful films Duke made in the early 40s. Ever watch:

1) A Reunion in France
2) A Lady for a Night
3) Pittsburgh
4) Seven Sinners

Now these are some real dogs.

Do you not know Reunion in France is my favourite movie ever sniff sniff :( :(

Seriously, I would rather watch one of John's better movies than one the poorer results.

Mike

Originally posted by DukePilgrim@Jan 27 2006, 03:14 PM
Do you not know Reunion in France is my favourite movie ever sniff sniff :(* :(

Seriously, I would rather watch one of John's better movies than one the poorer results.

Mike
26044


Hi Mike,
I've reviewed your "favourite" RENUNION IN FRANCE
and it will be appearing tomorrow,

Best Wishes,

It looks like most of you people do not think to much about the film "Jet Pilot" :( but in the 1950s most of us that were in the Service and Flying these Type Aircraft during the Korean War and the First Part of the "Cold War" could hardly wait to see the Film. :rolleyes:

And even if the story line was weak the Flying Scenes were Great, but with Howard Hughes doing the Film thats what you would get "Great Flying Scenes." :D

If there are some of you People that like Aviation and Aircraft you can go to the Site below for a Picture Story about the Film "Jet Pilot." :stunned:

JET PILOT FLIGHT SCENES (http://www.ranch26bar.com/JETPILOT1.html)

Chilibill :cowboy:

Ho Ho Kevin I can hardly wait!

Yes, William I would agree flying sequences are great and the ONLY highlight in the film. I think Howard spent enough getting them perfect.

I know a collector who buys films specifically if steam trains are featured in them.

Amongst many others he had all 3 versions of The 39 Steps for this purpose and also managed to obtain a very rare full length version of The Quiet Man on Super 8.

When he moved across to DVD projection he offered it to me but by that time
I was heading that direction to so I declined his offer. He sold to a dealer as a package deal and 2-3 months later I spotted same film selling on Ebay for 7-8 times what he offered it to me for.

When will I get a brain :stunned:


Mike

Hi Mike,
by the way, the name is Keith,

Cheers,

Hi Bill

As usual the stories and films are great.

I suppose my Judge of a film is that of all the John Wayne conventions I could have attended the one I went to featured John Wayne in The Fighting Kentuckian followed by Jet Pilot. This involved me leaving home at 5am taking a train and bus to the midlands by Mansfield getting there by 11 am and after seeing the two films getting home around 1am the next mornng.

And enjoying every minute of it especially as that was the location where I bought Pat Stacey book.

Keep them coming Bill

Regards

Arthur

William...thanks much for the link to the site. It was excellent. As a matter of fact, I just picked up the DVD of Hell's Angels this week, and thought the flying scenes were incredible.

And as for Howard Hughes association with John Wayne, yes I know I'm in the minority, but I enjoy all three films they made together under RKO.

I am glad that there are other people that like to see Duke in films other than the ones that everyone thinks are His Best Films! :D

Remember films are Just That, and Films and are meant for enjoyment of the people that are watching the Film at the time. :rolleyes: Different Strokes For Different People!!! :jump:

Chilibill :cowboy:

Hi William

Yes, we should just be grateful that there are so many John Wayne films to enjoy and unlike other actors nearly all his films are available to see in some format of media.

My deepest apologies Keith :wub: I work with a Kevin and know two or three other Kevins and have a trapped nerve in my back and a couple of painkillers in me today so am slightly more dopey than usual. I shall try to remember in future.

Well done on all your hard work in bringing together all credit details and quotes for the films they are a great source of information


Mike

Hi Mike,
No problem and thanks for your support,
you have been great with your posts, and
it's been fun reading your comments,

Best Wishes, my friend,

Don't forget tomorrow REUNION IN FRANCE day,

Thanks Keith

I have vague recollections of Reunion must check it out.

Away to rest my weary back -_-

Best


Mike

I really enjoyed Jet Pilot also and after reading some of these post I decided to think about it, do I really like the movie? Well yep I still do :P

Hi Bill,
Thanks for your contribution,
and the pictures are great.
The other calalry films will be appearing in the next few days,
so I have no doubt you will be posting on those.

Best Wishe,

Originally posted by ethanedwards@Jan 26 2006, 02:38 AM
Hi,
How Duke, could* make SANDS OF IWO JIMA, and RIO GRANDE,
and manage to make this utter tosh, in-between, is beyond belief!!!
One of his Top 5 worse films!
He should have walked away, from this one, but perhaps it was the money!
Fortunately, for us all, Howard Hughes hid it from us, for a few years,
to save us from the torture!!!
Duke was at his worst hammy, and making silly facial expressions!!
Another film, adding ammunition, to the critics of his acting.
One quote I read said that the chemistry, between Duke and Janet was great,
I'm sorry, but I can't see that, it wasn't bad, but chemistry it wasn't.
The whole plot was prepostrous and uncredible,and with all those whooshing
sounds evertytime we saw, Janet's bosom, all went, to prove how obsessed, and sad,
Hughes was!!!
It was the Directors, only film, and from this result, one can see why!!
By the time the film was released,the cold war was obsolete, the planes were obsolete,and the whole film, was obsolete!!
Its reviews were devastating, critics were embarrassed,
of how outrageous and silly it all was, and the audiences agreed.
Rating 3/10 for the silliness!
25989

Wow, Keith, this is pretty biting criticism!

In talking about this movie before, the general concensus was that it wasn't one of his better movies, but it had some neat flying scenes, which made up for it.

We enjoyed seeing Chilibill's latest addition to his web site regarding Jet Pilot.

Chester :newyear:

Jet Pilot. What can you say???

Once again the familiar old Ninotchka plot gets dusted off and updated for the cold war situation going on at the time. I will say this though, Jet Pilot may be a bad movie, but at least it is interesting to watch. It definitely falls into the category of "lesser Duke," yet at the same time it is entertaining.

Poor Josef von Sternberg was one of the best directors of the 1930's, but by the time this one was made, he was reduced to directing B-pictures for RKO. The seven-year layoff between the time this was shot and the time it was released also meant that it officially went into the record books as von Sternberg's last picture.

Folks who criticize Duke for making this movie have to remember that he had a contract with RKO at the time and likely had no choice about what pictures Howard Hughes assigned him to.

By the way, for those of you who enjoy this movie (and even those who don't), you may want to also check out The Iron Petticoat (1956), starring Bob Hope and Kate Hepburn. The plot is very similar to Jet Pilot, but it is written as straight comedy. It works much better that way.

E.J.

Hi,
I have been researching all the threads, back to the start of the JWMB,
looking for previous discussion, relating to the movies.
I have found the following, comments, and have copied them here,
so that they are now under one forum:-

Take Off For Jet Pilot, it's not all that bad

Itdo
post Feb 14 2004, 09:55 PM

I was re-visiting JET PILOT today and thought I let you know.
I have an old 35mm print of the original release which is rare because Howard Hughes snatched up all the copies when he bought the film back and never showed it again, and it's all scratchy, needs a lot of attention, careful cleaning etc. (stupid hobby! for every minute I watch I do 5 minutes of cleaning) but the Technicolor is still vibrant, colors that just don't come out on a TV, no matter how good the DVD is. Anyway, the film wasn't a big success which is largely part of the belated release, when jets weren't all that new. But over time, the film made its way into the list of JW turkeys. Yet I feel it has a lot to offer.
I think its photography is just beautiful, certainly one of the best Technicolor films of Wayne, in the ranks with Quiet Man and Yellow Ribbon. Seldom was he photographed as a romantic lover that well. Director Josef von Sternberg knew what he was doing. The amour fou was his trademark since his Marlene Dietrich classics. There are soft spots of green and pink, soft shadows on the faces - just honey. Wayne is at his self-confident best in the role of a military man (his scenes with Paul Fix are very relaxed, very good). The romance is built up pretty good. Writer Jules Furthman tried his way with the "I have to search you" scene which he repeated almost exactly in Rio Bravo with Chance/Feathers. There's some very funny dialogue concerning the Russkies and Cold War, which, with the distance of time, seem even funnier than what they must have been back then. Sort of a Ninotchka in the Wayne-World. The hightlights of the film are the airborne sequences: up until then when you had sequences like that, you saw models, etc. Here the air stunts are the real thing. One can only imagine how long it took to shoot those scenes! They're perfect not only as pictures in themselves but for their meaning of story development: The planes of Shannon and Anna act like lovers in a romantic ballet in the air. And Janet Leigh back then was just the hottest thing on two legs. So, in conclusion, when I wonder did someone decide that this has to be one of Wayne's worst movies?

Agree or disagree?
SaddleTramp*
post Feb 14 2004, 11:45 PM

to me you changed your mind from a turkey to a dove.Well the "DUKE" can do that to you. I haven't seen JET PILOT yet but after your unbiased review I will try to get it some time. John Wayne does have some turkey films,my pick is the Barbarian and the Geisha but thats just my opinion. I have collected to date 91 of his films and I can say that there are a few turkeys. But when you collect you collect RIGHT!!! When I see some of the garbage that comes on our satellite tv now a days it doesn't take long to find a "DUKE" film that I haven't seen for awhile(some times it's not that long).When I come in from checking Hiefers that are calving at three in the morning it doesn't take long to pop in one of his tapes. I am back out checking every half hour so it is nice to stop a tape or dvd and pick up where I left off. I guess I am one of the dinasaurs left over from times gone by but I wouldn't change my life as a cattleman-cowboy with anyone(Mad Cow has been a real Bi#*H). I guess that is why I am a DUKE fan. He never said quit and neither will I. The Jet Pilot is definitely on my gotta have list. Watch the DUKE with a Friend....SaddleTramp.... PS...When it comes to the Dukes Turkeys I just believe they are Doves in disguise Right!!!!....ST...
arthurarnell
post Feb 15 2004, 12:21 AM

I belong to the John Wayne appreciation society which has its base by Nottingham. This has a festival twice a year when they show two of Dukes films. Some years ago I travelled up country to attend one of the these festivals the two films shown were the Fighting Kentuckian, which holds particular memories for me as it was one of the first John Wayne films I saw, and Jet Pilot.

I agree with you. It is not a bad film.

Last night on the biography channel I watched Howard Hughes. Apparently Jet Pilot was his last picture and went from 1947 to 1957 because he tinkered with the picture and shot miles of ariel photography with William Clothier, who was one of Hollywoods great ariel photographers. It was said that John Wayne and Janet Leigh were called back for retakes a year after the film had ended. When it was released. Because of the time lapse the critics had a field day but it is not that bad a picture. Yes the colour is good, Yes Janet Leigh is very delectable - I sent her a photograph from Jet Pilot and she autographed it for me. Paul Fix is good as is J.C. Flippen. was this before or after he lost his leg.

The story does tend to stretch credibility but allowing for that if you want realism watch a documetary.

Regards

Arthur
chester7777*
post Feb 17 2004, 08:07 AM

Believe it or not, Jet Pilot is one of my favorite JW films (not quite into the Top 25 category, but up there nonetheless). As with your perspective, I really enjoyed it because of the aerial photography and sequences, with the jets flying through the clouds with the bright blue sky. In my mind, that made up for the movie plot, which was a bit slow at times. All in all, it was a pretty fun movie, and these jets were the same kind I remember as a young kid, with all of my friends, getting interested in military airplanes.

Chester :newyear:
William T Brooks*
post Feb 17 2004, 11:59 AM

Chester7777; They were the same type of aircraft that I flew in the early 1950s in the Korean Conflict. I loved the flying scenes but did not care for the story line. Only Howard Hughes could have set up this type of flying scenes ! Chilibill :cowboy:

Hi,
I have been researching all the threads, back to the start of the JWMB,
looking for previous discussion, relating to the movies.
I have found the following, comments, and have copied them here,
so that they are now under one forum:

Jet Pilot, Duke The Jet Pilot

William T Brooks*
post Dec 19 2004, 03:59 PM

Ringo; Just got thru watching "JET PILOT" on "AMC Duke Weekend" and I think you had ask about "MIG ALLEY" in the Korean War and this was just after the War ended and the film was Released in 1957.
Because I was a Pilot at this time I had to watch the film. Duke made a very good jet pilot in the film, but think the story was a little weak but the Flyiny Scenes by Howard Hughes were Great as they all ways were when Howard did a flying film!
The aircraft that they came back to the U.S. in the end of the film is the same kind of Aircraft that I stay Current in Jets in and have to do each year in a T-33 and that was not a U.S.S.R.aircraft, but a U.S.A. trainer in the 1950s. I must go now but I will be back later and tell you more about Duke and "Jet Pilot" and "MIG ALLEY"!!! Chilibill :cowboy:
chester7777
post Dec 19 2004, 04:11 PM

Chilibill isn't pulling our leg, as about a year ago, he sent me a video of himself being
re-certified in a T33 down in Texas. Very interesting as, since I was a kid, the T33 has been one of my favorite airplanes.
The flying scenes in Jet pilot are some of my most enjoyed in a John Wayne film also.

Chester :newyear:
The Ringo Kid*
post Dec 19 2004, 09:20 PM

:cowboy: Greetings Mr. Brooks, Chester.
I watched Jet Pilot the other night as well. It was my first time having a chance to watch the movie from beginning to ending. I loved the flying scenes too. You are correct, I was wanting to hear what you had to say about Mig Alley. I do not know if my father ever saw any of the air war or not. IN Korea he was in an Air Force Weather Detachment stationed on the top of some hill in Korea. Now in WWII, he was in B-17 Flying Forts as a Ball Turret Gunner. I would greatly enjoy hearing anything you have to say about Mig Alley. I am in the midst of trying to contact some A/F Vets who were there.
A T33, is that not the aircraft that has the two gastank-like things on the wingtips?
Take care Gentlemen, and best regards--TRK.
arthurarnell*
post Dec 20 2004, 09:07 AM

Hi
The problem with Jet Pilot was that Howard Hughes wouldn't put an amen to it, he wouldn't let it go. So although the picture was made in 1949 he insisted on continually adding to the flying sequences with the reult that by the time the picture was released it had two strikes against it, namely it was out of date, and also, issued at a time when John Wayne's popularity at the box office was going through a lean period.
I think that for all that, having seen it on the large screen it is not a bad picture, the colour is superb, as is the sound, and Janet leigh looked very good. I have a couple of photographs including a head and shoulders one of miss Leigh which she autographed for me. Nice lady.

Regards
Arthur
falc04
post Dec 20 2004, 03:02 PM

I enjoy 'Jet Pilot' very much! My feelings, on why the film is always considered to be one of Duke's worst, is that people are watching it in the wrong mindset. It is not an action picture, or drama....but a light-hearted comedy. There are many amusing back-and-forth conversations between Jim and Anna. Plus, as arthurarnell has mentioned, the technicolor photography is outstanding!
Stumpy*
post Dec 20 2004, 03:13 PM

QUOTE(arthurarnell @ Dec 20 2004, 04:07 AM)
Janet leigh looked very good. I have a couple of photographs including a head and shoulders one of miss Leigh which she autographed for me. Nice lady.
I thought Janet was one of the best looking and sexiest women in Hollywood. I especially liked her in "Scaramouche" and "The Vikings".
William T Brooks*
post Dec 20 2004, 03:25 PM

Ringo, Arthur and Chester; Arthur is right. Howard could never put anything to rest ! When I was flying all those movie people in and out Sedona some 20 years ago Jane Russell told me that when they were doing "The Outlaw" that they would shoot a scene time and time again,
and then months later he would shoot the same scene time and time again!!! Ringo yes that was a T-33 with the big Wing Tip Tanks that Duke and Janet flew back to the U.S.A. in "Jet Pilot".
Ringo; As to "Mig Alley" the B-29s would fly in from Bases in the Pacific and fly up South Korea from Japan and then over Soul toward North Korea and the "YALU RIVER" Between Korea and Southern China. The F-86s would come up out of Kimpo Air Base and fly escort for the B-29s and when the Migs jumped the B-29s the F-86s would take them on and what a job they did! They shot down Ten Migs for every one F-86 that we lost!!! After the B-29s dropped their Bomb load they would turn out towards the Yellow Sea and the F-86s went on North.
At the River they go east and jump the Migs coming out China and then all Hell Broke loose. With what we called "IVAN", U.S.S.R. pilots waiting 10,000 feet higher than the F-86s could go and waiting for a Aircraft that was Shot up and trying to get back to their Base. It was only a few years ago that the Russkys admitted that they had Pilots in China Flying some of these Mig-15s and they where very good Aces out of WW-2.
By this time the F-86s were low on Fuel and had to head South and try to get back to their Base, but some times they would Chase "IVAN" back into China at Low level, this was a NO-NO but they did it any way!!! That was MIG- ALLEY and this was the Last of the "FLYING GUNFIGHTERS"!!! Hope this helps. Chilibill :cowboy:

Despite the mixed reviews of this movie, it is available on DVD from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00003TKE2/qid=1139731479/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-3581901-1689624?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=130), if you want to spend a bundle of money - starting at $52.95 :o !

IT (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00003TKE2/qid=1139731479/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-3581901-1689624?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=130) is a little more affordable in VHS format, at less than $20 (that would include shipping).

This is another one that I think might be available within a year or two, at a reasonable price, on DVD.

Interestingly enough, it is on eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/Jet-Pilot-2000-DVD-JOHN-WAYNE-RARE_W0QQitemZ9102779389QQcategoryZ617QQssPageName ZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) on DVD, so far quite inexpensive (but with 5 days to go).

Chester :newyear:

Hi all,
I watched Jet Pilot and surprisingly quite like it. It is such a funny movie! Of course it is very far from reality, but I enjoy it. And I completly agree with all that was said here regarding this film.
The flights there are beautiful! And it is all real flights!
Regards,
Vera :rolleyes:

So Jet Pilot is destined to be picked on. I thought it was a mediocre movie, but not the worst way I have ever spent two hours. I liked all the scenes with the planes and they seem to overshadow the rest of the movie. It's like watching a Yellow Submarine or A Hard Day's Night. In those films it seems like the main point of the plot is to get to the next scene of the beatles playing a song (not that there's anything wrong with that or those movies, I've seen both more than ten times) and this feels the same way, but replace songs with flying scenes.

I was hoping that there would be a surprise ending with him leaving her behind and escaping back to the US. But instead it had the same 'happy' ending where everything wraps up in the sweetest possible way. I was a little disappointed, but since there was nothing I could do to change it, I thought I might as well enjoy it.

I liked the movie as well. I think John Wayne is at his best in westerns, but I enjoyed this movie because of the flying scenes, the humour and the way it was shot (beautifull scenes and very colourfull).

http://ec3.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000EQHXMI.01._AA240_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Jet Pilot is on this DVD. Your best bet is to get this on-line. There are a total of 5 movies on this DVD.

Cheers :cool:

More than likely the worst John Wayne movie ever and that includes The Conqueor and my other old unfavourite Tycoon.

Hughes did John a big favour keep Jet Pilot & The Conqueor out of circulation
for years.

The ironic thing is in my film collecting days the most easily obtained full features of John Wayne after Stagecoach was Jet Pilot & The Conqueor which were both issued by Universal 8 and wait for it some collectors paid £150.00- £200 to collect them new. Many were seen languishing on second hand lists for years at the £50.00 range.

The last time I attempted to watch Jet Pilot was in VHS videos days. Even the music worked against it. I have no urge to have it on DVD but others feel free to collect.


Mike

Hi,

How Duke, could make Sands of Iwo Jima and Rio Grande
and manage to make this utter tosh, in-between, is beyond belief!!!
One of his Top 5 worse films!
He should have walked away, from this one, but perhaps it was the money!
Fortunately, for us all, Howard Hughes hid it from us, for a few years,
to save us from the torture!!!
Duke was at his worst hammy, and making silly facial expressions!!
Another film, adding ammunition, to the critics of his acting.
One quote I read said that the chemistry, between Duke and Janet was great,
I'm sorry, but I can't see that, it wasn't bad, but chemistry it wasn't.
The whole plot was prepostrous and uncredible,and with all those whooshing
sounds evertytime we saw, Janet's bosom, all went, to prove how obsessed, and sad,
Hughes was!!!
It was the Directors, only film, and from this result, one can see why!!
By the time the film was released,the cold war was obsolete, the planes were obsolete,and the whole film, was obsolete!!
Its reviews were devastating, critics were embarrassed,
of how outrageous and silly it all was, and the audiences agreed.

Rating 3/10 for the silliness!

I haven't changed my mind!

I enjoy Jet Pilot, precisely because it's so completely silly. It's of course easy to say decades later, at the time I might have felt embarrassed too

Despite the mixed reviews of this movie, it is available on DVD from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00003TKE2/qid=1139731479/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-3581901-1689624?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=130), if you want to spend a bundle of money - starting at $52.95 :o !

IT (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00003TKE2/qid=1139731479/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-3581901-1689624?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=130) is a little more affordable in VHS format, at less than $20 (that would include shipping).

This is another one that I think might be available within a year or two, at a reasonable price, on DVD.

Interestingly enough, it is on eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/Jet-Pilot-2000-DVD-JOHN-WAYNE-RARE_W0QQitemZ9102779389QQcategoryZ617QQssPageName ZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) on DVD, so far quite inexpensive (but with 5 days to go).

Chester :newyear:
Wow! What a difference a year makes. Now you can get 5 JW movies (including Jet Pilot) on DVD for around $20! The VHS has dropped down to around $6 at Amazon, the film by itself on DVD is available "used and new" at Amazon for over $20, and only available at Deep Discount in the American Icon Collection (they do have movie posters, too).

Chester :newyear:

I paid £5.99 for this movie, that was enough,
anymore, and I'd have felt cheated!!!

The first poster here is very similar to the one in Keith's introductory post; the second one is a 1979 reissue.

In 1957 shortly after They had Released "The Wings of Eagles" RKO Released another John Wayne Aviation Film "Jet Pilot" that had Janet Leigh as the Russian Lady Pilot.
:heart:
It is true the Story was Not Much, But the Flying Sceens done By Howard Hughes were Breath Taking !!!
:angel1:
Below is a Picture Story about "Jet Pilot."
:wink_smile:
Another thing that I liked was on Duke's Dress Uniform was the 8th Air Force Patch , that I also had on my uniform back in the Early 1950s.
:ohmy:
At this time the U.S. Air Force did not have But one or two Russian Mtg-15s so all the Aircraft in the Film were U.S. Air Force Aircraft !
:russia:

http://www.ranch26bar.com/JETPILOT1.html

Chilibill

Another thing that I liked was on Duke's Dress Uniform was the 8th Air Force Patch , that I also had on my uniform back in the Early 1950s.
:ohmy:

Chilibill
But the question is . . . can you still get into that uniform (I'm guessing you might be able to :wink_smile:).

Chester :newyear:

Chester, I can get every But My Belly into the Uniform. At that time I was 130 Lbs. Dripping Wet !!!
:fear:
Bill
:cowboy:

A film I enjoying watching over and over again. It is said that upon completion, the film ran close to 3 hours, but was cut down to under 2 hours by the studio. I would very much like to see that first cut of the film, but I'm sure all that footage is long gone now.

Thanks for the link, I enjoyed seeing the movie again in still pictures.

In the 1980s I did a T.V. Special for William R. Hearst that was the Head of what was known at that time as Hearst A.B.C. on Howard Hughes a Long time Friend of Bill Hearst jr.
:wink:
And got to go though the Hughes Private Vault in Texas, and the First Cut Of The Film was Still There, So it might not be Lost Forever !
:teeth_smile:
But I Do Not Think I am Going to Hold My Breath until they put it out in its original Form !!!
:ohmy:
Chilibill
:cowboy:

Hi Bill

I would presume most of the extra footage is of planes in action rather than John Wayne & Janet Leigh

Mike

Hi,
I'd like to see this extra footage, even if it is only planes in it. The flights are so beautifully shot in this movie and I sure enjoy their magic.
Regards,
Vera

Great info fellas. I never knew that this movie ran nearly 3 hours long. Maybe someday they'll release the complete version. BTW, this may have been answered elsewhere, but why was this movie made in 1950, but not released until 1957?

Because Hughes kept playing with it. He toyed and toyed with it untill he was happy with it and then released it. He fretted over the airial scenes and was going to make sure it was the best. At least that is what I remember reading. Anyone else know why?

Mark

Hi Mark,

I've just noticed this duplicate thread has been started,
although the dedicated thread is here,
I have now merged the two.

Have a look at the top of the thread,
where there is a bit more detail,
as to why the film was delayed.
It looks to me, that it
was just Mr. Hughes's, strive for 'perfection'

Thanks Keith,

You're doing a great job keeping this section in order and enjoyable. :thumbs_up:

I remember reading about it somewhere about the delay, but I have read so many books about Duke tha I forget where I learn stuff from. :stunned:

Mark

Thanks for the answers. When I first came across this movie, I hit the info on the remote and what it said was that this movie was released in 1957, but was made in 1950 and I have always been curious as to why.

I've seen this one on a number of occasion and I do rate this highly, and definately within the top 50 of my most favorite films. I love these "cold war" movies and the way it depicts the feelings of the actual time. Aye, and the poster is a nice one.

as long as Janet Leigh was in it with the flying scenes I would take this movie as a reasonable JW film.

The above are all strong candidates for the worst, but for my money the worst of them all is "Jet Pilot." This collaboration between Howard Hughes and John Wayne seemed to bring out the worst in both of them.

The film, wrote Duke biographers Roberts and Olson, let Hughes explore "three of his obsessions, anticommunism, women's breasts and aviation."

The plot is ludicrous, involving a female Soviet jet pilot (Janet Leigh) who also qualifies for Playmate of the Month. After some initial political sparring and some flying lessons by Duke, they of course fall in love. I've seen better screen chemistry between Duke and some of his horses.

Then they escape to the Soviet Union. Then they come back. All ends happily.

But what you went through to get there.

nordy,

Hey, good to see you again!

What I really like about Jet Pilot is the flying scenes! You're totally right about the weak plot . . . . What can I say? If for no other reason, I own it because John Wayne is in it.

Ah, come on, I like Jet Pilot! It´s a real funny movie about the Americans and the Russians in Cold War. I enjoy it, whenever I watch it and the jet scenes are great.

You have a point. Watching Jet Pilot as a comedy makes it more bearable. And yes, I watch it too.

Seems to be getting attention in the other thread,
so copied the relative posts over to here.

http://i67.servimg.com/u/f67/11/97/59/03/a_duke43.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=6852&u=11975903)

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Lobby Card Mexicaine

http://i67.servimg.com/u/f67/11/97/59/03/rivale10.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=3017&u=11975903)

http://i27.servimg.com/u/f27/11/97/59/03/a_duk406.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=8161&u=11975903)

http://i27.servimg.com/u/f27/11/97/59/03/th/a_duk407.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=8162&u=11975903)

quite simply the worst john wayne film i have ever watched. the only plus point was that i watched it on my own. i would hate to think it was anyones introduction to john wayne. was it a hit at the time does anyone know?

Have to concur with badger Hughes did John Wayne a big favour taking Jet Pilot & The Conqueor out of circulation for years. I would doubt it ever made a profit as Hughes spent so money & time looking for the right type of clouds.

http://i47.servimg.com/u/f47/11/97/59/03/a_duk233.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=8625&u=11975903)

http://i47.servimg.com/u/f47/11/97/59/03/th/a_duk234.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=8626&u=11975903)

By far the WORST MOVIE he ever made!