Review of Jet Pilot (1957) by Dean M — 09 Aug 2009

This is an odd film. Filmed in 1952 and released 5 years later by Howard Hughes as when he shot the movie everything (planes etc..) was new and state of the art for the early 1950's. By 1957 most of the equipment was obsolete. Leigh is stunning as usual and the Duke was good in this sorta kinda romantic comedy about a female Russian pilot who lands in Alaska asking for asylum. Watching this film in 2009 a lot of things came to mind.

1) 50's audience were not that sophisticated as it's absurd that the Air Force would just let a Russian defector fly airplanes for kicks and fly with Wayne whereever they wanted to go: Yuma, Palm Springs for steaks 2) the planes back then had a very unique 50's charm to them 3) if this film was to highlight the differences between the commies and the capitalists then a) if you ever get stuck at a no vacancy hotel then make sure commies are staying there because they will share thier room. b) Capitalists make better steaks and see-through night gowns.

I can't fault Wayne or Leigh as I said they were fun to watch but the story is absoltely ludicrous. Watch if you're curious about 1950's perceptions of the 1950's world or if you're a Leigh or Wayne fan. There's not much else. Trek fans note that actor Paul Fix is in this and is pretty funny as Wayne's pilot buddy.