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Summary

Inspired by Churchill's Dunkirk speech, brash, undisciplined Canadian bush pilot Brian MacLean and three friends enlist in the RCAF.

Cast

James Cagney

Brian MacLean (bush pilot)

Dennis Morgan

Johnny Dutton (bush pilot)

Brenda Marshall

Emily Foster

Alan Hale

Francis Patrick 'Tiny' Murphy (bush pilot)

George Tobias

Blimp Lebec (bush pilot)

Reginald Gardiner

Scrounger Harris (bush pilot)

W.A. Bishop

Himself

Reginald Denny

Commanding officer

Russell Arms

Louis 'Alabama' Prentiss

Paul Cavanagh

Group Captain

Clem Bevans

Sam 'Store-Teeth' Morrison

J.M. Kerrigan

Foster (storekeeper / Emily's father)

J. Farrell MacDonald

Dr. Neville (from Churchtown)

Patrick O'Moore

Fyffe

Morton Lowry

Carmichael

Pat Flaherty

Drill Sergeant

Winifred Harris

Red Cross Collector

Crew

Director

Michael Curtiz

Screenplay

Norman Reilly Raine

Screenplay

Richard Macaulay

Screenplay, Story

Arthur T. Horman

Story

Roland Gillett

It was a coincidence, this being Remembrance Day, that I threw on this selection from the James Cagney Signature Collection DVD boxed set, and it's weird that this Hollywood film came out as a tribute to the Royal Canadian Air Force. Really unique as a war film, and I loved Billy Bishop's cameo, in his full title, giving out 'wings' to those fortunate pilots who successfully passed RCAF training. Especially recommended for fans either of James Cagney or war films in general.