utgard14
Pretty much a stock Cagney plot with the backdrop this time being the US Marine Corps. Pat O'Brien plays a disciplined and responsible officer who has to teach cocky young upstart pilot Jimmy Cagney the ropes. This time the girl that comes between them is Pat's girlfriend, Margaret Lindsay. It seems like it's always either Pat's sister or the girl Pat is in love with. Whichever it is, you can bet money that Cagney will win her heart by the end of the picture. Also we have Frank McHugh in a standard Frank McHugh role of the funny and likable sidekick. This is basically a remake of Here Comes the Navy. Despite the familiar plot, it's a good movie. The cast is great (Cagney is having a ball) and the aerial photography and plane stunts are impressive. It's a bit by-the-numbers for many people but chances are if you're watching this you're doing so because you like Cagney movies like this one.
KyleFurr2
This movie was directed by Lloyd Bacon and stars James Cagney and Pat O'Brien. This is probably one of Cagney's worst pictures and also one of the worst Cagney and O'Brien made together with the exception of The Irish In Us. Just a year later Cagney and O'Brien would go on to make Ceiling Zero with Howard Hawks which is a much better movie and you should watch that one instead. There isn't much to the plot like Cagney wanting to join the marines and winds up having to learn how to fly by his old friend O'Brien who is a Lieutenant. O'Brien is engaged to Margaret Lindsay but even after Cagney finds out he doesn't even care and still goes after her. There isn't much to the movie and you should watch one of Cagney's better movies instead.
ccthemovieman-1
So far, I have to agree with what each of the four previous reviewers said, meaning some good, some bad.THE BAD - Not much of a story.....supporting actor Frank McHugh in an annoying role (annoying with his singing the same stupid song after every sentence)......James Cagney with a laugh that gets annoying after awhile.....a weak romantic angle....showing "training exercises" as part of the climactic scene was somewhat interesting but provided no drama if these fliers were facing an enemy at war......Pat O'Brien an unrealistically too good a sport at the end. (He proposes to Lindsay who turns him down and then incredulously asks, "I didn't hurt your feelings did I?" duh... And he answers something like, "No, it''s okay." Yeah, right!THE GOOD - The same cocky Cagney character who is always entertaining, always elevating a film...Some wonderful aerial shots and stunt flying in some terrific-looking bi-planes......... Margaret Lindsay's wisecracks and pretty face....Two dramatic scenes with Cagney trying to land a damaged plane.Summary; So-so entertainment, more if you are an airplane enthusiast or a Cagney fan (which I am) but certainly on the lower of echelon of his films.
Jim Tritten
Predictable and formula story that has been re-used by virtually the same cast. I personally ignored the story (partially due to the over-acting by Jimmy Cagney) and concentrated on the historic shots of early Marine Corps aviation and the Fleet Marine Force preparing for amphibious operations before there were Higgins Boats. Some really great flying shots. Who cares who got the girl! A must for aviation enthusiasts.