I am always drawn to this movie whenever it comes on, mostly because it has several of my favorite actors, e.g. William Holden, Fredric March and Grace Kelly. I like the storyline, and generally like the movie...
But my biggest complaint is the casting of Mickey Rooney. His character is completely out of place in this movie. His portrayal is also way over-the-top. I also question the technical advice given in this movie, I could be wrong, but it seems unlikely to me that two enlisted men would be flying a helicopter to rescue downed pilots, in what appears to be their assigned duty.
I know that enlisted men have served as pilots when the need arose, but they were usually promoted to Warrant Officer rank for the duration of that duty. At any rate, all the scenes involving the brawling Mickey Rooney completely ruined the movie for me. To think that they would entrust a helicopter to the Rooney character in the light of his constant brawling and immature behavior really stretches the imagination for me.
The best scenes in this movie are those between March and Holden, where the dialogue is sophisticated and revealing. And what man could not appreciate a leave with Grace Kelley? The scene where Holden and his family of 4 are in the bath house, and the Japanese family of 4 come in and disrobe to swim is classic.
To summarize, I just don't like the scenes that go on and on with Rooney, they really drag the movie down. And if anyone else has ideas about the accuracy of enlisted men serving a primary duty of helicopter pilot, please let me know.
But my biggest complaint is the casting of Mickey Rooney. His character is completely out of place in this movie. His portrayal is also way over-the-top. I also question the technical advice given in this movie, I could be wrong, but it seems unlikely to me that two enlisted men would be flying a helicopter to rescue downed pilots, in what appears to be their assigned duty.
I know that enlisted men have served as pilots when the need arose, but they were usually promoted to Warrant Officer rank for the duration of that duty. At any rate, all the scenes involving the brawling Mickey Rooney completely ruined the movie for me. To think that they would entrust a helicopter to the Rooney character in the light of his constant brawling and immature behavior really stretches the imagination for me.
The best scenes in this movie are those between March and Holden, where the dialogue is sophisticated and revealing. And what man could not appreciate a leave with Grace Kelley? The scene where Holden and his family of 4 are in the bath house, and the Japanese family of 4 come in and disrobe to swim is classic.
To summarize, I just don't like the scenes that go on and on with Rooney, they really drag the movie down. And if anyone else has ideas about the accuracy of enlisted men serving a primary duty of helicopter pilot, please let me know.