If, and it's a big if, you can watch this analytically as a separate viewing experience from the re-imagining of it as Airplane! than this is a competently made drama perfect for the lower half of the bill at a Saturday matinée. Dana Andrews moves through the picture with grim determination and that ultimate block of wood actor Sterling Hayden is even more constricted than usual. Lloyd Bridges didn't have to change much in his performance to parody him! Linda Darnell, in her second to last film, really doesn't have much too work with in her part but she is fine offering a quiet show of strength and support when needed. However as you watch even if you are trying to be detached and see it apart from the spoof a line will pop up like "Looks like I picked the wrong day to quit smoking." and it takes you right out of the movie. Still a good view.
Review of Zero Hour!
