Men of the Fighting Lady

Aircraft transported their pilots who "commuted" to the war with hope for a safe return to a warm bed, a hot meal and needed rest until their next assignment. A far cry from the previous bloody war within which many of the pilots were veterans.

Home and family seemed so far away, a vivid memory beyond reach. War was somewhere near, yet at a safe distance as the carrier sailed on in safe waters. Some of the men were questioning why they were there, and why this war was called a "police action".

Squadron assignments required low-level attack of ground targets exposing the pilots to heavy return fire. This led to the inevitable yet unexpected and sudden loss of a fellow pilot and friend. However, they were not challenged by enemy aircraft throughout the movie. The frequent flying scenes were impressively displayed with technical continuity and logical sequences.

Detailed shots of the flight deck crew rigging catapult launches and assisting in the recovery of aircraft were smoothly spliced in with realism. Acting was acceptably believable as the actors seemed to play themselves. Overall, great flying scenes with a simple plot that keeps the audience (and the pilots) wondering who will survive.

The tale of Ensign Ken Shechter, based on "The Case of the Blind Pilot," is knuckle-biting to say the least. Far more captivating and emotionally taxing than "Top Gun," "Men of the Fighting Lady" must surely be ranked among the great war films. It is guaranteed to please. Don't forget to chcukle at "Ski," the absolute embodiment of the typical airplane maintenance chief.