Editor Reviews:

Amazon.com:
Demonstrations of classic military tactical procedures and excellent footage of vintage aircraft (like the rare B-36), combine here to give viewers a cold war primer on the Air Force's defense capabilities, circa 1955. Former World War II pilot James Stewart is called out of retirement to assist in the strengthening of the Strategic Air Command, the new bomber forces that are America's first line of defense against the Russian nuclear threat. Wife June Allyson sits at home and frets over her husband's devotion to duty, while Harry Morgan lends a hand on the aircraft. Through Stewart, director Anthony Mann takes us on an ersatz tour of the elite Air Force operations that safeguarded America at the time. Unless you're interested in the aircraft of the day or stateside propaganda techniques during the cold war, Strategic Air Command tends to be a bit of a yawner. --Mark Savary

Rating : - Big Shiny Airplanes!
Dutch Holland (James Stewart) was in the Air Force during WWII, but once his term was over, he picked up his old life again and joined a baseball league. He even got married to a beautiful and loving woman named Sally (June Allyson). One day, just when things are looking good for the family, he's asked to leave his job and join the Air Force again. Sally doesn't think he will, but he agrees quickly and loves his job. Despite the danger involved with flying, Dutch takes to it like a duck in water. He soon becomes in charge of his own crew, much to the chagrin of his wife.

This movie boasts its airplanes quite a lot and its popular cast not as much. In fact, Stewart requested to make this movie because of his own time in the Air Force during the war. He is excellent in the film, and doesn't seem to mind taking second billing to all of the aircraft. It is Allyson who suffers in a small role with little to do. This isn't a great Stewart-Allyson teaming, but it isn't a bad film. Thanks to the likable cast, one does not have to be interested in airplanes to enjoy the movie.