Flying Leathernecks (DVD, 2007)

Classic cliches, the stereotypical scowl and the narratives of honor and service above all are just some of the things that make Flying Leathernecks one of the all-time favorite WWII Hollywood propaganda movies. The Duke shines as the all-knowing, hard driving CO with a sensitive heart hidden from all but a few. Robert Ryan is at his best as the XO, a man who can't seem to grasp the idea that men will die in war and it's his job to send them off to do it.

I'm a fan of the Duke. He represents what the American male of my generation inspire to be. Honor, duty, responsibility, sacrifice and guts, with the constant representation of right in a world full of wrong. As time goes on, classic movies such as Flying Leathernecks are shown less and less, relegated to the few days such as Memorial Day, Veteran's Day and John Waynes birthday, usually shown on AMC. I would like to see it more often, but since TV today doesn't seem to cater to what my personal preferences are, I decided to buy the DVD and enjoy the constant cliches and the determined scowl whenever I choose, usually on a boring Sunday afternoon when it's raining outside and I have an excuse to stay indoors. It's strange, I can quote many of the lines, I've seen it so often, but it never seems to get old. That's why I call it a classic. It never seems to fade or lose it's luster.
Buy it. Enjoy it. Keep the genre alive. Play it for your kids and grandkids and teach them a little about what we inspired to be and what honor, duty and respect was like in our generation and what formed our lives and emotions. If nothing else, it's pure fun and a great way to pass a rainy Sunday with a bowl of popcorn, a soft drink, a cuddly wife and the Duke at his best.