Thunder Birds
Thunder Birds

Thunder Birds

1942Movie78 minEnglish

On a secluded base in Arizona, veteran World War I pilot Steve Britt trains flyers to fight in World War II. One of his trainees, Englishman Peter Stackhouse, competes with Britt for the affections of Kay Saunders, the daughter of a local rancher. Despite their differences, Britt makes sure Sutton passes his training and becomes a combat pilot -- even though he loses Kay to the young man in the process.

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IMDb6.3/10
Director: William A. WellmanGenres: Drama, War, Romance

Plot Summary

Set during World War II, this film follows a group of American pilots training at an air base in Arizona. It focuses on their personal lives, romances, and the anxieties they face as they prepare to go into combat. The story highlights the challenges and sacrifices of military training and the bonds formed between the pilots and the women in their lives.

Critical Reception

The film received mixed to positive reviews upon its release, with critics often praising its patriotic themes and performances, particularly Gene Tierney's. While not considered a groundbreaking war film, it was seen as a solid, well-made production that captured the spirit of the era.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its patriotic sentiment and romantic subplots.
  • Features strong performances from its lead actors.
  • A generally well-crafted, albeit conventional, wartime drama.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this older film, but general sentiment often points to its nostalgic value and its depiction of wartime efforts.

Fun Fact

The film was one of the early major roles for Gene Tierney, who would go on to become a major Hollywood star.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

"Steve" (Preston Foster) is a veteran flyer drafted into teach some new recruits from the USA, China and the UK to fly combat missions during the Second World War. It's on this mission that he hopes to rekindle his relationship with "Kay" (...