Search - Bombers B-52 (1957) [DVD] on DVD

SAC and B-52s

David F. Plummer | Bellevue, WA USA | 09/18/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is a hokey film that has little relationship with real SAC/B-52 operations in the late 1950s. However, it is certainly worthwhile as a means of viewing some flying shots of the (early) B-52 aircraft. Most of the "on-base" flight sequences were taken during the film-crew's visit to Castle AFB (at the time, near Atwater, California; the base was closed some years ago). As a young Lt. fresh out of USAF flying school, and assigned to the 328th Bomb Sqdn. at Castle, I was lucky enough to see some of the filming, and observe some of the 'stars' walking around the base. It was amusing to see Mr. Zimbalist walking around in his colonel's uniform, and being saluted by all lower ranks who passed him; I'm sure he got a chuckle out of it. Definitely worth a look!!"

A love letter to the B-52

Stanwyck | Texas | 09/07/2009

(2 out of 5 stars)

"A rather strange "Natalie Wood" movie. Although she recieves top billing, she has the smallest part of the three major stars.



The real star of this movie seems to be the B-52 (which I assume to be an "A" model"). The shots of it in flight and on the ground must have been awesome to see on a movie theatre screen.



There are plenty of goodies for any old airplane buff. Great shots of the B-47, and even some action with the old propeller driven KC-97's. Even a couple of close looks at an F-86.



Otherwise, the plot is somewhat hokey, and predictable. Without spoiling it too much, at the beginning of the movie we find the action in Korea- during the war. Efrem Zimbalist, who is a Captain, orders Karl Mauldin, a sergeant, to repair his F-86 so he can get to Tokyo. Mauldin objects because it is nighttime, and any lights would attract North Korean fire, and he assumes that Zimbalist wants the aircraft repaired so he can meet with one of his honeys. Anyway, Mauldin opens a panel on the side of the aircraft that is about the size of a microwave oven door and his crew then lights up the WHOLE AIRPLANE with enough light to illuminate Yankee stadium. Needless to say, this does attract the fire that everyone was worried about.



Had they not invented the flashlight at that time? Could they not have worked under a rain poncho or a coat?



Anyway, one of Mauldin's crew is killed in the attack and this creates major friction between him and Zimbalist, who, lo and behold, becomes the wing commander at Mauldin's base later when the B-52 is to be made operational. It gets to be even more fun when Zimbalist begins to date Natalie Wood, who is Maudlin's daughter.



Well, as my wife always says. Forget it- it's just a movie!"

Bombers b-52

W. Snyder | Minneapolis, MN | 09/16/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this item for its technical aspects.Specifically the action in the B-52 getting the landing gear down. The story line was OK but not of any factor in whether I bought the item or not."

Duty or Money

Ian Holdsworth | Melbourne, Australia | 04/03/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a interesting movie, about a career USAF Sgt, who is a Crew Chief on large bombers such as the B47 or B52. It show's how miltary personnel are sometimes tempted to move into the private sector by money and a more stable life and the miltary's struggle to hold on to talented and trained personnel. This is still relevant in the miltary today."