Artilheiro Aéreo

"A bomber plane limps home from a dangerous mission and the wounded pilots recounts, in dramatic flashbacks, the story of one soldier's bravery. Sworn rivals in civilian life, Sgt. Davis (Richard Arlen) and 'Foxy' Pattis (Chester Morris) are shot down behind enemy lines. Surrounded by hostile Japanese troops, they must put aside their deep hatred of one another in order to survive. Featuring convincing aerial dogfight footage and authoritative performances by Morris and Arlen, this wartime propaganda extravaganza depicts men facing certain death roused to a higher calling," say the good folks at Alpha Video.

Popular "Henry Aldrich" series star Jimmy Lydon (as Sanford "Sandy" Lunt) makes a good dramatic impression. Playing Mr. Lydon's sister, attractive Amelita "Lita" Ward (as Peggy) makes her film debut; her second film co-starred William "Billy" Benedict (who is featured herein as a sleepy private) and future husband Leo Gorcey. Dependable Dick Purcell (as "Gadget") has the best comic relief scenes. Rugged Robert Mitchum receives special billing on present purchases of "Aerial Gunner" but appears very briefly (it is a speaking part, though). At least one of the fun bit and supporting players became Superman.

***** Aerial Gunner (3/20/43) William H. Pine ~ Chester Morris, Richard Arlen, Jimmy Lydon, Amelita Ward