Produced with the assistance of the Navy, Warner made “Dive Bomber” as a propaganda piece as well as star vehicle for Errol Flynn.
Dealing with aviation medicine, the film told a story of the medical men practicing in the field and the pilots who were their patients and guinea pigs.
Handsomer Errol Flynn looks dashing as a young Naval surgeon who decided to devote himself to aviation medicine after an injured pilot died on his operating table during surgery.
The film itself was physically handsome, containing many impressively shot and engrossing sequences, in the air and in the laboratory.
The film was proficiently directed by the prolific and versatile Michael Curtiz (“Casablanca,” “Mildred Pierce”), who had previously made several of Errol Flynn’s thrilling swashbucklers.
Obviously, the Navy (and the public) was pleased with this salute to a group of dedicated men charting new paths in medical knowledge.
Oscar Nominations: 1
Color Cinematography: Bert Glennon
Oscar Awards: None
Oscar Context
Cast:
Errol Flynn
Fred MacMurray
Ralph Bellamy
Alexis Smith
Robert Armstorng
Regis Toomey
Allen Jenkins
Craig Stevens
Herbert Anderson
Moroni Olsen
Dennie Moore
Louis Jean Heydt
Cliff Nazarro
Credits:
Released: August 29, 1941
Produced by Warner
Directed by Michael Curtiz.
Screenplay by Frank Wead and Robert; Buckner, from a story by Frank Wead.