Moustroll Good movie but grossly overrated

WillSushyMedia This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

Forumrxes Yo, there's no way for me to review this film without saying, take your *insert ethnicity + "ass" here* to see this film,like now. You have to see it in order to know what you're really messing with.

Kaydan Christian A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

doctorkenisin I was on the Air Force ROTC faculty at Cal Berkeley 1966 - 70 (the quiet years). In 1967 the Doolittle Raiders were having their 25th reunion at nearby Alameda Naval Air Station. Jimmy Doolittle was a Cal grad, so we invited him to present the "Doolittle Award" which we gave to our outstanding AFROTC cadet. He accepted on one condition - no prior publicity that he was to present the award. That was both a reflection of his humble nature and the realization that if the Cal hippies knew he was to appear they would turn out in droves to protest. Our offices were in the basement of Harmon Gym. Jimmy was very nostalgic about that location. While at Cal he was a wrestler and worked out in the gym. Jimmy shared a very humorous story with us. When the war broke out Jimmy was not young. He got a telegram from a compatriot about his age asking him how they could contribute to the war effort. At the time Jummy was training for the top secret operation. He sent a telegram back telling his buddy something like: "we have to leave the war to the younger generation." Shortly after the Doolittle raid, he got another telegram from his buddy. It read simply: "You SOB." Jimmy laughed as he told the story. For the reunion he invited me and one of our cadets to join the ceremony. That involved boarding the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany, sailing out under the Bay Bridges and watching aircraft doing touch and go landings. Jimmay and his raiders were on board. One of the biggest disappointments of my life was that while in our office I had my picture taken next to Jimmy. Somehow the film was lost and I never got a copy for my scrapbook. Jimmy Doolittle was a genuine Greatest Generation hero. Courageous, humble, and patriotic. Those who were not around during World War II days cannot possibly imagine the unity that prevailed in our country. This movie captures much of that spirit. I highly recommend it, but wish they would make a movie of Jimmy's life.

wes-connors Sturdy, determined Spencer Tracy (as James "Jimmy" Doolittle) organizes the US response to the World War II attack on Pearl Harbor. Mr. Tracy, and the film, make it obvious the Japanese stood no chance of besting our American forces. Note the number of men who respond to Mr. Tracy's repeated invitations to "drop out" of the dangerous mission. Despite Tracy's presence, the film stars Van Johnson (as Ted Lawson). Mr. Johnson's performance is, at times, reminiscent of a younger Tracy; in context, it's a little distracting. Still, Johnson essays the star-making sacrifice, begun by John Gilbert in MGM's "The Big Parade", effectively.Despite the big parade of men lining up to go fight in the actual war, MGM was able to find a great cast of available men; who were, presumably, persuaded to postpone enlisting. Among the servicemen, Robert Walker (as David Thatcher) is a clear stand-out. At home, Phyllis Thaxter (as Ellen Lawson) is sweet and refreshing. And, making the most of a small role would have to be Robert Mitchum (as Bob Gray). The story is very good, albeit heavily clichéd on film; it was based on the real Ted Lawson's story. Director Mervyn LeRoy's film version features fine music and photography. The highlight of "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo" is the exciting, and well-constructed, title event.******* Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo (11/15/44) Mervyn LeRoy ~ Van Johnson, Spencer Tracy, Robert Walker

windsong05 I am a retired professional pilot with thirty-eight years experience and I can tell you what the Doolittle Raiders did took more raw courage than you can possibly imagine if you are not a pilot yourself. Simply taking off from an aircraft carrier is dangerous enough for a naval aircraft. Now do it with a heavily loaded bomber not designed for the task flown by pilots who had never even been on a carrier before. Okay, that's scary enough, now I'll try to explain the technical difficulties. Simply stated, to take off a multi engine aircraft at very low airspeed (Necessary for the short length of the deck) is to invite disaster. This is because if you lose an engine as you lift off, the torque from the good engine would roll the aircraft over on its back and into the sea. Now if you survive those rigors you still have to fly to Japan, brave the anti-aircraft fire and fighters, unload your bombs, try to make to China (Low on fuel) find some primitive landing strip at night, which may have fallen into enemy hands by the time you arrive. This movie is but a small tribute to these brave heroes, so please forgive any perceptions of WWII propaganda. Supreme courage? You bet!

pgreis This represents one of the best WWII aviation movies. Follows the crew of Doolittle's Raiders who gave the US a boost in the early dark days of WWII. Well acted, excellent cinematography (Oscar nomination). Lots of great shots of B-25s for aviation buffs. The early days of training are especially interesting as the crews try and get their aircraft off the ground in a very short distance. At that point none of them realized they would ultimately have to take their B-25s off the deck of an aircraft carrier. Based on Ted Lawson's (played by Van Johnson) autobiographical accounting of the raid in the book of the same name. Excellent acting by Van Johnson and Spencer Tracy as General Doolittle.