The Hunters (1958)

Set during the Korean War, a veteran WWII fighter pilot (Robert Mitchum) returns to combat and is eager to fly the latest 86 Sabre fighter. Prior to reporting to duty however, he encounters a Lieutenant (Lee Philips, PEYTON PLACE) with a drinking problem and marriage problems who will be under his command. The problems increase when he finds himself attracted to the Lieutenant's beautiful wife (May Britt). Based on the novel by James Salter and directed by actor turned director Dick Powell (THE ENEMY BELOW). The focus of the novel (whose only major female character is a 19 year old Japanese girl) is changed somewhat to emphasize the romantic relationship between Mitchum and Britt whose character does not exist in the book. Dramatically speaking, the three way relationship between Mitchum, Britt and Philips is the most interesting aspect of the movie. The war aspect of the film is routine but visually, the aerial sequences shot by Charles G. Clarke (CAROUSEL) in CinemaScope are stunning while Arizona stands in for Korea. With Robert Wagner, Richard Egan, Victor Sen Yung, Nina Shipman and Nobu McCarthy.