Bombers B-52 (1957)

Ever since a run-in during the Korean war, an airplane mechanic (Karl Malden) has disliked a hotshot pilot (Efrem Zimbalist Jr.) with a reputation for womanizing. Now, the mechanic has a new reason to to be ticked off: the pilot is romancing his daughter (Natalie Wood). Directed by Gordon Douglas (TONY ROME), the film is a tedious meld of romantic conflict and melodrama with aerial dramatics and adventure focusing on the introduction of the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bomber by the U.S. Strategic Air Command. It's nowhere near as entertaining as Anthony Mann's superior STRATEGIC AIR COMMAND which was released two years earlier. The central romance of 19 year old Natalie Wood with the 40-ish Zimbalist seems inappropriate but the age difference isn't commented on in the movie. If you're an aviation enthusiast or a Natalie Wood fan, the film might work for you. Shot in CinemaScope by William Clothier (THE ALAMO). With Marsha Hunt, Stuart Whitman, Ann Doran and John Doucette.