The War Lover (1962)

Set in England during WWII, an Air Force captain (Steve McQueen) is a first rate pilot but he's also reckless and arrogant. He loves the thrill of war. His co-pilot (Robert Wagner) is more conservative and by the book. When a young English girl (Shirley Anne Field) enters their lives, she will be the conduit for each man to to look within himself. Based on the novel by John Hersey (A BELL FOR ADANO) and directed by Philip Leacock (TAMAHINE). Unusual in war films, the focus isn't on war but on the three main characters and the psychology of their relationship. As the hot shot pilot who is also a borderline psychopath, McQueen is perfectly cast and gives one of his best performances. Wagner is quietly efficient but Field is rather colorless. The script by Howard Koch (CASABLANCA) is solid but Leacock's direction needed to be stronger to elevate the movie into something that might have been better than what we're given. The film received mixed reviews but I still think it's an above average "war" film. The aerial photography is excellent. With Michael Crawford, Gary Cockrell and Robert Easton.