Possible Warbird Movies

[Wannabwarbird]

Just dreaming and thought it may make for interesting discussion, what historical movie could be made today with current worldwide defence force inventory? Was the Battle of Britain movie a freak occurrence? (basically assembled a representation 1940's airforce 24 years post the war) I guess the only theatre possible to be 'recreated' now without the use of private warbirds could be Vietnam with the use of F4's (limited), F5's, A4' and UH1's? Obviously the money would be ten fold now. If it could be done I would like to see a movie based on Chicken Hawk by Robert Mason. I can't think of a Vietnam movie from a pilots perspective having been done previously.

Any ones thoughts?

[John Dupre]

Operation Bolo would make for a good film. Then there is the true story of the rescue of a downed F-4 pilot whose future wife was waiting anxiously for his return as an officer at his base. (He didn't know she was in love with him.) There have been several rescue/escape stories so I don't know if that one would stand out. Operation Linebacker from a B-52 crew perspective would be good too, sort of an updated Memphis Belle. The Dan Cherry story carried through to his reunion with his shootdown victim would be very PC, so it would probably sell in Hollywood.

For WW2 I would like to see a movie or series of Hellhawks by Robert F. Dorr. The story of the capture of the U-505 by a carrier air group would be good too. A Higher Call the Franz Stigler Charlie Brown incident would make a good movie too.

[K5DH]

Iron Eagle V ? ? ?

Sorry... couldn't resist...

[The Inspector]

The really difficult part would come in convincing any military branch that they weren't going to be punked. The heady days of the late 40's to mid 70's are gone, being replaced by people so paranoid about not getting their ticket punched to a plum assignment by contributing to a Hollywierd film that puts their service in a bad (even perceived as bad) light. That's why we get terds like Memphis Belle and Pearl Harbor featuring dry oatmeal Saturday morning cartoon scripts and wooden actors.
Even as straight up a book as 'ChickenHawk' would be twisted with romantic conflicts and other extraneous fluff (and introducing M.I. Studdley as John Neversweat).

[Jerry O'Neill]

"The Phantom P-40 from Mindanao",
A realistic film about Jimmy Doolittle,
One about the Air Apaches.
I'll think of a few more.

[Pathfinder]

Gray Eagles---without CGI. 190s instead of 109s---maybe a 262 or two. Versus Mustangs, Spits and Warhawks.
A throwback retro movie.

[phil65]

Old 666

Phil

[tom d. friedman]

the falklands war from the british perspective has never been thought about much since the conflict over 30 years ago. countless Israeli air force missions of defense & survival as a nation.

[oz rb fan]

the defense of Darwin?

[Zachary]

The story of the capture of the U-505 by a carrier air group would be good too.

Speaking of which, I was just in Chicago over the weekend to visit the Museum of Science and Industry. The U-505 exhibit is absolutely PHENOMENAL!!! Definitely stop and see it if you are in the area.

Zack

[Craig59]

I've always felt the story of the Lady Be Good, her crew and final mission, and her discovery fourteen years later would make a fascinating film. And yes, I'm aware of the made-for-TV attempts with "King Nine Will Not Return" and "Soul Survivor."

[k5083]

I was always surprised they never filmed any of Martin Caidin's novels like "The Last Dogfight" or "Whip".

August

[sandiego89]

Well plenty of gulf war and war on terror could films could be done with aircraft in use today. Likely the air elements would only be a supporting role.

Operation Eagle Claw would be an interesting movie with C-130's and close enough 53's still in service, I have always found the mission fascinating. Plenty of flying, intrigue, big personalites, but perhaps not the triumphant ending desired by most hollywood producers.

Red Hats or Red Eagles. Obtaining soviet bloc equipment and flying them from secret bases. Could use MiGs still in service or on the warbird market (15's, 17's, 21's 23's, 29's, Su's, etc). Could have some spy type plots, flying, romantic angles (to keep the Mrs. happy). Could easily see this as a 1950's popcorn type movie.

Second on the Falklands- the air to air stuff would be great, although sourcing correct Sea Harriers would be a challenge- unless India could be persuaded. Lots of good special operations type flying with helo's that could still be sourced.

[Jerry O'Neill]

Old 666

Phil

That's one that I'd like to see and, BTW, a friend of mine has been writing a screenplay on it.
Jerry

[p51]

Gray Eagles---without CGI. 190s instead of 109s---maybe a 262 or two. Versus Mustangs, Spits and Warhawks.
A throwback retro movie.

HECK YES. I first read that book a couple of years ago and I still think it'd make a great film, but it'd have to take place in the 1970s...