Karl Malden plays a 20-year veteran of the Air Force who wants to retire in order to make more money for himself and his family as a civilian (there's an interesting story angle!). His timing isn't good, however, as the new nine million dollar B-52 is introduced to Malden's California air base, and the cocky Colonel he's disliked since Korea wants him to stay and supervise the flight line. Glossy CinemaScope melodrama divides its time between the Sergeant's digs and the noisy air strip. Watchable, but still not enough material here to justify nearly two hours of screen time. Natalie Wood, as Malden's daughter, has a curious scene crying in her room (just after receiving a brand new convertible as a present); she's embarrassed her dad isn't held in higher esteem by his superiors, but from what we can see this isn't entirely true. "Romeo" fly-boy Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. practically begs the more-experienced Malden not to retire, yet the movie's narrative is so gummy we aren't sure of his motives. Shot in gorgeous color, the film looks extremely handsome, but Irving Wallace's script needed more of the funny digs we get near the beginning. The final act is so routine as to be almost unintentionally amusing. ** from ****
Review of Bombers B-52
