Customer Reviews

The McConnell Story [VHS]

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Joe McConnell was a man driven to become a top fighter pilot. This movie tells the story of Joe as he gets selected to become a navigator in a B-17 bomber in WWII. Unsatisfied in this role, he fights hard to become a pilot and even harder to get in to combat in the skies over Korea. He became the top scoring ace before he was done. The movie ends with the tragedy of his death while test flying new fighter jets.

The McConnell story showcases a period of time in America when the Cold War first turned bloody. It also shows the determination and courage of the American fighter pilots during the Korean War.

The flying scenes are exceptionally good, and very authentic in the aircraft, the lingo and the procedures. Any flying or military history buff would like the movie.

(Side note: I may be biased--my father,then Major Stephen Bettinger, piloted the aircraft "Joe" was flying in the F-86 scenes for the movie and was a jet ace in Korea himself...)

This bio-pic has action and romance. Alan Ladd is a bit aloof as Joe McConnell, but June Allyson counterbalances this nicely with her usual exuberant enthusiasm. The plot is standard fare for the era, though the twist of transport pilots dreaming of glory as fighter aces is novel. Allyson's role as the loving wife who wants Ladd to stop flying and settle down is familiar, as she basically plays the same part with Jimmy Stewart as the pilot hubby in Strategic Air Command. What really sets the The McConnell Story apart from other cold war military dramas of the 1950s are the spectacular flying sequences. It is unclear whether Major Stephen Bittinger or Captain Pete Fernandez flew the F-86 that was supposed to be McConnell's plane during the filming; both were ace pilots in Korea, and Fernandez was also McConnell's best friend, going back to the transport pilot days. (Fernandez is the only airman listed in the film's credits, as technical advisor.)
So sail off into the clouds with the aces of Korea in this technicolor delight.

The McConnell Story tells a true tale of an American fighter pilot who served during the Korean War. The man (Alan Ladd) had always been in love with airplanes and though he had a wife and children (June Allyson), he was able to pursue his dreams and make a name for himself in a plane.

The story itself is basic, but it surrounds subtle and endearing characters. They drive the story along. Perhaps one of the reasons that this film is so interesting is because of the chemistry between Ladd and Allyson. The two fell in love with each other during this film despite both being married. They used the story of the film to imagine what it would be like to be married to each other which is why they come to life in the roles. Although their romance ended with the completion of this film, their connection never died and this film serves as a reminder of that.

This movie tells the tragic story of America's first jet ace, and it does a pretty good job of it. I just thought it was easy to sit through and watch and I think everyone will enjoy watching it.

This wonderful and rarely on the TV screen aired movie is from 1955, not from 1963 as stated in the product description on top of the page.

BTW the two actors Alan Ladd and June Allyson fell in love while making this film, but they were both married at the time. June Allyson described their secret love story in a very touching way in her autobiography.

The chemistry between the two leads and stunning aerial photography make this somewhat sentimental bio-pic of a an ace jet fighter pilot a winner. If Alan Ladd had been this relaxed and looked this good in "Boy on a Dolphin" a few years later that performance would not have been the embrassment it is - his decline was very sad! Thanks, Warner Bros, for this one, "Santiago" and "The Iron Mistress" - now what about the ones we Ladd fans are eagerly waiting for - "Drum Beat" and "Hell on Frisco Bay" - bring 'em on WB.

The McConnell Story is a great classic movie. Alan Ladd and June Allyson are both fantastic actors for this movie. I also love movies that are based on a true story. I would recommend this movie to anyone that love Alan Ladd and or June Allyson.

Sometimes, Hollywood tells the truth--and this is one of those times!!! This is part of your United States Air Force history! Many of you might even remember some of these things, and you will understand a whole lot more than you do now! Real people, real events, and a real story! There is a real Air Force Base in Kansas named after this guy. An American Hero of the modern age that you may not have heard of, and a forefather of the USAF. Some people have an abiding fear of truth, though, so those people should not see this movie!!! Now, exactly what was going on when you were born???

This is a true story about a man who just wanted to fly aircraft. He aventually became a test pilot and flying the sabre's. a great movie for the whole family.

A real thrill to get a copy of the McConnell Story since I flew F-86s! I did not see combat in Korea, but I did fly combat in Vietnam in an unarmed recon airplane. I have several friends who are veteran Korean combat pilots. Tje copy of this movie I received is in excellent condition, and I have enjoyed watching it again.

Have a great forever!
Sky Pilot