This Man's Navy

source: Air Ship Squadron No. 4

This Man's Navy

This film was very enjoyable because it deals with Naval Blimps and shows how they are launched and the methods used to secure them to the ground. Wallace Beery, (Ned Trumpet) plays the role of a Chief Petty Officer with plenty of service along with James Gleason who is his co-pilot. There is plenty of action with Japanese Planes attacking the blimp and also comedy and romance. Jan Clayton, (Dorothy Cortland) is introduced to Tom Drake, (Jese Weaver) which was arranged by Ned Trumpet who wanted his adopted son to meet an attractive young gal. Ned Trumpet had a bad habit of telling so many lies that all his friends were doubtful about anything he said. Wallace Berry & James Gleason both gave an outstanding performance and made this into a great film to watch and enjoy. William A Wellman the director was one of the first director's who was able to create classic airplane films dealing with actual stunt-men flying the planes. Enjoy.

Of all the movies I have seen, and that's most of them, this is by far the best one made that is primarily about the U.S. Naval Airships (Blimps) during the WW-II era. Yes there are other good LTA related movies, but most use special effects more than any real-time shots. This Man's Navy has considerably more real-time footage of blimps etc. True, lots of corny dialog but that's what makes more interesting Hollywood movies, even today. P.S. I spent 10 years(out of 20) and have over 5,000 hours in Navy Airships of all types, from 1949 through 1959. Proud member of the Naval Airship Association etc. [ATC(LA/AC) USN Retired]