Task Force (1949) Movie Review & Film summary, Cast and Crew
Key Points
Task Force, a black-and-white war film with Technicolor sequences, chronicles the development of U.S. aircraft carriers from the USS Langley (CV-1) to the USS Franklin (CV-13). While it may not be Gary Cooper’s most memorable war film, it sheds light on an essential aspect of naval history.
Plot Summary:
As Rear Admiral Jonathan L. Scott (Gary Cooper) prepares for retirement, he reflects on his role in introducing aircraft carriers to the U.S. Navy. After World War I, military downsizing limited opportunities for carrier-bound air capabilities. The challenge lay in designing aircraft specifically for landing on flat decks. Tragically, several deaths occurred during training.
Over the next two decades, Scott and his colleagues persistently advocate for aircraft carriers. Their efforts pay off during World War II, particularly at the Battle of Midway. The film weaves together historical events, including Pearl Harbor and Okinawa, using a mix of documentary footage and scenes from other movies.
Key Points:
- Gary Cooper as Admiral Scott: Cooper portrays Scott, torn between duty and personal relationships. His performance captures the essence of a military leader navigating uncharted waters.
- Jane Wyatt as Mary Morgan: The widow of a fallen pilot, Mary adds emotional depth to the story. Her chirpy demeanor contrasts with the gravity of wartime events.
- Turning from B&W to Color: The film’s novel twist occurs during the Okinawa scenes, transitioning from black and white to color. This shift allows viewers to experience the intensity of war through breathtaking visuals.
Trivia:
- Wayne Morris, who plays Lt. McKinney, was the only actor with actual combat experience as a carrier pilot in WWII. His real-life heroics add authenticity to the film.
- Task Force is the 1,434th film to borrow footage from John Ford’s December 7th.
While Task Force may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it serves as a valuable historical record of naval aviation’s evolution. Delmer Daves efficiently directs this forgotten chapter, reminding us of the courage and innovation that shaped the U.S. Navy’s future.
