Top of the World

Every actor from that time and their cousin is in this movie. You expect that from a major movie but what is it about "Top of the World" that drew them in?

Maj. Lee Gannon (Dale Robertson) is too old and too slow to be a jet pilot. Strange that is why I left the reserves. To add to that his Ex-wife is not doing so well with a joint of her own in Alaska that see gage back alimony checks.

Wait he has a choice of leaving the force or transferring (here it comes) to Alaska. You guessed it and as the story unfolds, we get a glimpse of the past, present and possible futures.

There are love triangles inside triangles and so forth. A real tesseract.

On top of that we get to see Top of the World. A secret mission that is kept up with the daily news.

We have a real tearjerker here.

Keep your fingers crosse.

Looks like they showed a lot of B36 Peacemakers at the last minute.

The names of the two actresses were Evelyn Keys and Nancy Gates. I think it was Nancy Gates I was helping with her boots. Without digging out the pictures I cannot be 100% sure. Because I need more lines I will tell you a little about my military service. Basic training was at Parks AFB, California. Tech School was 1 year of Aircraft & Engine School at Sheppard AFB, Oklahoma. Then Altas AFB, Oklahoma for one week. Then Donaldson AFB, South Carolina. next it was Eillson AFB, Alaska for one week then to Ladd AFB, Fairbanks, Alaska. Then to Palm Beach AFB, Florida. Then TDY to Sheppard AFB for 6 month advanced tech school. From Palm Beach AFB to Tinker AFB, Oklahoma. Then to Keesler AFB, Mississippi for one year Ground Radio Maintence Tech School. Next McGuire AFB New Jersey. Next Daharan Air Base, Saudi Arabia for one year. Next three years at Ladd AFS at Weisbaden, Germany. Next Montgomery AFB, Alabama. Next back to Keesler AFB, Mississippi for one year for advanced Electronics School. Next Mt. Laguna AFS, California. Next Sparavon AFS, Alaska for one year. Next and last North Turo AFS Mass. where I retired.

Wilbur C. Watts, TSGT USAF Ret., 100% Service Connected Disabled

Director Lewis R Foster gave very few war films, this one and the terrific THE BOLD AND THE BRAVE. This one is just a waste of time for any viewer but a rare film, very hard to find. THE BOLD AND THE BRAVE too, but the difference is that the lastest is really worth the search and the watch. Just forget this one, TOP OF THE WORLD mix up of romance and war time. The bland and wooden Dale Robertson doesn't help very much to enhance the quality of this movie. I had never seen it before and I don't regret. Now, I have seen it and in a few seconds I will have forgotten it. But that's up to you to decide.

"Top of the World" is a movie about the US Air Force in Alaska, though it's mostly about a Major making some pretty inappropriate advances to a female officer who he used to be married to long ago. When the Major ISN'T hitting on her or arguing with her, the film has some interesting scenes such as a rescue on the ice as well as some amazing aircraft, such as the C-47 transport and the Twin Mustang.

This is a film where you really notice how times have changed! While Airmen today might say a few of the sexist things they said in the film, it's not officially tolerated and the story seems to imply that if you badger a woman long enough, she'll come falling into your arms. Heck, the Major makes some of these comments in front of fellow officers...it was seemingly that accepted. Regardless, the film is at its worst during these 'love scenes' and would have been better without it.

For a MUCH better film about the US Air Force during this Cold War period, try Jimmy Stewart's STRATEGIC AIR COMMAND...a film where the planes are the stars and the romance is good and less annoying.

Before there was Top Gun, there was Top of the World. The U. S. Air Force is the star of the picture with extensive USAF footage. Aviation fans will love seeing the footage of an array of planes.

The love melodrama on the ground never really takes off and you won't need to buckle your seat belts for the climactic rescue mission.

The film would have benefited greatly from wide-screen cinematography instead of the 4:3 aspect ratio. I imagine the filmmakers were forced to go 4:3 to match the film acquired by USAF.

Performances by all the leads are okay. Supporting cast, particularly of the endangered crew, are, unfortunately, underdeveloped.