Pilot #5 1943
"Be There When It Happens!"
Set against the tense backdrop of World War II, *Pilot #5 (1943)* follows a ragtag group of Allied soldiers and pilots stationed on Java, facing relentless aerial bombardments from Japanese forces.
Director: George Sidney
Cast
Franchot Tone
George Braynor Collins
Marsha Hunt
Freddie Andrews
Gene Kelly
Vito S. Alessandro
Van Johnson
Everett Arnold
Alan Baxter
Winston Davis
Dick Simmons
Henry Willoughby Claven
Peter Lawford
British Soldier
Steven Geray
Major Eichel
Howard Freeman
Hank Durban
Frank Puglia
Nikola
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pilot #5 (1943) about?
*Pilot #5* follows a group of Allied pilots on Java during WWII, tasked with a perilous mission to bomb a Japanese carrier using their lone functional fighter. The film weaves their reflections on the mission's leader, George Collins, into a story of courage, honor, and the personal cost of war.
Who directed Pilot #5?
Pilot #5 was directed by George Sidney, an American filmmaker known for his work in both drama and musicals during the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Who stars in Pilot #5?
The film stars Franchot Tone as George Collins, with Marsha Hunt, Gene Kelly, Van Johnson, and Alan Baxter rounding out the principal cast.
Is Pilot #5 (1943) worth watching?
With its wartime drama and romantic undertones, *Pilot #5* offers a compelling, if brief, exploration of heroism under pressure. While it may not be as widely remembered as some WWII classics, its tight storytelling and strong performances make it a solid choice for fans of vintage action and character-driven narratives.
How long is Pilot #5?
Pilot #5 runs for 71 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Pilot #5 (1943) — A Wartime Drama of Bravery and Sacrifice
Set against the tense backdrop of World War II, *Pilot #5 (1943)* follows a ragtag group of Allied soldiers and pilots stationed on Java, facing relentless aerial bombardments from Japanese forces. With only a single functional fighter plane and five desperate volunteers ready to fly it, the Dutch commander assigns George Collins to a high-stakes mission: bombing a nearby Japanese aircraft carrier. As the flight unfolds, the pilots reflect on Collins' past, revealing a journey from a brilliant law student to a man caught in the moral complexities of war. Directed by the dynamic George Sidney, this dramatic wartime romance blends action with intimate character studies, capturing the camaraderie and sacrifices of wartime heroes.
Starring Franchot Tone as the determined Collins, the film also features Gene Kelly in a rare dramatic role alongside Marsha Hunt and Van Johnson, delivering performances that ground the wartime tension in human emotion. The movie explores themes of duty, honor, and the blurred lines between heroism and survival, all set against the claustrophobic urgency of a besieged outpost. With its tight 71-minute runtime, *Pilot #5* packs a punch, offering a compact yet powerful snapshot of wartime bravery.
