Cast
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Robert Mitchum
as Major Cleve Saville
Robert Wagner
as Lt. Ed Pell
Richard Egan
as Colonel Dutch Imil, CO 54th Fighter Group
May Britt
as Kristina 'Kris' Abbott
Lee Philips
as 1st Lt. Carl Abbott
John Gabriel
as 1st Lt. Corona
Stacy Harris
as Col. Monk Moncavage
Victor Sen Yung
as Korean farmer
Candace Lee
as Korean Child
Aki Aleong
as MIG Pilot
John Doucette
as Chief Master Sergeant
Esther Ying Lee
as Waitress
Mabel Lim
as Korean Woman
Alena Murray
as Mrs. Mason
Nina Shipman
as WAF Lieutenant
Crew
Director
- Dick Powell
Producer
- Dick Powell
Reviews
John Chard
Love tryst and thundering planes.
Set during the Korean War, this picture features the fine talent of Robert Mitchum as Major Cleve Saville and a young fresh faced Robert Wagner as the cocksure Lt Ed Pell. As the war rages, and the airmen deal with the pressures that come with the service, Saville starts to fall in love with the wife (a very weak May Britt) of one of his men, thus adding further pressures to a company growing weary by the day. The Hunters, based on the novel written by James Salter, is a very solid picture, perhaps bogged down by it's determination to give the picture emotional heart, it never the less thrills with its aerial sequences and is awash with glorious colour that new televisual technology can enhance, it's also a film that definitely needs to be seen in widescreen.
By not outstaying its welcome, The Hunters is the perfect film for genre fans who find themselves stuck in the house on a rainy Sunday afternoon. Though Mitchum of course oozes his usual screen presence here, he is playing second fiddle to the F-86 Sabres that are swishing about the bright blue sky, dog fighting with the Migs (well F-84 Thunders cunningly disguised as Migs) and thus giving the picture the necessary action quotient. Films set in the Korean War are few and far between, so to at least have a film like The Hunters to view when in the mood is surely a really good thing. 6/10
Apr 16, 2016
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Hunters examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Dick Powell brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1958, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Hunters took approximately 7 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 108 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 159 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1958, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Hunters shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Seven O'Clock Breakfast Club for the Brokenhearted, which focuses more on action than character development, The Hunters offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Postcard Killings and Lucky explore similar territory, The Hunters stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 1, 1958
- Runtime: 1h 48m
Where to Watch
