‘Flat Top’: Preparing for Battle Is Everything

When discipline means the difference between life and death, airmen come through.

Cmdr. Dan Collier (Sterling Hayden), in “Flat Top.” Monogram Pictures

NR | 1h 23m | Drama, War | 1952

In the 1950s, producer Walter Mirisch’s name became synonymous with landmark Hollywood productions like “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” (1956) and “Man of the West” (1958). In earlier years, he cut his teeth on tighter, more compact fare, including a 1952 naval aviation story directed by Lesley Selander.