Produced in cooperation with the United States Navy, the film follows naval aviators through their basic training in Pensacola, Florida and advanced training at San Diego, California.Produced in cooperation with the United States Navy, the film follows naval aviators through their basic training in Pensacola, Florida and advanced training at San Diego, California.Produced in cooperation with the United States Navy, the film follows naval aviators through their basic training in Pensacola, Florida and advanced training at San Diego, California.
- Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 1 nomination total
Photos
- Officer at Briefing
- (uncredited)
- John Smith, Farmer's Son
- (uncredited)
- Farmer
- (uncredited)
- Young Man in Automobile
- (uncredited)
- Narrator
- (voice)
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe aircraft carrier (with "EN" painted on its deck) conducting flight operations is the U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6). She would go on to be the most decorated U.S. Navy ship in WWII.
- GoofsAlthough this is a film about men training to be Navy pilots, there is an aerial view of Randolph Field, Texas, the premier flying training base for the Army Air Corps in 1940. Also, there is a scene of training planes lined up on the parking ramp at Randolph Field.
- Quotes
Narrator: Thirty years ago, the men of Pensacola started training American pilots. Today, Pensacola is growing faster than a tropical weed and offers the most comprehensive US basic air course. The swarm of activity on the ground, the swarm of planes in the air are visible assurance that the feathers on the wings of the American Navy and the Marine Corp are growing brighter each day.
- Crazy creditsIntroductory text: "What is America thinking and doing about preparedness? METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER have prepared this film primarily for America. Here it is, just as presented to American audiences, that YOU may understand America's desire for preparedness."
- SoundtracksEyes of the Fleet
Written by J.V. McElduff (as Lieut.-Comdr. J.V. McElduff, USN)
Played during opening credits
"Eyes of the Navy" is a documentary short that promotes naval aviation. It was nominated the Oscar for Best Short Subject, Two-reel--perhaps as an endorsement by the Academy for the armed forces (especially since another similar film was also nominated in this category). It shows many different aspects of aviation--such as pilot training, gunnery school, launches of seaplanes from battleships, ground training, carrier landings, airplane production and repair facilities and graduation. The film is chock full of footage--decent and rarely grainy footage. As for the narration, it's earnestly done by Frank Whitbeck. The overall film is quite well done though I am not sure if it really was Oscar-worthy--this is hard to say. But, it did get its point across in an effect and compact manner. And, for military buffs, it certainly is a must-see.
By the way, it's interesting to note that just about all the airplanes being used in this film were pretty much obsolete once the US entered the war a year later. Apart from the Catalina seaplanes, most of the rest of the planes were in the process of being phased out or would soon be phased out (such as the Devastator torpedo bombers). It just shows how rapidly technology changed as a result of war.
- planktonrules
- Feb 4, 2013
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Crime Does Not Pay: Eyes of the Navy
- Filming locations
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime20 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1