atlasmb If you wish to see "Task Force" as a historical account of the U.S. Navy's use of aircraft carriers, the film does a reputable job. Plenty of archival footage is used, so an air of authenticity pervades the battle scenes.The primary character is Jonathan L. Scott (Gary Cooper), a career naval aviator who later commands a flattop in the Pacific theater of WWII, where carriers became an important part of the Navy's campaign. Scott is portrayed as something of a troublemaker, always willing to promote his ideas of naval strategy, regardless of the consequences. He is an ardent spokesman for carriers. This rings true, as there are always men of vision in (every branch of)the military who are ignored and even persecuted for their beliefs--usually by members of Congress and career officers who either wish to feather their own beds or who equate bigger and more powerful as more effective (especially in aircraft design).I do think there are many other actors who could have played the part of Scott with more animation and/or passion. Cooper is most effective when playing characters with little social savvy (e.g. "Sergeant York" or "Friendly Persuasion"). One could argue that Scott might be such a man, but a more effective commander would be a man who had command presence and the ability to inspire. A more passionate relationship between Scott and his wife might also have made the counterpoint of their personal lives more touching.

autryld I thought I saw all of Gary Cooper's war movies, but I just caught this one today on TMC. As others have stated, Brennan and Cooper are a great pair and they were a very good pair in this movie. Except for the typical lack of bloody wounds (in forties war movies), it was impressive that the dramatic detail in this movie was more accurate than usual for this genre. The movie did a great job depicting the interaction in the CIC (combat information center) and elsewhere on the ships. However unusual it seemed, transitioning from black and white to color to show plot transition (The Wizard of Oz notwithstanding) was effective for me. Deep down, I think it might have been a way to sneak in color war footage. As I am also a Jane Wyatt (Spock's mother) fan, she was great as Scott's (Gary Cooper's character) wife. Although it did seem to be a bit incongruous that she dressed as well as she did considering her situation. (Sorry, you'll have to see the movie.) Summary: Whether or not you've seen Midway, see Task Force.

btillman63 As someone who knows a great deal about naval aviation history, I give "Task Force" high marks for accuracy and atmosphere. The central event is the 1942 Battle of Midway, which is SO much better than the egregious 1976 film. The attention to detail in TF is about 900% better than "Midway", with far better characterization to boot.

dfleshman Gary Cooper does an excellent job playing a Gary Cooper-type character. This is one of the better WWII movies to come out of the 1940s era. Jane Wyatt and Walter Brennen also do a good job. Somehow, this film always gets a lower rating than it deserves. It is somewhat dated by today's standards but gives good background of naval aviation with some very good live action combat film footage. For another good 1940s era WWII action movie with lots of good gun camera shots, see "Fighter Squadron" with Edmund O'Brien and Robert Stack.