The War Lover (1962)

56% of users liked it
(854 ratings)

Loosely based on a novel by John Hersey, this standard wartime drama stars Steve McQueen as Buzz Rickson, command pilot of a B17 bomber, and Robert Wagner as Ed Bolland, his co-pilot. When Buzz first comes on the scene, Ed admires him for his daring and skill in executing the bombing raids over… More Loosely based on a novel by John Hersey, this standard wartime drama stars Steve McQueen as Buzz Rickson, command pilot of a B17 bomber, and Robert Wagner as Ed Bolland, his co-pilot. When Buzz first comes on the scene, Ed admires him for his daring and skill in executing the bombing raids over Germany. But as time goes by, Buzz starts to fall for Ed's girlfriend Daphne (Shirley Ann Field) and at the same time, Ed begins to see that Buzz is only good at piloting bombers -- in civilian life he is a total washout. The contrasts between the men, Buzz's internal problems, and the love triangle provide the dramatic fodder throughout the 105-minute running time. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 45 min.
Directed By: Philip Leacock
Written By: John Hersey, Howard Koch
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Art House & International, Classics

In Theaters: Oct 25, 1962 Wide
On DVD: May 13, 2003

Critic Reviews

Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
Rarely seen McQueen actioner is pretty good.

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Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

Not bad study of differing pyschologies that make up a flight unit in WWII. McQueen and Wagner are well cast and work well together. Shirley Anne Field is a very classy leading lady and the romance is well presented and doesn't interfer with the main story. The ending is… More
Not bad study of differing pyschologies that make up a flight unit in WWII. McQueen and Wagner are well cast and work well together. Shirley Anne Field is a very classy leading lady and the romance is well presented and doesn't interfer with the main story. The ending is unfortunately abrupt and hurts the overall feeling of the film.