After learning the finer points of carrier aviation in the 1920s, career officer Jonathan Scott and his pals spend the next two decades promoting the superiority of naval air power. But military and political "red tape" continually frustrate their efforts, prompting Scott to even consider leaving the Navy for a more lucrative civilian job. Then the world enters a second World War and Scott finally gets the opportunity to prove to Washington the valuable role aircraft carriers could play in winning the conflict. But what will it cost him and his comrades personally?
Gary Cooper
as Jonathan L. Scott
Jane Wyatt
as Mary Morgan
Wayne Morris
as McKinney
Walter Brennan
as Pete Richard
Julie London
as Barbara McKinney
Jack Holt
as Captain Reeves
Stanley Ridges
as Sen. Bentley
John Ridgely
as Dixie Rankin
Richard Rober
as Lt. Jack Southern
Art Baker
as Sen. Vincent
Moroni Olsen
as Adm. Ames
Ray Montgomery
as Pilot