♦War Classic♦ 'BATTLE TAXI' (1955) Sterling HAYDEN, Arthur FRANZ, Marshall THOMPSON 

It’s amazing how, in all the combat movies of the 50’s &60’s, Korea, Western Europe, Italy, North Africa and most Pacific islands All had an uncanny resemblance to the scrub of Southern California.

I was not around in these times when they filmed these I was born in 57 I started working at Universal Studios and 65 so I did work with a lot of people that were in these movies those times and those days were the best time of my life and the worst time when people started dying

During the vietnam war I was flying "KING" rescue. God Bless Past,Present and Future, those who Fly to Save.

I am 72 years old--I really appreciate the videos of old indoor theatre Sat. Matinee movies and the late 50' and early 60's TV late night scary or horror pictures that came on after the 10 o'clock news on Fri or Sat. Some of the movies I recollect but couldn't put a title to them if I tried really, really hard. 😂 Kudos to the people that have donated the time and effort to locate the movies and post them, it is a real pleasure to re-view and travel down the nostalgia highway one more time. 👍👌

I saw this in the movie theater when it first came out. Saturday Matinee. No one cared about the plot; it was all about helicopters, army, airplanes, and the good guys vs. the commies. Thanks for posting this long lost little gem.

Despite the incongruous WWII footage, Mustangs and F-86s occasionally morphing into other aircraft, and fake Japanese soldiers subbing for Communist troops, this actually is a pretty decent movie. The helicopter-on-tank scene alone was worth the watch. As always, the maintenance guy is the unsung hero.

Sterling Hayden was highly decorated US Vet. One of the world's finest actors. Loved his style

I flew these H-19’s years a go with the California National Guard . Loved those big radial engines. Great bird

"I admire the way you carry a movie projector"- Sterling Hayden

I work for Cal Fire and two years ago I was supporting a chopper from the Korean war just like the Rescue chopper in the first scenes. They supported us primarily with water drops and Rescue when when needed.

Love anything with Sterling Hayden in it!!!❤

I was assigned to an Air Rescue squadron, the 67th out of RAF Woodbridge, England. When you learn of the mission, how well-oiled one of these squadrons are, you take on the code, it's on your Air Rescue patch, "That Other's May Live" for two years you don't forget what it means, everything you do is to make sure that rescue ends in a save.

Thanks Rob. I flew in the Army OH 6 in Vietnam. My brother was a Cobra pilot Vietnam and I passed it on to him. That was a great movie. 👍 Eaglegards...

Thanks great little film with a great cast didnt know it existed

As a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force, I personally want to thank all our soldiers and airmen, some lived, many died and I will never forget, and along with all the family members, May the hand of God be with you forever! Thoroughly enjoyed this movie!

Navy SAR Crewman/Corpsman, on UH-1N I was lucky to attend Medical Phase of USAF Pararescue school also. Thanks for posting this film.

I'm a Huey pilot an really enjoyed this movie. I also had an H-34 I bought just the economy collapsed in 08. Never got it in flying condition. Sold it to a retired airline pilot. These piston powered helicopters had magnesium skin and would turn into a "flair" pretty easily. They also were vulnerable to ground fire, like 1 round. The older Sikorskys rotor blades were covered in fabric like a Piper Cub. The H-19 and H-34 had metal blades that had numerous cells filled with nitrogen. Ithere was a crack the nitrogen would leak out. There was a gauge that would indicate leakage. As far as truck gas, it might have run on it, but there would be plenty of detonation and decrease in power. I was a helicopter maintenance instructor too

So far I'm appreciating the great attention to detail on this movie. You can tell that, for whatever reason, these guys were actually paying good attention to their technical advisors. It amazes me how modern movies can blow 100 times the budget but can't be bothered to have ANY accuracy saying it's unimportant -- when in reality it makes almost as much difference as having good actors instead of shitty ones

I too normally can't stand the Korean War era movies but this one did credit to the men who fought so valiantly. Thank you for posting. Well done 👍👍👍.

To bad everyone smoked back in the day. When I went in to the Army back in the day 1966, I started smoking, glad I quit in in 1971, othewise I would not responding to this and/or I would be dead.

I'm waiting for Sterling Hayden to mention "precious bodily fluids" 😄

Forgot to add: thank you, Rob W for uploading this for all of us war movie buffs to enjoy!

Don't make fun; these folks were the precursors of our current fighting, rescue and all Americans who risk their lives in service of those shot down. God 🙌 and keep them. 🙏 RIP to those who sacrificed all .

The best role for Sterling Hayden was Brigadier General Jack D. Ripper in Dr. Strangelove. He was a natural. BTW, Hayden actually took part in air rescue missions during WW2 in Yugoslavia, receiving medals from both the U.S. and Marshal Tito.

I had the pleasure of a flight in an RAF version of this chopper, then privately owned by a former RAF SAR pilot, in the back, fascinating and exciting experience never to be forgotten.

I worked on Wessex Whirlwind 202 Sqd RAF 'D' Flight SAR choppers at Lossiemouth way back. I had a few good air experience flights too. Dropped off at the lighthouse and picked up in an old Neil Robinson Stretcher. A few Navy Gannets from 849 'B' Flight sometimes shared the stand with us. An old Whirlwind, XP404 from Lossiemouth was last seen hanging from the ceiling at the Manchester Science and Technology Museum Hall of Aviation.

Never seen a radial engine in a chopper and the shortest preflight inspection ever ! . 😮 These rescue guys are the dogs bollocks and lifeboat crews. Does look like S. Call. !! Thanks all. Dave

"You're gonna be all right. You haven't bought the Farm yet."

Mr. Hayden was a better actor than he thought about himself - and he was a great writer too! His two books are amazing and the book about him written by Lee Mandel is very good. Thanks for posting. I wish I could have met Sterling Hayden... you can see, by his interviews, how intelligent the man was.

That was a like watching an airshow from 1950. Threw in a few WW II planes, a Catalina (I think) with JATO, and the venerable S-55 and and H-5. Great movie for an aviation nut! "That Others May Live."

Thanks for posting. I had the pleasure and great honor to meet some PJ's during my time in the middle east. Their training, discipline and expertise are most impressive. I can truthfully say a lot of lives were saved because of them. Thanks again and be safe 🙏

Got to love the chopper jocks who fly into danger to rescue and lift pilots and wounded from the fight . Guardian Angles all of them !!!!!!!!

Cool movie, thanks.

Thanks for loading this!!!!! I NEVER seen this one. Back in the early '50s, the Chickasaw was considered state-of-the-art.

That is a Sikorsky AH-34 Choctaw . I'm glad the Audio played its original authentic Engine sound . Growing up in the 60's in Southeast Alabama, the Home of The Largest Heliport in the World, Ft. Rucker, ALABAMA the Rotor Blades unmistakable sounds were a constant presence as Pilots were training to fly this Helicopter and particularly the newest variant at the time ,The iconic UH-1 Huey. Great Movie!

Good movie, what a way to spend an afternoon. Air Rescue has come along way standing by their motto; “That Others May Live”. Senior Airman Cunningham was awarded The Medal of Honor as a Para Rescue (PJ) standing by that motto, giving his life to save others. I also learned a lot from the comments regarding Sterling Hayden and his contributions during WW2. They were The Greatest Generation.

I'm not that smart....so forgive me this comment: the guy playing the captain did a wonderful job. I worked with a lot of military guys and he does really portray the mannerisms.

Sterling Hayden. As OSS agent John Hamilton, his World War II service included sailing with supplies from Italy to Yugoslav partisans and parachuting into fascist Croatia. Hayden, who also participated in the Naples-Foggia campaign and established air crew rescue teams in enemy-occupied territory, became a first lieutenant on September 13, 1944, and a captain on February 14, 1945. He received the Silver Star (for gallantry in action in the Balkans and Mediterranean; "Lt. Hamilton displayed great courage in making hazardous sea voyages in enemy-infested waters and reconnaissance through enemy-held areas"), a Bronze Arrowhead device for parachuting behind enemy lines, and a commendation from Yugoslavia's Josip Broz Tito. He left active duty on December 24, 1945. [15] Tito awarded him the Order of Merit. [16]

Gotta love the old school tough guys. RIP Jack D

The good ole days of black & White movies with dramatic music & people talking posh (British) 😜

This movie probably helped sell a lot of Revell 1/48 scale H-19 model helicopter kits back in the 1950’s….

thanks Rob W. seeing stuff like this is a real treat.

Thank-you. Finally. A movie with the correct aspect, instead of being squashed and elongated. That shit really pisses me off. Specially when they cut the top and bottom off the movies so it gives the movie the aspect of modern movies.

first time seeing the F-86 in action in BW film. i believe it had the centrifugal impeller jet engine. when i joined the USAF in 1965, i had training on the J57 jet engine used on B-52 and the F-100 Thunderbird. F-100 did have the F-86 tail section look alike but the forward fuselage was longer and had an oval inlet intake. F-100 came just onboard just when the Korean War ended, but saw action in VietNam close ground support. i was the jet mechanic on F-100 jet engine shop 3rd FMS at Bien Hoa AFB next to Long Binh in 1967-68 on PCS. thank God for keeping me alive after the 1968 Tet Offensive VC almost overran our base. receive a purple heart during the 45 days of 122 mm rocket bombardment.

Fine film shows rescue operations Korea. Never a dull moment.

Back when "men were men and women were glad of it!"

Helicopters have greatly improved the survival chances of the injured and wounded. I flew Critical Care Air Transport Team, our unit was "Any Plane, Any Place". I've transported in nearly every modern NATO transport air frame. CCATT has almost a perfect 100% survival rate. Endless credit to that part of the team that gets the medical people there and back, up to 7,800 miles in one flight. That they may live.

Great little film despite F-86 sounding like a diving JU87..Stuka

I tend to love these old war movies, but this one is pushing it. H-19's do not attack tanks; and, tanks do not attack alone: instead, they always have infantry support -- for obvious reasons. My Dad used to fly these when he got back from Korea flying F4u's and AD's. From then on, he was always in flight test for the latest helicopter that would be used by the Marine Corps. Seeing all these old choppers (and some fixed wing) my dad used to fly in the '50s was a real hoot. BTW, we were still using soe of these infrequently in 'Nam when I was medivacked (sp?) in '67 from NE of Con Thien.

Fans of vintage high art railroad photography know that "Battle Taxi" was playing on the drive-in movie screen at Iaeger, WV in one of O. Winston Link's famous night shots of Norfolk and Western steam locomotives.

Being an aviation freak and hold a special love for rotor flight. I love that their continuity and they had accurate corresponding cockpit actions to what the helicopter was doing. Added in Edit: The H-34 Choctaw (which was the Marines' helicopter of choice in Viet Nam) required the rotors and rotor mast to be greased before each mission.

Sterling Heydan is the "man". Underappreciated is what comes to mind.

My last tour of duty was with a UH-60 det in Mons, Belgium. Boy was that fun. One day we were flying at 9,000 ft and hit a down draft. We went to 6, 000 ft VERY FAST!

I get to know from this movie that helicopter was used in Korean War before Vietnam War. I am a Korean who lives in South Korea and always thank US for sending troops and saving South Korea against communist army in Korean War . At that time if USAF had provided South Korean soldiers with helicopters, they would have easily defeated communist partisans in the mountains in South Korea.

This great video one of the finest war movies of its type and time AND is the finest from a historical and heritage sense shows the roots of M*A*S*H, ideally, at the beginning of the publix knowledge about rotary winged aircraft. As such, it is charmingly devoid of the cynicism, dark humor, blood & guts, etc. of helicopter combat and still holds the post-WW2 idealism that warms the American soul today. Herein, I think, are shown the birth and first glimpses of some of the highest principles of American military, i.e., rescuing fallen fellow is signature objective in how we democracies of egalitarians fight wars; leave no one behind, no matter what, (as practicable, to avoid further casualties). Further we have a hi-quality time capsule of the (mostly American) fleet of aircraft, weapons and vehicles that is just so picture-perfect, that it is nice to watch AND LISTEN from that idealistic perch today. What we created was battle gallantry, honor, purpose and sacrifice linked with its combat equivalent for the first times in history in rescue and saving our own ALONG with the mythical legend of aviation, pilots, aircrew and state of the arts and sciences technology. But it is too of a class of war picture most unique in that it is about a war we are currently fighting, to win or lose is unknown, which has a particular effect on everything in the show. This video and movie are tops.

REspect - the first rescue choppers were used in Burma [british front] 1945

Hot ziggety, this is a very good film!

Good movie thank you

"You aren't fit to command a pinball machine". Im keeping that for my next First Officer assessment.

It's a good movie A lot of men owe their lives to the bravery of the chopper services

And great one Rob . Thank you 🙏 🇺🇸

I enjoy see the old radial engine powered Helicopter.

Great film😎👍!

Valerie andre flew evacuation missions in indochina with her lightweight helicopter Also a surgeon and parachutist! Hayden was a ww2 vet oss!

I just LOVE the sound of jets in these old movies 😁😁😁 But I still can't understand why those rescue choppers were not armed in the Korea war...

Got to love the prop noise of a Sabre!

Every commander in this flick is his own worst enemy. Their horrible methods show that they've only dealt with compliant subordinates in the past. Any man can tell his boss to go pound sand, and all that can be done to him is dole out punishment and hope that he gives in. But not everyone will give in. And what do you get out of that? Nothing but a resource that you wasted by being stupid. A commander relies on getting the most out of his people, and you don't do that by pissing on them. Respect is the best way to deal with honorable people. And dishonorable people need to be gotten rid of. Don't back people into corners if you want to keep them.

We finally get to see what General Ripper was doing earlier in his career and we see the pressures he faced here contributed to his eventual insanity !!!

" We have to make a stop at M.A.S.H. 4077". 😁

Never forget the sound of a slick coming in on my LPH...team one starboard elevator...

Movie about a war we never won and are still fighting it today.

Another cool war movie!

Those chopper pilots are really brave

What a great film! Sterling Hayden was indeed a great actor. This film in a sense reflected some of his war service in that he established air crew rescue teams in enemy-occupied territory, became a first lieutenant on September 13, 1944, and a captain on February 14, 1945. I believe Kermit Weeks down there in Florida at 'Fantasy of Flight' has a couple of these helicopters as well, which he intends to put back in the air.

This was the start of Air mobile. Think of the advances in the last 75 years in helicopters.

Thanks, enjoyed the show.

Maravilloso , estuve buscando por años esta pelicula , gracias por compartir , soy un entusiasta de esos helicopteros Sikorsky H- 19 Chickasaw

THANK HEAVEN, when the soldier got a grenade ready to throw at the tank, he didn't pull the pin with his teeth. If he had done that, I would have had to dismiss the whole movie as too "Hollywood."

Thank you 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩💖💖💖💖

One of the best, if not the best, Korean War movie I have seen. Thank you.

Sterling Hayden was it good in the asphalt jungle.

Must be hard to fly a helicopter with no windscreens… Still! A great damned movie.

Excellent film. Thank you.

Pretty good movie for the day, still not a bad movie for TODAY as well

Nice Saber jet footage.

Wonderfulll . Thanks

I never flew a helicopter but I sure jumped out of a bunch of them. Mostly sea nights and sea stallions and the occasional Huey.

Finally! A movie using a couple of military advisers . As a result, I finally got to see helicopter pilots flying from the CORRECT seat....the Right seat! I am so sick and tired of seeing them in the wrong seat. I am a former helicopter pilot who flew Search & Rescue missions in Vietnam so it's nice to see the correct military facts.

Good thing Hollywood had the Californian mountains and the Mojave desert as a backyard as it could stand in for any country: Korea , Africa, the middle east , Europe you name it! LOL

Great movie .

Thank you for the download. enjoyable

i love cold war era movie

Rob, a great download. Thank you for posting it. You have some really good movies!

Good movie!

What a cool movie 3 of my fav.

Interesante filme del género bélico sobre el papel de este cuerpo de helicópteros que jugaría en la guerra de Corea para rescatar a los pilotos derribados. Me es grato ver también otros filmes de este icónico actor estadounidense, como fue Sterling Hayden, ya que me llamo mucho la atención la primera vez que lo vi en el afamado filme de Stanley Kubrick "Dr. Strangelove" en su curioso rol de un general demente en comenzar un ataque nuclear. Saludos y bendiciones a todos los cinéfilos de corazón desde Venezuela.

Haha ,anyone in the Military knows you can't always have the exact job you want just something related. I usually don't like Korean War Movies but this one seems pretty good ,or atleast better than the one Adolf Putin is waging . Thanks W !

That ranting O6 implies all Red-X helos (grounded for essential repairs) should be flying combat missions reguardless. 😆🤣 He's obviousky not a mission- qualified pilot. 🙃

Finally! I’ve been looking for this for years. Thanks.

A YOUNG MARSHALL THOMPSON; HE WAS A PRETTY GOOD ACTOR IN THE "DAKTARY " SERIES OF THE MID 60'S.