A Gathering of Eagles

A Gathering of Eagles is a 1963 film about the U.S. Air Force during the Cold War and the pressures of command. The plot is patterned after the World War II film Twelve O'Clock High, which producer-screenwriter Sy Bartlett also wrote. Col. Caldwell (Rock Hudson) is assigned to shape up a U.S. Air Force base, and he quickly develops a reputation as a stern taskmaster. He instigates the early retirement of squadron commander Col. Fowler (Barry Sullivan) and critiques the professionalism of his second-in-command, Col. Farr (Rod Taylor). Caldwell's wife, Victoria (Mary Peach), joins him at the base, but his devotion to this new post brings out a tough side of his personality that scares her and puts a strain on their marriage.