Heroes del Aire
Heroes del Aire (aka Air Heroes, Aguilas de Paz, Heroes of the Sky and Hèreos del Air) is a 1958 Spanish war film directed by Ramón Torrado and written by H.S. Valdés and stars Alfredo Mayo, Lina Rosales, Maria Piazzai and Julio Núñez. The film was released on May 19, 1958, by Arturo González Producciones Cinematográficas. During the postwar years, only 21 Spanish films depicted the combat of the Spanish Civil War, with "Heroes del Aire" treating the subject obliquely in a series of flashbacks. Plot. Coronel Rivas (Alfredo Mayo) was a daring pilot in the Spanish  Civil War. He marries the sister (Lina Rosales) of a friend (Julio Núñez) in an air force unit. Both had flown for the Nationalist side. During the war, Rivas had stolen a Republican aircraft, but was shot down by his friend. After surviving the attack, in the 1950s, Rivas eventually becomes the commander of a search and rescue service. When an aircraft from his air rescue squadron crashes during landing, an investigation begins. Complications from a blackmail attempt threaten to involve more than just the commander. In the end, the fear of being exposed for his role in the scandal  that could destroy his entire family, leads Rivas to rescue terrified passengers aboard a doomed airliner. Production. "Heroes del Aire" was shot primarily at Barajas Airport in Barajas, Spain, and in Madrid in 1957. The film was one of the few military-themed productions that came out of the General Franco era. Reception. "Heroes del Aire"' was not well received by critics. Reviewer Hal Erickson noted "Though nothing special, 'Heroes del Aire' was deemed worthy of entry in the 1957 San Sebastián Film Festival." He also observed, "Though Alfredo Mayo is the real star of 'Heroes del Aire', top billing  goes to leading lady Lina Rosales."