THIS DAY IN HISTORY

Cruising on Wings of Steel

Highway to the Danger Zone - ”Top Gun” released 38 years ago

Tom Cruise in Top Gun. Photo credit Paramount Pictures

Thirty eight years ago the classic film “Top Gun” was released, and with it, we soared to the heights with top aviators into the great blue yonder. It’s hard to believe it was so many years ago, because it seems like yesterday when Tom Cruise made this unique, yet formula film.

The special effects of this film are what drew audiences to see it. The wondrous aerial aerobics of the flight scenes, complete with the sounds and feeling of flying at mock levels. Director Tony Scott did a fabulous job of seamlessly presenting what it would be like in the hot seat of the Top Gun flight team.

The soundtrack was great too, with fabulous hits like “Take My Breath Away,” “Playing with the Boys,”and “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins. The film was nominated for four academy awards and won only one for best song in “You Take My Breath Away.”

Cruise and McGillis in Top Gun. Photo credit Paramount Pictures

It didn’t hurt to have great looking Tom Cruise in the lead, but many other leading men in supporting roles of the film. Val Kilmer, Anthony Edwards, Tom Skerritt and Michael…