Back in 1951, John Wayne starred in the World War II action movie Flying Leathernecks, which celebrates its 73rd anniversary this week.

Bankrolled by billionaire pilot Howard Hughes, the eccentric businessman decided to film the picture in Technicolor, using the colour wartime combat footage.

The film follows the adventures of the US Marine Corps aviators who had long had the nickname leathernecks, as the marines would originally wear leather stock around their necks.

Allegedly director…