Critics relegated it to an "also-ran" position, regarding the sub-plot of Scott's inspirational message as forced. "The New York Times" reviewer, Bosley Crowther noted that the "... pious injection of the spiritual in an otherwise noisy action film is patently ostentatious and results in a maudlin effect". "Variety" wrote that Florey's direction "manages authenticity and obtains excellent performances", though "undoubtedly commercial license has pointed up some incidents for better dramatic flavor". "Harrison's Reports" wrote that though it was "quite thrilling in spots, offers little that is new for this type of picture". Wolcott Gibbs of "The New Yorker" did not find the film very authentic, writing that "I remain dubious about a flier who keeps turning around to talk to passengers in the back", and sarcastically noting that the Japanese were "clearly the most incompetent aviators in the world".