Drawing for a basic theme upon the authentic exploits of Colonel Chenault's famous free-lance American pilots in China, Republic Pictures' "Flying Tigers" only deserves classification as another typical Hollywood war adventure film. Like its predecessor and prototype, "Eagle Squadron," this picture has little more to offer than some good combat scenes and a few shots of real enemy aircraft.

As usual there is one carefree pilot who has to combat the dislike of his companions, sober up after causing the death of a conscientious man, and finally redeem himself by a glorious death while on a dangerous volunteer mission. This time the flyer is John Carroll, who does a better-than-average job with the part, but it doesn't make much difference because the idea is so hackneyed by now. On hand also to fill a necessary part of the old triangle is nurse and war worker Anna Lee. Her heart belongs to the handsome squadron commander, John Wayne, but a few clouds enter the scene when Carroll arrives with a high-speed line and makes the typical play for her affections.

In the background are crowds of expressive Chinese faces and a few cub pilots who pay the price of inexperience. Despite the part played in combat sequences by the famous shark-toothed Curtis P-40's, "Flying Tigers" falls far short of the possibilities suggested by its namesake.

"Sunday Punch," the other feature, does little to relieve the letdown of the first film. It's the success story of a house full of would-be Gene Tunneys and Billy Conns, who are spurred on by the charm of comely Jean Rogers, an unconvincing gold digger and torch singer. William Lundigan and Dan Dailey, Jr., work their way up together through the YMCA leagues into big time and finally battle it out, in the championship bout, for Rogers. Lundigan is KO'd, but gets the gal, who has in the meantime changed her ways. Even ring fans will find little good boxing in this film to please them.