Reach for the Sky (1956) User Reviews

Absorbing if re-written account of Douglas Bader.

[alembic · 7/10 · 4 January 2002]

The credits advise that some events and depictions of people/events have been altered for story telling purposes , so this film is not a strictly accurate history of Douglas Bader. Also played down somewhat is Baders arrogance and foolhardiness which lead to his disability in the first place. Still as a inspiration for disabled people and as an almost factual account of Baders life and as film entertainment , it's pretty good. Made reasonably close to the war years it is able to capture the feeling of those years quite well. It is a trifle 'stiff upper lip - what ?' but Kenneth More as usual turns in a good performance. Focusing mainly on Baders attempts, and resulting achievements in war time flying, after a crash means both lower legs have to be amputated. Quite gritty and not too sentimental this offering from director Lewis Gilbert stacks up well against similar films of the time.

Inspirational British World War II Air Force drama

[Andrew Reed · 8/10 · 1 May 2000]

What do you mean, you haven't seen this film? A classic World War 2 RAF adventure film depicting the true British spirit of one man's (Douglas Bader) fight to overcome the loss of both legs in a flying accident, to become a Wing Commander in the Battle of Britain. Lewis Gilbert keeps the film crackling along at a fast pace with Kenneth More, at the peak of his form, delivering the goods with a first rate supporting cast - don't miss it.

The Stuff Of Great Britain.

[screenman · 8/10 · 4 May 2008]

You could run out of clichés and superlatives to describe a man like Douglas Bader. Indomitable, a hero, an example to us all. Where to stop?

This movie chronicles the wartime life of Bader the disabled pilot. Unlike most, he fought several wars. One was for his life after his legs were destroyed in a crash, another was to walk again without any visible support. A third was against the bureaucrats who insisted he would never fly again. And after all that, he took on the Luftwaffe.

Whatever criticisms may be levied against his personal character, this man was such a tower of strength that those who seek to denigrate him stand like resentful pygmies in his shadow. I, for one, cannot begin to imagine the hardships he experienced from the loss of his athletic prowess to the agony of his time in hospital. Compared to them, shooting at German planes must have seemed like child's play. Though that experience alone was enough to break the spirit of many a whole-bodied man.

There really was only one actor to play his part in a movie and Kenneth More was he. You might say he was born to it. I don't know how close he came to the real character of Bader, but neither he nor the movie seems to shy away either from his reckless courage or his self-centredness. We see  glimpses of the latter on the golf course when he won't give up, and has his wife - played by the excellent Muriel Pavlow - running and fetching the ball like a dog. At other times, he is tearing around in a Bentley with almost no regard for his passengers or the public alike. Even after he has been liberated from Germany, he can't give up the fight, and thoughtlessly pursues his dreams of combat east. Never once do we see him consult his wife's interests.

Bader was a driven man. If not he would never have survived the crash, never have walked again without a stick, never have got into the air again. Single-minded? you bet. And you take it or leave it. This movie was made in 1956. As it's a post-war production there's no propaganda drum to beat. It can and does stick pretty-well to the story, and captures all of the social and cultural attitudes of the time like a miniature documentary. The combat scenes are also very well done.

There was a time in this country when men like Bader set a standard to which most people at least aspired. It was the sort of foolhardy courage and selfless determination for which the Victoria Cross was struck.

But not any more. Today's Britain really is 'Little Britain', and in more ways than one. It's people have slipped into a cynical, self-indulgent pathos. It has become fashionable to denigrate our true heroes for the simple reason that nowadays few could even begin to measure up to the standards of personal pride, civil responsibility, and social obligation that were once benchmarks of national behaviour. Today a hero is someone who can withstand abuse on reality TV shows. They can sing a 2-minute song more tunefully than their competitors. Or they can score goals in a football team. For all of these things they are applauded, honoured, and paid millions. If you're a foul-mouthed cook you can poison the nation's ears if not its bellies, if you're a one-legged, gold-digging woman you are entitled to millions of pounds towards which you have made not a penny's contribution. Today, a crippled warrior can expect less sympathy or compensation than an insulted criminal.

There's no room for the right stuff in this country any more. Today we don't reach for the sky; we stoop to mediocrity. The money's better, it's a lot safer, and we don't make others feel inadequate.

A very Watchable Film

[gordywright · 18 May 2002]

This may rate as one of the classic war films.

A (fairly) true to life film, about Douglas Bader, who it is reported was a fairly arrogant person, though highly driven.

Kenneth More in the lead role, delivers his usual top notch performance, and they rest of the cast just seem to fit together the way they should.

The film covers Baders life, and the loss of his legs in a flying accident that was in truth of his own making, and then how he puts his life back together afterwards.

It shows an amazing spirit and determination, to the extent that he got back into the RAF and became a successful pilot and air tactition.

This film should be watched by other people who have had the misfortune of an amputation, and i don't mean that in a condescending manner, Bader showed what you can do if you put your mind to it, he wouldn't let his disability beat him.

A really good movie, easily watched more than once, and good for more than one reason.

Legs or no legs, I've never seen such a mobile fireball.

[hitchcockthelegend · 7/10 · 30 June 2009]

After losing both his legs in a flying accident, Douglas Bader not only mastered the use of his artificial legs, he also astounded everybody by flying for the RAF again-leading the assault in the Battle Of Britain in the process.

Reach For The Sky opens up with a disclaimer of sorts, the usual yadda yadda about certain events in Bader's life being altered in the name of entertainment. To which it should be mentioned that for a honest look at the man and his life, those interested should either read the biography that this is adapted from {written by Paul Brickhill), or source from many other available means. That said, Lewis Gilbert's film is in essence a true story. Yes it is true that some of Bader's known character traits are not fully formed, and yes the makers here were very clever in casting the hugely popular Kenneth More as Bader to ensure the film stayed away from Bader negativity. But it stands up as an uplifting film regardless of its supposed glorification of combat.

Kenneth More gives it the whole kitchen sink, so much so that pretty much everyone else in the picture barely gets a look in. But to do down More for that would be grossly unfair, asked to carry the narrative entirely, he not only achieves that, but he also makes Bader an inspiration for many, and that has to be a good thing. It caught me personally at the right time, a time when I was feeling rather sorry for myself, so with that in mind the film definitely achieved its aims. Thematically strong and technically sound, Reach For The Sky is a recommended picture, but not, if you aren't prepared for some artistic license as regards the "hero" of the piece. 7/10

Stirring stuff.

[g-hbe · 9/10 · 16 October 2006]

'The channels are blocked? Then we'll ruddy well UNblock 'em!' This is the point in the film where I feel like cheering, as it perfectly sums up Bader's 'can do, will do' approach. It's the true story of Douglas Bader, a young flying enthusiast who went on to be a fearless WW2 Spitfire pilot, losing both legs in the process. His struggle to walk again, his courting of a pretty girl and his later formation of 'the big wing' in the fight against the Nazi invasion are laid out here with gusto, verve and a little humour. Kenneth More is excellent as Bader, using his natural, relaxed acting technique to give the part a free-wheeling energy. The very pretty Muriel Pavlow plays his wife who grows increasingly concerned at his derring-do, and there is a solid cast of British regulars of the time. The music is stirring, the direction brisk and the story itself is straight out of a Boys' Own comic. What more could you ask for? A perfect Sunday afternoon film.

High Planes Grifter

[writers_reign · 7/10 · 16 May 2009]

A cynic would argue that the producers made it difficult to say anything negative about a film that recounts a seventeen year period in the life of a man lauded as a hero and who was still very much alive when it was made. Although he'd been a jobbing actor for several years Kenneth More finally achieved stardom in the theatre in the role of Freddy Page, an ex-Battle of Britain pilot who finds it hard to adjust to civilian life. The play, which opened in 1952, was Terence Rattigan's The Deep Blue Sea and More went on to recreate his role in the film version albeit opposite Vivien Leigh rather than Peggy Ashcroft. It was, then, something of type-casting to give him the role of Douglas Bader, a pilot who lost both legs in 1931 yet went on to lead five squadrons in The Battle Of Britain. It is, inevitably, a feelgood movie and Lewis Gilbert surrounds More with a cast of rock-solid dependables of the British film industry and on the whole turns out a decent enough film.

A marvellous story of hope.

[Scaramouche2004 · 10/10 · 13 April 2005]

I am going to be rather biased in my review of this film as Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader C.B.E., D.S.O, D.F.C is in my opinion, only one step lower than the Almighty himself, on par with Churchill, Wellington and Nelson as one of the greatest Englishmen that ever lived.

Some may argue that he was an arrogant and dogmatic man, and of course in many ways you will be right, but if you had lost both of your legs at the young age of 21 and had to fight every inch of the way just to be treated as an equal rather than a 'cripple', wouldn't you be a bit arrogant too? I know I sure as hell would be.

In those days Englishmen were Englishmen and that meant being forthright and brave, with Bader's situation the way it was, he just had to be a bit more forthright and bit more brave to prove to himself he was not a second rate Englishman, so don't knock him.

He was such a generous and kind man, who worked tirelessly and selflessly, to help people with similar disabilities to his own, especially children.

However his charitable work is not even hinted at in this film, which only covers the period from 1928 when he entered Cranwell R.A.F College, until 1945 and the end of the War.

We see the young Bader excel at sports like Cricket and Rugby and we see him take his first solo flights on his road to becoming not only one of the finest pilots in the R.A.F but one of the foremost aerobatic display pilots in the world.

But we see a dramatic and tragic fall from grace, as on 14th December 1931 Bader stupidly accepts a challenge to perform aerobatics at stupidly low height, and the result is the near fatal crash, which costs Bader both his legs, and the complete destruction of his entire way of life.

We then follow him, through a tough and trying, mental and physical battlefield as he tries to rebuild his shattered life. Bader has to come to terms with each obstacle on his road back to fitness and mobility, and through this film we almost feel as if we are struggling with him, from the first few jerky hops on a 'peg-leg' to the first tottering baby steps on the new state of the art artificial tin legs.

We the audience are so engrossed in his brave fight that we automatically reach out and are ready to catch him as he stumbles.

Once he has returned to full health and after being grounded and 'phased out' by the R.A.F., we follow Douglas into civilian life as he takes on an uninspiring job, his marriage to his beloved wife Thelma, and the pursuit of his new found love of golf, which he feels is a 'sport he can play on equal terms with anyone'

However when the Second World War erupts in 1939, Douglas once again takes up the fight with the R.A.F. in his mission to return to active service.

This time urgency seems to over ride caution and Bader is accepted, and is soon given a command of a squadron, in the run up to the Battle of Britain.

When Bader's own ideas of fighter tactics reach the ears of Fighter Command, he is given latitude to put these ideas in to action, and his squadron is soon joined by two others until eventually Bader was the first person to lead a formation of five squadrons into battle in a tactic known as The Duxford Wing.

However on the 9th August 1941, Bader's Spitfire collided with a Messerschmitt 109 and he was forced to bail out behind enemy lines, and as a result he spent the remainder of the war a P.O.W. in Germany, yet this set back did nothing to curb his British spirit or his dogmatic personality, as he regularly baited, insulted and outwitted the Germans at every occasion, making several escape attempts over the next four years.

The film ends with newly promoted Group Captain Bader, leading the ceremonial Battle of Britain victory fly past over London on 15th September 1945, showing actual footage of the formation, with Bader's Aeroplane flying solo in front.

Paul Brickhill's biography on Bader, on which this film is based, is a must read for anyone who is interested in this extraordinary life, and I thoroughly recommend it, as it goes into the finer detail, a motion picture could not possibly hope to cover.

However, even the book does not give a full biography of the man, as it was printed in 1954, when most of Bader's charitable achievements, the death of his wife, his Knighthood, second marriage and sudden death from heart failure at the age of 72 were still a long way off.

However the plus point of making a bio-pic of a character who was still living, was that Bader was able to have full input into the movie, most notably when it came to the casting of his wife. His exact words on this subject were, 'I'm not going to have some silly tart playing my wife.' But when Bader found out that Muriel Pavlow had been cast he was overjoyed and gave his full approval. Also he became great friends with Kenneth More who portrayed Douglas in the film, in fact the two had become so close he was deeply saddened and affected by More's death which occurred just a few weeks before his own.

However, Kenneth More, is the perfect Bader, Muriel Pavlow is a glamorous and heartfelt Thelma and Lewis Gilbert superbly directs, this story of courage and fortitude, a story of a hero amongst heroes, who despite his appalling disabilities, fights on to become not only a Battle of Britain ace, but an inspiration to millions of people worldwide.

"Rules are for the obedience of fools and the guidance of wise men"

[ackstasis · 7/10 · 31 July 2009]

Douglas Bader (1910-1982) was one of Britain's most popular heroes of WWII, a celebrated combat pilot and Flight Commander. His triumphs during the Battle of Britain proved significant in the Allied victory. In 1941, after he was taken prison in German-occupied France, Bader caused headaches for the enemy with repeated escape attempts, and he was eventually confined to Colditz Castle, a prisoner-of-war camp reserved for such trouble-cases. And did I mention that he did all these things without the use of his legs? On December 14, 1931, Douglas Bader had crashed his aeroplane while attempting low-altitude maneuvers, sustaining such injuries that doctors were forced to amputate both legs. The characteristically resilient pilot later understated the gravity of his disaster with this laconic note in his logbook: "Crashed slow-rolling near ground. Bad show." Following the success of Paul Brickhill's biography, British director Lewis Gilbert (most noted for later directing several James Bond films) brought Bader's story to life, an inspirational testament to a man for whom "impossible" was not a word.

The natural comparison for 'Reach for the Sky (1956)' is Wyler's 'The Best Years of Our Lives (1946),' which starred a real-life war veteran (Harold Russell) who had lost both arms in combat. There are biographical distinctions, of course – Bader lost his limbs in peace- time, and later fought while "disabled" – but the basic theme of overcoming one's handicaps through hope and determination holds firm. Kenneth More {whom I recently discovered in the gripping Titanic docu- drama 'A Night to Remember (1958)'} brings a likable cockiness and fierce determination to the leading role. Bader's dogged resolve at times seems terse and even stubborn; his notion of success appears to hinge upon rejecting the helping hands of friends and loved ones. In his attitudes, there is a certain conceitedness, perhaps a necessary attribute for a pilot who rose to the military rank of Group Captain. More's portrayal certainly imparts these elements of vanity, but one can't help but be inspired by a man whose never-say-die outlook knows no bounds.

Muriel Pavlow plays Bader's wife, Thelma, a delicate woman who seems unfairly neglected while her husband chases his ambitions. Though given substantially less screen-time, the film's most interesting female character, I thought, was Dorothy Alison's nurse, who tends Bader back to health following his accident. Her appearance is brief, but incredibly subtle: just watch the series of conflicting emotions flicker across her face as Bader departs, love and sadness and everything in between. I had expected the nurse to make an appearance later in the film, but she appears to have been shunned permanently from Bader's life. This ties in nicely with the leading character: after resolving himself to be entirely self-sufficient, he must reject the one woman on whom he once relied so heavily. In Wyler's film, Russell's character accepts that he'll never be entirely independent, and it's only fitting that he should marry a woman who'll always be there to offer a helping hand. Bader rejects this helping hand; he's not much of a husband, but he is one hell of a battler.

The Right Stuff!

[lora64 · 9/10 · 11 May 2001]

It's always encouraging to see the indomitable human spirit gain control against all odds. How easy it would have been for pilot Douglas Bader, played by Kenneth More here, to simply give in to circumstances, drop out of active life, and lead a limited existence all because of a dreadful plane accident in which he lost both legs. But he didn't choose to go that way, and with the advent of WW2 he managed to resume his active pilot career despite the fact of having artificial legs, and had more than a few adventures which he survived. I like this movie for its positive grasp of life and living, and shows that you can create your world if you have singleminded determination. Also of interest were the real life film footage of aerial manoeuvrings used from the war. I'd recommend this war movie any time.

Kenneth More - archetype or stereotype?

[ianlouisiana · 7/10 · 13 November 2005]

How you react to this film nearly fifty years after it was made will largely depend on your view on Kenneth More since he virtually is the film.The line between larger than life and in your face blurs with his portrayal of Douglas Bader,a man of his time as much as the other DB,David Beckham is a man of his time. Breezy pipe smoking middle-class heroes were Kenneth More's forte and Douglas Bader was one such.Like his fellow RAF legend Guy Gibson,Bader has been reconstructed in recent years,but More's 1957 portrait accurately reflects his image at the time as a swashbuckling charismatic leader of men,who,despite losing both legs in a flying accident,went on to become a successful fighter pilot in the second world war. A man with such determination is hardly likely to be a shrinking violet and understatement is thin on the ground in "Reach for the sky". More succeeds in the difficult task of making Bader seem likable and bloody-minded at the same time.Many consider it to be his finest film performance. There is a school of thought that contends that every Kenneth More performance consists of nothing more than a variation on his Ambrose Claverhouse character in "Genevieve" and there may be a germ of truth in that.Certainly his predilection for actually saying "Ha,ha,ha",when he laughs can be quite irritating,and his back-slapping blokey heartiness tedious,but he has a sparkle in his eye and a wry grin that is disarming. It may be a characterisation that is now seen as stereotypical,but at least he created it in the first place.

Great Movie!

[donnyrussell · 10/10 · 28 April 2003]

The facts of Douglas Bader's life were accurately portrayed in this excellent movie. It is a great movie to watch when you are feeling lousy, and life has got you down. Douglas Bader had an amazing spirit, and lived life to the fullest. Eventhough his lost both of his legs in a flying accident. That did not stop him from becoming a war hero. Who contributed a lot to destroy Nazism, and to preserve our free way of life. I salute Douglas Bader, and this excellent movie about his life.

More about Ken than Bader, but stirring stuff

[arthurbrede · 7/10 · 30 December 2009]

If you've read this far, then you've got a good grip on the plot and basics. I'd just like to add that this film helped me through a semi-crippling bone disease, couple of years around 1957/9, so I'm among the legions of similar crips who have much to thank Bader and More for. Seriously.

However, time and history have been unkind. Without boring all with the story, let me just remark that Bader's charity off-screen was very conditional and snobby-Christian/lodge based. Further, I later got to know the Dowding family quite well for a while, where his name was mud. A whole political Pandora's box of nastiness hung on the 'big wing' theory (which didn't actually work in the end), and Bader was the thin end of the wedge that split Dowding so rudely and inappropriately away from the position he had filled with such honour and restraint.

There's another film in there, now they're all dead, with much to say of the folly of letting heroes near politics, or front-line whizz-kids near strategy.

Exceptional Man, Routine Biography.

[rmax304823 · 5/10 · 17 October 2009]

What a remarkable person Douglas Bader was. Always a madcap, he joins the RAF in 1928 and becomes a perfect pilot but is unable to adhere to the norms and fill out the forms. On a dare, he engages in dangerous low-level aerobatics and smashes up his kite, which leads to two of his legs being amputated. Rather than be assigned to a desk job or accept a disability pension he resigns and takes some sort of mundane position that has all of the boredom of military paperwork with none of the excitement of flying. When the war comes along, he rejoins, undergoes flight school yet again, and is finally allowed to fly. His administrative skills are effective. He has no tolerance for red tape. And his combat exploits are heroic. He's shot down over France, captured, and manages to escape two or three times until he is ensconced in Colditz Castle.

There's an awe-inspiring story buried in Bader's biography but this film doesn't quite soar into it. Instead it's one socially acceptable formulaic scene after another. After his double amputation, Bader lies writhing with pain in his hospital bed. He's on the verge of dying but overcomes it by the sheer power of his will. Kenneth More, who is Bader, has shown a considerable range as an actor -- from comedy ("Doctor in the House") through thrillers ("The 39 Steps") to drama ("Sink the Bismark") -- and he's good here at registering pain. The problem is that the role of Douglas Bader is itself like a formulaic straight jacket. In the face of any challenge -- golf or the loss of his legs -- he's relentlessly cheerful, optimistic, and eager. He completely lacks the very human quality of self doubt. Of course, some of us have less of it than others, but Bader's character has none at all. He comes across as a modern Sardonicus, a mechanical smile etched into his face, stumbling about in robotic fashion on tin legs. This isn't to make fun of the man, but the way he's presented in this thoroughly routine biographical movie.

Bader's unfailingly headlong cheerfulness aside, the story is weak. A narrator is introduced at the beginning as an old friend of Bader's. He's about to tell us the story. This is "Woody" Woodhall, with whom Bader exchanges a few winks and wisecracks before he disappears from the movie except for one more late appearance. Having someone tell a friend's story is one of those devices a writer falls back on when his efforts flag. But the fact that it's a common device is minor compared to the fact that it's not used well enough to be believable.

Not that Woody's narration adds much to an already iron-bound dialog. "Hour after hour, for four endless days, the nurses fought for his life and in the end they won." I guess I've bad mouthed this movie enough. It's not as terrible as I've made it sound. Bad enough to generate an occasional wince, but it does neatly present some events while avoiding others that are overly familiar.

Example of such events. Bader's first trials with his prosthetic legs. He manages to take a few awkward steps by himself under the eyes of his medical tutors and the mechanism of stepping is explained to him. Without a knee, the artificial leg must be "flipped" ahead with a sharp motion of the remaining thigh. And when asked to turn around, he finds he can't, and, having had the practice of artificial legs explained to us, we can understand why. How easy it would have been to have Bader sitting in his wheelchair for a year, overcome with despair, until he wills himself to stand up and -- "LOOK! I can WALK!" (Everybody gawks and applauds.) But no. It's all handled matter-of-factly and is all the more interesting for it. There aren't many scenes of aerial combat but they're innovatively handled too.

I only wish, the material being as inherently gripping as it is, that it had been done better, not as a tribute to a man compelled to overcome challenges -- Bader's own story has taken care of that -- but as a persuasively realistic picture of a man with whom we're able to identify. You know, "That's what I would have done if I'd been better than I am."

Please Give Us More

[m0rphy · 29 June 2002]

For those who have seen and enjoyed "The Dam Busters"(1954) about British Bomber Command in WWII, this bio-pic about Douglas Bader and British Fighter Command provides an excellent companion film. Douglas Bader (pronounced "Baader") is excellently portrayed by Kenneth More in another stirring British Bulldog role, (see also his role of 2nd Officer Lightoller in "A Night to Remember (1958).Our hero joins Cranwell (British RAF Officer Flying School) in 1928 and soon proves he has natural flying ability.He also excells at cricket and rugby but is not so hot at the academics coming 17/19 in the exams.Discipline is also a bit of a problem for him and he has to learn that "...rules are for the obedience of fools and for the guidance of wise men".At Cranley he meets a friend, and the two fly over to the Reading Flying Club in the early 1930's when Bader rashly accepts a dubious challenge to exhibit his aerobatic skill when the crowds are not present.The result was a near fatal crash that resulted in him having both legs amputated.The scene with nurse Brace is genuinely touching - I have seen this film many times and it always brings a tear to my eye.While recovering with other injured men they go on a jaunt in one of the chap's Bentley with Douglas, as usual, driving at breakneck speed with his peg leg on the accelerator.Miraculously they all arrive in one piece at a tea room and it is there that Douglas meets Thelma who is helping a friend by waiting on table "...cream or plain?".On a return trip to the cafe Douglas is distraught to see Thelma in the company of a young man coming out of the rain but is then relieved when she informs him that he is her brother.They informally marry and as there was nothing in "King's Regulations" about cripples being able to continue flying in the RAF and since a desk job was not to Bader's liking, he left and got a mundane job in civvy street.Although cricket and rugby were now ruled out, he did find he could compete on level terms at golf.The film shows the very determined spirit of Bader as he struggles to come to terms with his appalling injuries and after many falls, his success in being able to literally stand on his own two (though artificial) feet.

Ominously a news stand proclaims, "Hitler succeeds Hindenberg".That was 1933.The action moves forward to 1940 and as Britain had been at war with Germany since September 1939, it was looking for trained RAF pilots.Bader once again applies and passes his flying test but there still are, "Kings Regulations", to overcome.Bader confronts the medical officer with irrefutable logic and this time is accepted back into the officer fold.He is given a squadron of Canadian pilots (which includes the future famous group captain Turner, played by Lee Paterson) who are very dispirited because they have lost most of their uniforms and equipment in France after the hasty evacuation of the B.E.F. at Dunkirk in May 1940.To win their respect he gives a tour de force of his flying skill to prove that, although he has tin legs, this does not dim his fierce determination to succeed.His injuries have also instilled into him a combative approach and fierce loyalty and friendship to his men which is soon reciprocated by them.However, there are apparantly no spares to make the Hawker Hurricanes serviceable and as we all know, forms have to be completed in triplicate!."What seems to be the problem" asks Bader to his chief mechanic."The channels appear to be blocked" is the reply."Well we shall ruddy well have to unblock them" Bader says uncompromisingly and he then goes over the head of the pettifogging quartermaster by telling Group that his squadron is not operational without parts and spares.How the viewer will applaud this slayer of bureaucrats!Eventually the spares arrive and Bader is then able to report to Group that his squadron is finally operational.

The film artfully splices actual RAF WWII combat footage in this B&W film and shows the success Bader's new approach to the old idea of formation flying had with the top brass.Eventually Bader becomes Wing Commander of "The Duxford Wing".Early in the war Bader's luck runs out and he is shot down over France.The Germans even ask the RAF to drop a spare artificial leg down, as he left the other jammed in the cockpit when he baled out.He fails to escape and is made a P.O.W.Mocking the Germans (or "Goon Baiting") got him into trouble and he is moved from camp to camp , eventually ending up at the notorious Colditz Castle where he ends the war.After the German surrender in May 1945 he reminds Thelma there is still the war against Japan to be waged.

This film depicts the public school ethos of officers in the RAF very well with the usual British phlegm, reserve and applomb shown in British war movies of the 1950's.Every actor is very convincing in his part and I always enjoy acted real life docu-dramas - so much more convincing than mere fiction.I hope readers of this review who are like-minded, will similarly enjoy viewing this great WWII movie.

Tally ho!

[Bracken · 6/10 · 2 October 2000]

Never have so many upper lips been kept so stiff by so many for so long. Classic Sunday Afternoon movie, which keeps the pace up, and is occasionally genuinely moving despite some astonishingly wooden writing. This is largely due to Kenneth More, who somehow manages to make the arrogant, bloody-minded, and rather stupid character of Bader as written likeable and even inspiring.

One of the best.

[24540647 · 9/10 · 24 March 2005]

Along with 633 Squadron and The Dambusters, this film is probably the best war film ever made.

It's not surprising that all these films are British made, without the Hollywood "hero" spin.

The film tells of the indominable spirit of Douglas Bader, and his rise back to health and active service after losing both legs in an air crash.

Semi-autobiographical, it runs pretty close to the true story of a man who inspired many, both during the Second World War and after.

If you've not seen it, don't be put off by the black & white, or the lack of CGI. Simply go and buy or hire it and sit back and enjoy.

Decent biopic

[Leofwine_draca · 7/10 · 20 January 2017]

REACH FOR THE SKY, a British biopic of wartime fighter pilot Douglas Bader, has something of the epic feel to it. It's a lengthy black and white production that stars Kenneth More as Bader himself, a cocky young sportsman who overcomes extreme adversity to become one of Britain's top pilots of WW2. Featuring above average direction from future Bond director Lewis Gilbert (of THE SPY WHO LOVED ME fame) and an ensemble cast of familiar faces, REACH FOR THE SKY is classic entertainment.

More always had a kind of easy-going English charm and it's well utilised for his role in this production. The story avoids being overtly sentimental and puts forth the classic British upper lip style of overcoming adversity which works nicely. To list the supporting faces would take too long but it's great to see players such as Michael Ripper, Michael Balfour, and Sam Kydd making all of their respective performances. Add in authentic combat scenes and you have a compelling and thoroughly enjoyable story.

A Compelling and Inspiring film...

[horsegal25 · 10/10 · 12 June 2003]

I would heartily recommend Reach for the Sky to anyone in need of inspiring, or anything of that sort- there is an old saying that goes; "What one man has done, another can do!" I think that very much applies to RFTS!

The acting in this was superb, Kenneth More, and the gorgeous Muriel Pavlow looking surprisingly similar to the real Douglas & Thelma Bader- and Lyndon Brook giving an excellent performance as Johnny Sanderson.

Reach for the Sky is an awesome film, and full of action, and anticipation- to tell the truth, I was shaking with anticipation the first time I saw it- I think- or maybe it was the 2nd or 3rd time- can't remember, but Lyndon Brook, my favourite actor was causing me a bit of heart throb to!!

Do see it!

Reach for the Sky

[jboothmillard · 7/10 · 17 March 2011]

From director Lewis Gilbert (Alife, You Only Live Twice, Educating Rita), I had seen bits and pieces of this British war film from clips shown on two countdown shows, so I was certainly interested. Based on the true story, it is 1928, where the young and hyperactive Douglas Bader (BAFTA nominated Kenneth More) is joining as a cadet for the Royal Air Force of Cranwell, where despite not caring for rules he succeeds in training and is posted to No. 23 squadron at Kenley. Next he starts learning how to fly a plane, and has a very promising few turns, but then in 1931 he makes a wrong move and ends up accidentally crashing his plane and is in a near-death state, and unfortunately he has both his legs amputated. During recovery Douglas starts learning how to use a new pair of artificial legs, first wooden and straight, and then ones that can bend, and during this he meets and often goes out with Thelma Edwards (Muriel Pavlow), who he later marries. He is frustrated that he cannot find a job back in the RAF as a pilot, he would be forced to work behind the desk, so while he tries to get back into the sky he works for Shell Oil. World War II begins and Douglas does manage to talk himself back into being a pilot for the RAF again, taking part in the Battle of Britain, being made commander for a squadron of mostly Canadian men. Then his plane is shot down, but he managed to parachute to safety, only to be taken as a POW (prisoner of war), and after managing to escape a few times he ends up in Colditz Castle, and the Nazis threaten to take his legs away if he keeps trying. In the end, Douglas, after being released, succeeds in taking down many enemy planes, and the film ends in 1945 when he leads a team of pilots for a celebratory flyover. Also starring Lyndon Brook as Johnny Sanderson, Lee Patterson as Stan Turner, Alexander Knox as Mr. Joyce, BAFTA nominated Dorothy Alison as Nurse Sally Brace, Michael Warre as Harry Day, Sydney Tafler as Robert Desoutter, Howard Marion-Crawford as 'Woody' Woodhall, Jack Watling as Peel, Nigel Green as Streatfield, Anne Leon as Sister Thornhill and Batman's Michael Gough as Flying Instructor Pearson. More creates a very amicable character, the most interesting scenes are him learning to walk, but the flying scenes and occasional battles are good viewing too, it is a film that makes you proud to be British, a most watchable Second World War biographical drama. It won the BAFTA for Best British Film, and it was nominated for Best British Screenplay and Best Film from any Source. It was number 78 on The Ultimate Film, and it was number 59 on The 100 Greatest War Films. Very good!

A Film Fit For A Genuine Hero

[alanpriest-53916 · 10/10 · 7 April 2019]

Another great example of how British filmmakers of the post-WW2 years knew just how to make the perfect movie to both entertain and inform the viewer. By any standards Douglas Bader was a no-nonsense real life hero and we are richly treated here to the man's character and determination. Kenneth More is perfect in the main role, with all the other parts also well played by tried and trusted 50's actors. A special mention must also go to the beautiful Muriel Pavlow as Bader's wife, the perfect blend of beauty, sympathy and strength. One of my top 10 favourite all-time films - just wonderful.

A story of a man overcoming a personal tragedy

[toonnnnn · 7/10 · 6 June 2010]

The story of the British air ace Douglas Bader,an inspiring film after all these years.Douglas Bader was an extremely fit sporting young man,who at the peak of his physical prowess lost his legs in a plane crash.The first part of the film establishes his determination not to be beaten by his handicap.Golf proves away to challenge himself,he also finds a wife.Bored with his life in an office,the out break of WW2 gives him the chance to fly again.Determined to get in the RAF he has medicals and gets back in.Bader is given a squadron of disillusioned flyer's,initially they oppose him, but having seen him fly they are won round.A difficult man Bader takes short cuts to get the equipment he needs for his squadron upsetting some of his superiors.However his tactics are brilliant and before long he is in charge of five squadrons inflicting heavy losses on the German air force during the battle of Britain.On one flight his plane is shot down,Bader escapes by leaving one of his false legs behind.The RAF drops of a spare,in spite of all his difficulties he manages to escape three times .Bader never let a chance go to bait the German guards even inspecting them before heading to Colditz castle.The performance from Kenneth More in the title roll is excellent,given good support from Muriel Pavlov and Nigel Green.I would like a remake,as after all these yeatrs it could be more honest,brutal and would make a big star of the leading actor.

excellent film, not to be missed

[mark-willis2 · 10/10 · 6 November 2007]

This is one of the films that I got bought as a youngster and wore out the VHS tape. The film is absolutely brilliant and the directorship is second to none. With not knowing Bader, but knowing of his reputation, it has been very well played by More. The film itself is not only about world war two but more about a persons determination that, no matter what is thrown at him, for him or against him, there is nothing quite like the human spirit of not giving in. This is well portrayed. I am only 34 and after watching all the films like terminator and star wars, this is just leagues ahead of the game. I always say, there is nothing like sitting down and watching an old black and white flick, because you know it has a story line and it doesn't have to involve sex and violence. I want more of these films please.

Classic war movie.

[jayjfreshwater · 6/10 · 20 November 2020]

Great nostalgic viewing.classic,which uses a lot of artistic license.

Of its time

[s-clifford419 · 4/10 · 30 December 2021]

I haven't seen this film since I was a kid but watched today.

Nice to see all the old actors I remember from childhood. Do think although the story of how courageous Douglas Bader was this film is of its time. The clipped English accents give that away.