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Reach for the Sky (1956)

Not Rated | | Biography, Drama, War | 27 July 1956 (Ireland)
Reach for the Sky Poster
Biopic of RAF Group Captain Douglas Bader who, after having lost both legs, flew a British fighter plane during WW2.

Director:

Lewis Gilbert

Writers:

Paul Brickhill (book), Lewis Gilbert (screenplay) | 1 more credit »

Stars:

Kenneth More, Muriel Pavlow, Lyndon Brook | See full cast & crew »
Reviews

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From $3.99 on Prime Video

ON DISC
Won 1 BAFTA Film Award. Another 4 nominations. See more awards »

Photos

See all 16 photos »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kenneth More ... Douglas Bader
Muriel Pavlow ... Thelma Bader
Lyndon Brook ... Johnny Sanderson
Lee Patterson ... Turner
Alexander Knox ... Mr. Joyce
Dorothy Alison ... Nurse Brace
Michael Warre Michael Warre ... Harry Day
Sydney Tafler Sydney Tafler ... Robert Desoutter
Howard Marion-Crawford ... 'Woody' Woodhall (as Howard Marion Crawford)
Jack Watling ... Peel
Nigel Green ... Streatfield
Anne Leon Anne Leon ... Sister Thornhill
Charles Carson ... Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding
Ronald Adam ... Air Vice-Marshal Leigh-Mallory
Walter Hudd ... Air Vice-Marshal Halahan
See full cast »
Edit

Storyline

The true story of airman Douglas Bader who overcame the loss of both legs in a 1931 flying accident to become a successful fighter pilot and wing leader during World War II. Written by E.A. Milne <eamilne@bitmailer.net>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

disability | battle of britain | royal air force | world war two | based on book | See All (29) »

Taglines:

Valor That Soars Beyond the Limits of Man's Endurance...Drama That Probes Beneath the Surface of Wartime Emotions See more »

Genres:

Biography | Drama | War

Certificate:

Not Rated | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

Add content advisory for parents »
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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English | French | German

Release Date:

27 July 1956 (Ireland) See more »

Also Known As:

Vainqueur du ciel See more »

Filming Locations:

The Shovel Pub, Iver Lane, Cowley, Middx See more »
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Box Office

Budget:

GBP380,000 (estimated)
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Production Co:

The Rank Organisation, Angel Productions See more »
Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

| (TCM Print)

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Black and White (archive footage)| Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

For some reason, the name of Bader's friend and fellow pilot Geoffrey Stevenson was changed in post-sync, being overdubbed as "Johnny Sanderson". Each time the name is said on-screen, Kenneth More's lips are quite clearly saying the original name - most noticeable in the close-up when Bader is informed that Stevenson / Sanderson has been shot down. See more »

Goofs

When Douglas Bader is promoted and sent to command 242 Squadron at Coltishall, the Hurricanes bear the squadron code letters "SD". These were the actual code letters of 501 Squadron which flew Hurricanes in the Battle of Britain. The 242 Squadron codes were in fact "LE". See more »

Quotes

Bader: Mr Blake!
Blake: Yes, Sir?
Bader: Where can I buy a Spitfire?
See more »

Alternate Versions

Originally released in Great Britain at 135 minutes; cut by 12 minutes before the American premiere. See more »

Connections

Featured in Talkies: Remembering Kenneth More: Part One (2019) See more »

Soundtracks

Love Is the Sweetest Thing
(uncredited)
Written by Ray Noble
See more »

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User Reviews

 
Inspirational British World War II Air Force drama
1 May 2000 | by Andrew Reed – See all my reviews

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.
9 of 10 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you? | Report this
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