Reach for the Sky

19561956
ApprovedApproved
2h 3m

Kenneth More in Reach for the Sky (1956)

Biography Drama War

Biopic of RAF Group Captain Douglas Bader who, after having lost both legs, flew a British fighter plane during WW2.Biopic of RAF Group Captain Douglas Bader who, after having lost both legs, flew a British fighter plane during WW2.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 "The Story of Douglas Bader)
- Lewis Gilbert(screenplay)
- Vernon Harris(additional scenes)
Stars

See production, box office & company info

See production, box office & company info

See more at IMDbPro

Won 1 BAFTA Film Award
- 1 win & 4 nominations total

Photos118

Charles Carson in Reach for the Sky (1956)

Russell Waters in Reach for the Sky (1956)

Michael Warre in Reach for the Sky (1956)

Eric Pohlmann in Reach for the Sky (1956)

Kenneth More in Reach for the Sky (1956)

Victor Beaumont and Kenneth More in Reach for the Sky (1956)

Paul Carpenter in Reach for the Sky (1956)

Philip Levene and Kenneth More in Reach for the Sky (1956)

Ronald Adam in Reach for the Sky (1956)

Howard Marion-Crawford and Kenneth More in Reach for the Sky (1956)

Trevor Bannister in Reach for the Sky (1956)

George Rose in Reach for the Sky (1956)

Douglas Baderas Douglas Bader

Thelma Baderas Thelma Bader

Johnny Sandersonas Johnny Sanderson

Turneras Turner

Mr. Joyceas Mr. Joyce

Nurse Braceas Nurse Brace

Harry Dayas Harry Day

Robert Desoutteras Robert Desoutter

Howard Marion-Crawford

'Woody' Woodhallas 'Woody' Woodhall
(as Howard Marion Crawford)

Peelas Peel

Streatfieldas Streatfield

Sister Thornhillas Sister Thornhill

Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowdingas Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding

Air Vice-Marshal Leigh-Malloryas Air Vice-Marshal Leigh-Mallory

Air Vice-Marshal Halahanas Air Vice-Marshal Halahan

Crowley-Millingas Crowley-Milling

Philip Stainton

Police Constableas Police Constable

Flight Sergeant Millsas Flight Sergeant Mills

Director
- Lewis Gilbert
Writers
- Paul Brickhill(book "The Story of Douglas Bader)
- Lewis Gilbert(screenplay)
- Vernon Harris(additional scenes)
All cast & crew
See more cast details at IMDbPro

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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. —E.A. Milne <eamilne@bitmailer.net>

fighter plane airplane cockpit one engine airplane disability battle of britain 24 more

Taglines
- Valor That Soars Beyond the Limits of Man's Endurance...Drama That Probes Beneath the Surface of Wartime Emotions
Genres
Certificate
- Approved
Parents guide
- Add content advisory

Trivia
In the same year this film was released Douglas Bader caused great controversy with his racist remarks on the public statements of African Commonwealth nations in regard to the Suez Crisis. In response to some of the more recent Commonwealth countries criticizing white colonial rule and the Anglo-French invasion of Egypt, Bader said they could "bloody well climb back up their trees".

Goofs
When Bader is demonstrating his ability to fly the Hurricane to his new squadron of Canadian pilots, there is a long cut of the plane flying upside-down in a straight line. This was impossible in the Hurricane, as it had a gravity-fed carburettor. If you look carefully at the clouds, and how the sunlight reflects from them, the image has clearly been inverted.

Quotes
Bader: [Bader is at a sanatorium in recovery and listening to a fellow patient complain about pains to one of his legs] . Have it off, old boy, have it off.

Alternate versions
Originally released in Great Britain at 135 minutes; cut by 12 minutes before the American premiere.

Connections
Featured in Century of Cinema: Cinema of Unease: A Personal Journey by Sam Neill (1995)

Soundtracks
Love Is the Sweetest Thing
(uncredited)
Written by Ray Noble

Top review

9/10

One of the best.

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.

helpful•12

4

24540647
Mar 24, 2005

Release date
- July 27, 1956 (Ireland)
Country of origin
- United Kingdom
Languages
Also known as
- Čežnja za nebom
Filming locations
- RAF Kenley, Kenley, Surrey, England, UK
Production companies
- The Rank Organisation
- Angel Productions
See more company credits at IMDbPro

Budget
- £380,000 (estimated)

See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

Runtime
2 hours 3 minutes
Color
- Black and White
Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1

Muriel Pavlow obituary

Jan 22The Guardian - Film News

Muriel Pavlow obituary

Jan 22The Guardian - TV News

Kenneth More in Reach for the Sky (1956)

Top Gap

By what name was Reach for the Sky (1956) officially released in India in English?

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