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 | |
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Michael Warre | ... | Harry Day |
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Sydney Tafler | ... | Robert Desoutter |
Howard Marion-Crawford | ... | 'Woody' Woodhall (as Howard Marion Crawford) | |
Jack Watling | ... | Peel | |
Nigel Green | ... | Streatfield | |
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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 |
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>
'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.