Biopic of RAF Group Captain Douglas Bader who, after having lost both legs, flew a British fighter plane during WW2.
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Title: Reach for the Sky (1956)
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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 | ... | Harry Day |
|
|
Sydney Tafler | ... | Robert Desoutter |
| Howard Marion-Crawford | ... | 'Woody' Woodhall (as Howard Marion Crawford) | |
| Jack Watling | ... | Peel | |
| Nigel Green | ... | Streatfield | |
|
|
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 | |
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Plot Summary
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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 Keywords:
disability | battle of britain | royal air force | world war two | based on book |Taglines:
Valor That Soars Beyond the Limits of Man's Endurance...Drama That Probes Beneath the Surface of Wartime Emotions See more »Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parents »
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Details
Country:
UKRelease Date:
27 July 1956 (Ireland) See more »Also Known As:
Vainqueur du ciel See more »Edit
Box Office
Budget:
£380,000 (estimated)Company Credits
Show more on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
| (TCM Print)Sound Mix:
Mono (Westrex Recording System)Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
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Air Vice-Marshal Leigh-Mallory: You'll do as you're told.
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(uncredited)
Written by Ray Noble, Reginald Connelly and Jimmy Campbell
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Did You Know?
Trivia
This film's opening prologue states: "Douglas Bader has become a legend in his own life time. His courage was not only an example to those in War but is now a source of inspiration to many in Peace. For dramatic purposes it has been necessary in this film to transpose in time certain events in Douglas Bader's life and also to re-shape some of the characters involved in this story. The Producers apologise to those who may have been affected by any changes or omissions." 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: If I can't take my squadron with me, I'm not so sure I want to go.Air Vice-Marshal Leigh-Mallory: You'll do as you're told.
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Alternate Versions
Originally released in Great Britain at 135 minutes; cut by 12 minutes before the American premiere. See more »Soundtracks
Goodnight Sweetheart(uncredited)
Written by Ray Noble, Reginald Connelly and Jimmy Campbell
See more »
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.