Reach for the Sky (1956)

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)

Stars:

Kenneth More, Muriel Pavlow, Lyndon Brook

Won 1 BAFTA Film Award. Another 4 nominations.

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

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.

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Plot Keywords:

disability | battle of britain | royal air force | world war two | based on book | 

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Taglines:

10,000,000 Americans Have Thrilled to This Stirring Story in Reader's Digest!

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | War

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Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

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".

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Goofs

During the meeting in Dowding's office there is a RAF plaque on his desk with a Queen's crown on it, which was correct for when the film was made, but when as the film is set in 1940 it should have been a King's crown.

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Quotes

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

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Alternate Versions

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

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Connections

Featured in The 100 Greatest War Films (2005)

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Soundtracks

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

User Reviews

Stirring stuff.

'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.

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English French German

Release Date:

27 July 1956 (Ireland)

Also Known As:

Reach for the Sky

Filming Locations:

The Shovel Pub, Iver Lane, Cowley, Middx

Box Office

Budget:

GBP380,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

The Rank Organisation, Angel Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

135 min 105 min (TCM Print)

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Black and White (archive footage) Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1