In this movie, a hard-as-nails
general takes over a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber pilot unit suffering from low
morale and whips them into fighting shape to Bomb the Third Reich.
Amazon.com essential video:
The wartime memories of surviving World War II bomber squadrons were still
crystal clear when this acclaimed drama was released in 1949--one of the first
postwar films out of Hollywood to treat the war on emotionally complex terms.
Framed by a postwar prologue and epilogue and told as a flashback appreciation
of wartime valor and teamwork, the film stars Gregory Peck in one of his finest
performances as a callous general who assumes command of a bomber squadron based
in England. At first, the new commander has little rapport with the 918th Bomber
Group, whose loyalties still belong with their previous commander. As they
continue to fly dangerous missions over Germany, however, the group and their
new leader develop mutual respect and admiration, until the once-alienated
commander feels that his men are part of a family--men whose bravery transcends
the rigors of rigid discipline and by-the-book leadership. The film's
now-classic climax, in which the general waits patiently for his squad to return
to base--painfully aware that they may not return at all--is one of the most
subtle yet emotionally intense scenes of any World War II drama. With Peck in
the lead and Dean Jagger doing Oscar-winning work in a crucial supporting role,
this was one of veteran director Henry King's proudest achievements, and it
still packs a strong dramatic punch. --Jeff Shannon
Product Description:
This gritty World War II action drama staring Gregory Peck, Oscar winner Dean
Jagger, Hugh Marlowe, Gary Merrill and Millard Mitchell is seen as one of the
most realistic portrayals of the heroics and perils of war. Convinced an air
force commander (Gary |
We need to find the name of a man
in the 12 O'Clock High Series
The man (I can't remember his name) was a stunt
flier & did a lot of the aircraft crash scenes in the old Twelve O'clock
High TV sitcom. (I don't know about the movie). He did the solo flight after
WW 11 while working for an English movie producer. He was sent to the US
to get 4 B17`s out of desert storage & fly them back to England. He
did this by recruiting needed aircraft mechanics & fliers he knew from
their tour of duty in England during WW 11. He test flew their first
refurbished AC. After a lot of hectic problems over the Atlantic they they
accomplished their mission. This guy was later killed in an AC crash
& I would like to get a bio on him, but can't remember his name.
If you have any additional information
Please send me email at the
bottom of this page
Here's the answer to this question
I believe you are thinking of
Paul Mantz.
Paul was killed in the
filming of Flight of the Phoenix.
Steve Manny
You should consider joining the
Confederate Air Force, CAF. CAF units are located throughout the US.
There are Warbirds all over the US that need volunteers to help the cause.
Putting it in proper perspective, it would be nice if our grandchildren
can see WWII aircraft still flying 50 years from now.
Regards,
Steve Manny
There are occasional flight crew
member on the B-17 Texas Raiders
checkout http://www.gulfcoastwing.org
9-7-2000
Gary Dortch
I may have some information
pertaining to your queries. The story you related above about resurrecting
some B-17's from the desert, the subsequent travails and adventures (misadventures?)
crossing the Atlantic, struck a cord with me. I read a book (in fact I
still have it) many years ago called "Everything but the Flak" by Martin Caidin. This is the story of getting three B-17's to England for the movie
"The War Lover". He relates a story pretty much the way you laid it out
above. The other two men involved were Greg Board and John Crewdson. Of
course there were maybe a half dozen other men involved and if you would
like their names I'll get them for you in a follow-up email.
Gary. |
