Expected more

A different way of telling a story

Great movie. Not sure what people expected but I found it highly entertaining.

Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

i especially like these period films about the war in the air. I thought this war film was in the same class as the Mathew Modine B-17 pic,'MEMPHIS BELLE'. Particularly, memorable was the segment, where the British & American pilots are resting in a debriefing room when the music on the radio is interrupted by a German propaganda speech. This is a historical fact, that, like the 'TOkyo Rose' radio chats that were meant to demoralize the U.S.soldiers(also U.S.naval forces) in the Pacific,'Lord HAW-HAW' was a concerted effort by German intelligence to broadcast propaganda to hurt the American/allied air campaign of WWII. (Unbeknownst to the allies, the Germans had broken the allies 'ultra' code, allowing them priceless intelligence regarding B-17 bombing runs in Europe) . ALthough, I may be mistaken('ultra' intercepts provided the Nazis only valuable intelligence information about 8th army tactical moves in the North African Campaign(1040-1943?)All in all, a great film,using actual historical facts....

WARNING SPOILER ALERT: A low budget Quinn Martin style version of the USAA bombing runs into Germany in 1943. Long range fighter escorts were not available then, and the B17s didn't have chin turrets to protect against head on attacks until later, so the bombers suffered high loss rates.Update: According to wikipedia this was actually a Royal Air Force raid on Cologne (Koln), so this film's historical accuracy as to the USAAF's planning for and participation in the raid is doubtful. Despite the participation of some of the best stunt pilots in the business, and despite their flying a B17 WAY too low, this film has a poor reputation among airmen who know better. Bonus: about half way through the film, Chris George and Laraine Stephens talk in his office. Just before she tells him she loves him, he takes off his hat, rubs the back of his neck, and flips the bird. Her face and the bird are in the same shot. I'd love to hear the story behind THAT one.

World War Two had many facets which claim to have been the pivotal point of the conflict. Regardless, it took the whole industry of several countries to group themselves into the Allied cause, which eventually destroyed the Nazi dream of world dominance. This is one of the key elements which was essential towards that goal. The film is called " The Thousand Plane Raid " which was directed by Boris Sagal and penned by novelist Ralph Barker. It purports to tell the story of Col. Greg Brandon (Christopher George) who proposed to group together a thousand allied B-17 Bombers to destroy a specific target producing German fighter planes. He finds that he is troubled by both the British high command as well as his own men. In addition, those closest to him realize that he is obsessed with his idea and is losing touch with everyone. A good movie, though a bit melodramatic. Nevertheless, a solid action oriented story. A fine cast which includes J.D. Cannon, Gary Marshal, Michael Evans, Gavin MacLeod and Bo Hopkins as Capt. Douglass. Recommended to War buffs. ****

Amusing piece of waffle with a brief acknowledgement that the UK actually did fight from their home country, and in fact did mount the first 1000 bomber raid on Germany. Throw in a stereo typical RAF upper class twit to teach the Yanks Fighter Tactics.. I wish they wouldn't assume all RAF fighter Pilots were like that.. Many were Sergeant Pilots and my 86 year old Neighbour, A Spitfire Pilot with 8 kills to his Credit speaks broad Geordie (To our American Pals a Dialect found in the Newcastle area of North East England which can hardly be called upper class.) Still the footage of the B17s was brilliant and did these wonderful Planes credit ) There were several correct statements , particularly that night Bombing carried out by the RAF in the early days was terribly inaccurate, at least until 'Gee' and 'Oboe'(Radio position systems) came into service. Remember that the Luftwaffe switched to night bombing of British Cities during 1940-1941 because of their Losses. However a good piece of escapism anyway,with many inaccuracies, but someone did at least attempt some Historic research...