- Film Review
- Reviewed By David Parkinson
-
5 out of 5
This thrilling drama about the bouncing-bomb raid on the dams of the Ruhr valley is truly compelling viewing and stands among the best British movies about the Second World War. Indeed, thanks to its potent blend of scientific suspense and aerial action, accompanied by that stirring soundtrack, it has convinced generations of movie-watchers that the mission was a major turning point in the war rather than a risky venture that the brass hats considered something of a sideshow. Michael Redgrave puts a pinch too much bumbling boffin into his Barnes Wallis, but Richard Todd was never better as Wing Commander Guy Gibson, who led the raid.
Plot Summary
Classic wartime drama, starring Richard Todd and Michael Redgrave, about the audacious RAF mission to destroy the Ruhr dams with "bouncing" bombs designed by aeronautical engineer Barnes Wallis.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Wing Commander Guy Gibson
- Richard Todd
- Dr Barnes N Wallis
- Michael Redgrave
- Mrs Wallis
- Ursula Jeans
- Sir Arthur Harris
- Basil Sydney
- Captain Joseph Summers
- Patrick Barr
- AVM Ralph Cochrane
- Ernest Clark
- Group Captain Whitworth
- Derek Farr
- Doctor
- Charles Carson
- Sir David Pye
- Stanley Van Beers
- Dr W H Glanville
- Colin Tapley
- Flight Lieutenant Hopgood
- John Fraser
- Flight Lieutenant Maltby
- George Baker
- Flight Sergeant Pulford
- Robert Shaw
Crew
- Director
- Michael Anderson
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