- Film Review
- Reviewed By John Marriott
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3 out of 5
This stout anti-war statement from director Jack Gold actually takes its cue from an early sound film, 1930's Journey's End, but moves the action from the trenches to the skies. It is here that the film finds its conviction, in the form of dogfight sequences that succeed in being both thrilling and horrifying. Back at base, however, where young and eager First World War flier Peter Firth gradually comes to understand the cynicism of his superior, Malcolm McDowell, events are not as well realised. Moments of emotional isolation work well, but a visit to a brothel is simply trite. Still, the film generally soars.
Plot Summary
First World War action drama starring Malcolm McDowell, Christopher Plummer and Simon Ward. By late 1917, members of a Royal Flying Corps squadron in France are under intolerable strain - and the latest recruit to their ranks is an inexperienced young pilot.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Gresham
- Malcolm McDowell
- Sinclair
- Christopher Plummer
- Crawford
- Simon Ward
- Croft
- Peter Firth
- Headmaster
- John Gielgud
- Lt Col Silkin
- Trevor Howard
- Colonel Lyle
- Richard Johnson
- Brigadier Whale
- Ray Milland
- Thompson
- David Wood
- Roberts
- Christopher Blake
- Beckenauer
- Gilles Béhat
- Bennett
- David Daker
- Wade
- Elliott Cooper
- Joyce
- Barry Jackson
- Ponnelle
- Jacques Maury
- Eliot
- Ron Pember
- Stoppard
- Tim Pigott-Smith
- Croft's girlfriend
- Pascale Christophe
- French singer
- Jeanne Patou
Crew
- Director
- Jack Gold
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