Reach for the Sky (1956)

85% of users liked it
(825 ratings)

One of the many inspirational true stories told about WWII, this is the story of Douglas Bader, an undauntable character who was involved in an accident which cost him both of his legs. Despite this, he became a WWII squadron commander and was a hero during the Battle of Britain. Shot down over… More One of the many inspirational true stories told about WWII, this is the story of Douglas Bader, an undauntable character who was involved in an accident which cost him both of his legs. Despite this, he became a WWII squadron commander and was a hero during the Battle of Britain. Shot down over France and held prisoner by the Germans, he still survived and returned to England leading 3,000 planes over London in a victory flight. ~ Tana Hobart, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: G, 2 hr. 16 min.
Directed By: Lewis Gilbert
Written By: Paul Brickhill, Lewis Gilbert
Genres: Drama, Classics

In Theaters: Apr 30, 1957 Wide

Critic Reviews

John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...often a stirring account of one man's struggle to do his best and prove his worth under the most trying circumstances.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
Kenneth More's performance is at the heart of it all, a bigger-than-life realization that is hard to resist.

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Cast

            Kenneth More as Douglas Bader

            Muriel Pavlow as Thelma Bader

            Lyndon Brook as Johnny Sanderson

            Lee Patterson as Stan Turner

            Alexander Knox as Mr. Joyce

            Dorothy Alison as Nurse Brace

            Jack Watling as Peel

            Nigel Green as Streatfield

            Anne Leon as Sister Thornhill

            Ronald Adam as Air Vice Marshal Leigh-Mallory

            Charles Carson as Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding

            Basil Appleby as Crowley Milling

            Eddie Byrne as Sgt. Mills

            Beverley Brooks as Sally

            Michael Ripper as Warrant Officer

            Derek Blomfield as Civilian Pilot

            Avice Landone as Mrs. Bader

            Eric Pohlmann as Adjutant of Prison Camp

            Michael Gough as Flying Instructor

            Michael Balfour
            
            Howard Marion-Crawford as "Woody" Woodhall

            Anton Diffring
            
            Sam Kydd
            
            Harry Locke
            
            Clive Revill
            
            Philip Stainton
            
            Sydney Tafler as Robert Desoutter
See full cast

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