The Big Lift (1950)

43% of users liked it
(359 ratings)

Filmed on location, The Big Lift is a reenactment of the Berlin airlift of 1948. Flexing their postwar muscles, the Russians blockade the Western sector, refusing to allow the Allies to ship supplies to the starving Berliners. From their headquarters at Templehof Airport, a group of courageous… More Filmed on location, The Big Lift is a reenactment of the Berlin airlift of 1948. Flexing their postwar muscles, the Russians blockade the Western sector, refusing to allow the Allies to ship supplies to the starving Berliners. From their headquarters at Templehof Airport, a group of courageous American flyers risk their lives to transport supplies by air. Paul Douglas plays a ground operations sergeant with several scores to settle (he had a hard time of it as a POW during the war), while Montgomery Clift costars as a pilot who inaugurates a doomed love affair with German girl Cornell Borchers. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 59 min.
Directed By: George Seaton
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Mystery & Suspense, Classics

In Theaters: Apr 26, 1950 Wide
On DVD: Jan 25, 2000
Studio: American Pop Classics

No Critic Reviews Found…

Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

Ordinary postwar story with Douglas and Clift good as always. The real standout is Bruni Loebel who turns in a charming performance as Gerda.
Stefanie C

The romantic plot is weak, but this semi-documentary is an important piece of filmography since history is preserved. In simple terms, it shows Americans processing WWII experiences and emotions toward the German peoples. What is remarkable about this film is that all shots were on… More
The romantic plot is weak, but this semi-documentary is an important piece of filmography since history is preserved. In simple terms, it shows Americans processing WWII experiences and emotions toward the German peoples. What is remarkable about this film is that all shots were on location within all sectors of war-ravaged Berlin and the military personnel are genuine.
AJ V

Maybe I need to brush up on my WWII history, but this movie was a bit confusing. Clift is good in the movie, but the story could be better. Overall a so-so war movie.