The Way to the Stars (1945)

85% of users liked it
(102 ratings)

Originally released in England as The Way to the Stars, Johnny in the Clouds is the story of how the Battle of Britain affected the lives of combatants and civilians alike. Terence Rattigan's screenplay concentrates on three groups of people: an American pilot and his wife, a doomed British officer… More Originally released in England as The Way to the Stars, Johnny in the Clouds is the story of how the Battle of Britain affected the lives of combatants and civilians alike. Terence Rattigan's screenplay concentrates on three groups of people: an American pilot and his wife, a doomed British officer with a wife and child, and a young couple who plan to marry despite the precariousness of wartime romances. Most of the action takes place at an air base and the neighboring village, where the private citizens react to rationing and other restrictions with various degrees of nobility and selfishness. The American title of this film is derived from the poem "Johnny in the Clouds," recited in tribute to the decease British airman; the U.S. version, which was released after the war, includes a prologue set in the deserted air base, with the bulk of the film offered as a flashback. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 49 min.
Directed By: Anthony Asquith
Genres: Drama, Classics

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1945 Wide

Critic Reviews

John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...scores on almost every emotional front it approaches, without mawkishness, without awkwardness, without mockery. The film makes a seriously rewarding viewing experience.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...good, straight-ahead drama, with fine acting and solid direction.

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Cast

            John Mills as Peter Penrose

            Michael Redgrave as Lt. David Archdale

            Douglass Montgomery as Johnny Hollis

            Trevor Howard as Squadron Leader Carter

            Bonar Colleano as Joe Friselli

            Rosamund John as Miss Toddy Todd

            Stanley Holloway as Mr. Palmer

            Renée Ashershon as Iris Winterton

            Basil Radford as Tiny Williams

            Joyce Carey as Miss Winterton

            Felix Aylmer as Rev. Charles Moss

            O.B. Clarence
            
            Hugh Dempster as Tinker Bell

            Alf Goddard as Sergeant

            Vida Hope as Elsie Waitress

            Murray Matheson as Joe Lawson

            John McLaren as 'Cheerio' Chester

            Bill Owen as Nobby Clarke

            Hartley Power as Col. Page

            Jean Simmons as Singer

            Nick Stuart as Wally Becker

            David Tomlinson as Pilot Officer Prune Parsons

            Charles Victor as Cpl. Fitter

            Caven Watson as R.A.F. Corporal

            Ann Wilton as Schoolmistress

            Peter Cotes as Aircraftsman

            Johnnie Schofield as Jones

            Anthony Dawson as Bertie Steen

            John Howard as Shelter Officer

            Charles Farrell as American Orderly
See full cast

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