Reach for the Sky – 1956 | 130 mins | War, Drama | B&W

Plot Synopsis

Redefining new levels of stiff upper lippedness, Kenneth More excels in this reverent biography of World War II fighter ace Douglas Bader.

The film follows Bader’s journey from cocky fighter who loses both his legs in a flying accident, through to the agony of mastering his disability with the aid of artificial limbs. Bader rejoins the Royal Air Force and is offered secretarial work due to his disability, but through sheer determination he returns to the cockpit to become a squadron leader and Battle of Britain ace. In the midst of the Battle of Britain he was shot down and forced to bail out over France. Held prisoner by the Germans, Bader undertakes numerous escape attempts and is eventually taken to a German stronghold for the duration of the war; he survives and returns to England to lead a victory flight over London. The film is superbly mounted and the aerial battles are exciting, it’s a bit creaky in places yet holds up remarkably well, due in part to Gilbert’s subtle direction and the convincing acting performances.