While many of Hollywood’s tales about heroism during the Second World War were tainted by smug patriotism and unwelcome sentiment, postwar British cinema tended to handle the events of the conflict with fidelity and dignity, thanks no doubt to its worthy documentary heritage.
This inspiring tale of unassuming courage is one of the finest in a proud tradition.
Lewis Gilbert masterfully makes the drama as compelling as the action sequences, and Kenneth More gives the performance of his career playing Douglas Bader, the cocky pilot who overcame the loss of his legs in a pre-war flying accident to take on the Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain and become one of the RAF’s most decorated heroes.
Douglas Bader
Kenneth More Thelma Bader
Muriel Pavlow Johnny Sanderson
Lyndon Brook Mr Joyce
Alexander Knox Stan Turner
Lee Patterson Nurse Brace
Dorothy Alison Harry Day
Michael Warre Robert Desoutter
Sydney Tafler “Woody” Woodhall
Howard Marion-Crawford Peel
Jack Watling Streatfield
Nigel Green Sister Thornhill
Anne Leon Air Vice Marshal Leigh-Mallory
Ronald Adam
Director
Lewis Gilbert
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