Movie Review — The Dam Busters
The Dam Busters is a British film that did well in their own country but not in America. It tells the actual story of the 617 Squadron and the attack on the Mohne, Elder and Sorpe Dams in Nazi Germany during the Second World War. While this was a reasonably accurate movie, done in two distinctive parts, Barnes Wallis didn’t have to fight an obtuse bureaucracy to get his bouncing bombs (Uptake) tested in made. This was of course done for dramatic purposes. No bomber flew hillside as they were heading towards their dam targets. There were others, but there are all as we know changers that needed to be made for any historic movie.
Back then, they still had genuine Lancaster bombers available for their use in the movie, although apparently there are some scenes where American B-17’s was used. In 1955, some aspects of the Uptake’s were still classified, so some improvising was needed for the movie. Considering the visual effects, they had during the 1950’s, it still works well, as black and white movies can hide many shortcomings of the time. It was well acted and well-paced. Some British war films during tend to be well acted, but slow. Yes, the flight commander, Guy Gibson really did have a black Labrador called ‘N****r’. I apologize for using the word, but that was the dog’s name. Yes, the poor dog was run over the night before the mission, Operation Chastise. And Yes, Gibson’s pet really did drink beer.
As the climax comes, and one Uptake was successfully launched to blow up the Mohne and seeing the waters pouring out breached dam, makes you want to punch a fist into the air. This is a celebration to what was a lethal mission. Just to get there, and to avoid German radar, all the Lancaster bombers had to fly as low as 150 feet/45 meters; then when releasing the spinning cylinder, the bomber was only 60 feet/18 meters above the lake. This movie does glorify those hero’s, where eight of the nineteen Lancaster’s would not make it home. But the movie doesn’t explore the destruction much and does not mention around the 1500 lives that perished. Despite this, it was a well-done movie and it was much better than I expected.
Directed: Michael Anderson Starring: Richard Todd & Michael Redgrave Genre: War/Drama Rating: 12+ Year: 1955
Note: This book review is from Carl Strehlow, a valued member of Coffin Nation.
Photo credit: Movie Clips/YouTube
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Tweet to Patrick HERE
Follow Patrick on Facebook HERE
Subscribe to the Podcast and the YouTube Channel
(Click on the images and then click on subscribe)
Apple/Mac Users:
Android Users:
Subscribe to the YouTube Channel:
While you are there, please leave an honest review.
Comments