REACH FOR THE SKY, a British biopic of wartime fighter pilot Douglas Bader, has something of the epic feel to it. It's a lengthy black and white production that stars Kenneth More as Bader himself, a cocky young sportsman who overcomes extreme adversity to become one of Britain's top pilots of WW2. Featuring above average direction from future Bond director Lewis Gilbert (of THE SPY WHO LOVED ME fame) and an ensemble cast of familiar faces, REACH FOR THE SKY is classic entertainment.
More always had a kind of easy-going English charm and it's well utilised for his role in this production. The story avoids being overtly sentimental and puts forth the classic British upper lip style of overcoming adversity which works nicely. To list the supporting faces would take too long but it's great to see players such as Michael Ripper, Michael Balfour, and Sam Kydd making all of their respective performances. Add in authentic combat scenes and you have a compelling and thoroughly enjoyable story.
More always had a kind of easy-going English charm and it's well utilised for his role in this production. The story avoids being overtly sentimental and puts forth the classic British upper lip style of overcoming adversity which works nicely. To list the supporting faces would take too long but it's great to see players such as Michael Ripper, Michael Balfour, and Sam Kydd making all of their respective performances. Add in authentic combat scenes and you have a compelling and thoroughly enjoyable story.