Vainqueur du ciel

After losing both his legs in a flying accident, Douglas Bader not only mastered the use of his artificial legs, he also astounded everybody by flying for the RAF again-leading the assault in the Battle Of Britain in the process.

Reach For The Sky opens up with a disclaimer of sorts, the usual yadda yadda about certain events in Bader's life being altered in the name of entertainment. To which it should be mentioned that for a honest look at the man and his life, those interested should either read the biography that this is adapted from {written by Paul Brickhill), or source from many other available means. That said, Lewis Gilbert's film is in essence a true story. Yes it is true that some of Bader's known character traits are not fully formed, and yes the makers here were very clever in casting the hugely popular Kenneth More as Bader to ensure the film stayed away from Bader negativity. But it stands up as an uplifting film regardless of its supposed glorification of combat.

Kenneth More gives it the whole kitchen sink, so much so that pretty much everyone else in the picture barely gets a look in. But to do down More for that would be grossly unfair, asked to carry the narrative entirely, he not only achieves that, but he also makes Bader an inspiration for many, and that has to be a good thing. It caught me personally at the right time, a time when I was feeling rather sorry for myself, so with that in mind the film definitely achieved its aims. Thematically strong and technically sound, Reach For The Sky is a recommended picture, but not, if you aren't prepared for some artistic license as regards the "hero" of the piece. 7/10

What do you mean, you haven't seen this film? A classic World War 2 RAF adventure film depicting the true British spirit of one man's (Douglas Bader) fight to overcome the loss of both legs in a flying accident, to become a Wing Commander in the Battle of Britain. Lewis Gilbert keeps the film crackling along at a fast pace with Kenneth More, at the peak of his form, delivering the goods with a first rate supporting cast - don't miss it.

'The channels are blocked? Then we'll ruddy well UNblock 'em!' This is the point in the film where I feel like cheering, as it perfectly sums up Bader's 'can do, will do' approach. It's the true story of Douglas Bader, a young flying enthusiast who went on to be a fearless WW2 Spitfire pilot, losing both legs in the process. His struggle to walk again, his courting of a pretty girl and his later formation of 'the big wing' in the fight against the Nazi invasion are laid out here with gusto, verve and a little humour. Kenneth More is excellent as Bader, using his natural, relaxed acting technique to give the part a free-wheeling energy. The very pretty Muriel Pavlow plays his wife who grows increasingly concerned at his derring-do, and there is a solid cast of British regulars of the time. The music is stirring, the direction brisk and the story itself is straight out of a Boys' Own comic. What more could you ask for? A perfect Sunday afternoon film.

For those who have seen and enjoyed "The Dam Busters"(1954) about British Bomber Command in WWII, this bio-pic about Douglas Bader and British Fighter Command provides an excellent companion film. Douglas Bader (pronounced "Baader") is excellently portrayed by Kenneth More in another stirring British Bulldog role, (see also his role of 2nd Officer Lightoller in "A Night to Remember (1958).Our hero joins Cranwell (British RAF Officer Flying School) in 1928 and soon proves he has natural flying ability.He also excells at cricket and rugby but is not so hot at the academics coming 17/19 in the exams.Discipline is also a bit of a problem for him and he has to learn that "...rules are for the obedience of fools and for the guidance of wise men".At Cranley he meets a friend, and the two fly over to the Reading Flying Club in the early 1930's when Bader rashly accepts a dubious challenge to exhibit his aerobatic skill when the crowds are not present.The result was a near fatal crash that resulted in him having both legs amputated.The scene with nurse Brace is genuinely touching - I have seen this film many times and it always brings a tear to my eye.While recovering with other injured men they go on a jaunt in one of the chap's Bentley with Douglas, as usual, driving at breakneck speed with his peg leg on the accelerator.Miraculously they all arrive in one piece at a tea room and it is there that Douglas meets Thelma who is helping a friend by waiting on table "...cream or plain?".On a return trip to the cafe Douglas is distraught to see Thelma in the company of a young man coming out of the rain but is then relieved when she informs him that he is her brother.They informally marry and as there was nothing in "King's Regulations" about cripples being able to continue flying in the RAF and since a desk job was not to Bader's liking, he left and got a mundane job in civvy street.Although cricket and rugby were now ruled out, he did find he could compete on level terms at golf.The film shows the very determined spirit of Bader as he struggles to come to terms with his appalling injuries and after many falls, his success in being able to literally stand on his own two (though artificial) feet.

Ominously a news stand proclaims, "Hitler succeeds Hindenberg".That was 1933.The action moves forward to 1940 and as Britain had been at war with Germany since September 1939, it was looking for trained RAF pilots.Bader once again applies and passes his flying test but there still are, "Kings Regulations", to overcome.Bader confronts the medical officer with irrefutable logic and this time is accepted back into the officer fold.He is given a squadron of Canadian pilots (which includes the future famous group captain Turner, played by Lee Paterson) who are very dispirited because they have lost most of their uniforms and equipment in France after the hasty evacuation of the B.E.F. at Dunkirk in May 1940.To win their respect he gives a tour de force of his flying skill to prove that, although he has tin legs, this does not dim his fierce determination to succeed.His injuries have also instilled into him a combative approach and fierce loyalty and friendship to his men which is soon reciprocated by them.However, there are apparantly no spares to make the Hawker Hurricanes serviceable and as we all know, forms have to be completed in triplicate!."What seems to be the problem" asks Bader to his chief mechanic."The channels appear to be blocked" is the reply."Well we shall ruddy well have to unblock them" Bader says uncompromisingly and he then goes over the head of the pettifogging quartermaster by telling Group that his squadron is not operational without parts and spares.How the viewer will applaud this slayer of bureaucrats!Eventually the spares arrive and Bader is then able to report to Group that his squadron is finally operational.

The film artfully splices actual RAF WWII combat footage in this B&W film and shows the success Bader's new approach to the old idea of formation flying had with the top brass.Eventually Bader becomes Wing Commander of "The Duxford Wing".Early in the war Bader's luck runs out and he is shot down over France.The Germans even ask the RAF to drop a spare artificial leg down, as he left the other jammed in the cockpit when he baled out.He fails to escape and is made a P.O.W.Mocking the Germans (or "Goon Baiting") got him into trouble and he is moved from camp to camp , eventually ending up at the notorious Colditz Castle where he ends the war.After the German surrender in May 1945 he reminds Thelma there is still the war against Japan to be waged.

This film depicts the public school ethos of officers in the RAF very well with the usual British phlegm, reserve and applomb shown in British war movies of the 1950's.Every actor is very convincing in his part and I always enjoy acted real life docu-dramas - so much more convincing than mere fiction.I hope readers of this review who are like-minded, will similarly enjoy viewing this great WWII movie.

The credits advise that some events and depictions of people/events have been altered for story telling purposes , so this film is not a strictly accurate history of Douglas Bader. Also played down somewhat is Baders arrogance and foolhardiness which lead to his disability in the first place. Still as a inspiration for disabled people and as an almost factual account of Baders life and as film entertainment , it's pretty good. Made reasonably close to the war years it is able to capture the feeling of those years quite well. It is a trifle 'stiff upper lip - what ?' but Kenneth More as usual turns in a good performance. Focusing mainly on Baders attempts, and resulting achievements in war time flying, after a crash means both lower legs have to be amputated. Quite gritty and not too sentimental this offering from director Lewis Gilbert stacks up well against similar films of the time.