Main Cast: Kenneth More, Muriel Pavlow, Lyndon Brook, Lee Patterson, Alexander Knox
Release Year: 1956
Country: UK
Run Time: 136 minutes
Plot
One of the many inspirational true stories told about WWII, this is the story of Douglas Bader, an undauntable character who was involved in an accident which cost him both of his legs. Despite this, he became a WWII squadron commander and was a hero during the Battle of Britain. Shot down over France and held prisoner by the Germans, he still survived and returned to England leading 3,000 planes over London in a victory flight. ~ Tana Hobart, All Movie Guide
1.
Set very high goals, aspire to the best, as in I'm sure they'll make you a partner, so reach for the sky. The sky here stands for high aspirations. Also see sky's the limit.
2.
Put your hands up high, as in One robber held the teller at gunpoint, shouting "Reach for the sky!" This usage is always put as an imperative. [Slang; mid-1900s]
Although often targeted as one of the worst offenders in the much maligned hair metal scene of the '80s, Ratt's distinctive sonic signatures and generally high level of musicianship are often overlooked. Granted, the lyrics are usually vacuous and the music doesn't possess much staying power as the years go by, but, as pop-metal bands go, Ratt were better than most of their peers. Guitarist Warren DeMartini, in particular, is responsible for some of the most memorable riffs and most masterful solos of the genre. Ratt's fourth album, Reach for the Sky, wisely follows the same formula of the three records that preceded it, yielding some of the band's best material, along with the usual amount of filler. They scored a minor hit with "Way Cool Jr.," (which flaunts a groove Aerosmith would be proud of), and tracks like "City to City" and "No Surprise" also emphasize the band's strengths. But stuff like "I Want a Woman" and "Chain Reaction" demonstrate singer Stephen Pearcy's unfortunate inclination toward dumb rock clichés, a component of Ratt that consistently undermines the musical achievements of the band. ~ Andy Hinds, All Music Guide
Ratt (Main Performer), Ratt (Cover Design), Tom Banghart (Assistant Engineer), Tom Banghart (Assistant), Stephen Benben (Engineer), Stephen Benben (Mixing), Bobby Blotzer (Harmonica), Bobby Blotzer (Percussion), Bobby Blotzer (Drums), Bobby Blotzer (Washboard), Bobby Blotzer (Group Member), Chris Botti (Arranger), Butler (Cover Design), Robbin Crosby (Guitar), Robbin Crosby (Vocals (Background)), Robbin Crosby (Group Member), Juan Croucier (Guitar (Bass)), Juan Croucier (Vocals (Background)), Juan Croucier (Group Member), Warren DeMartini (Guitar), Warren DeMartini (Vocals (Background)), Warren DeMartini (Group Member), Beau Hill (Producer), Beau Hill (Mixing), Marty Hornburg (Assistant Engineer), Marty Hornburg (Assistant), New West Horns (Horn), Stephen Pearcy (Vocals), Stephen Pearcy (Group Member), Kent Smith (Arranger), Mike "Clay" Stone (Producer), Allan Wright (Engineer), Gene Gorman (Sleeve Photo), Kosh (Cover Design), Greg Gorman (Photography), Jim Mitchell (Assistant Engineer), Marshall Berle (Personal Manager), Mike Stone (Producer), Alan Wright (Engineer)
The film tells the story of Douglas Bader, a pilot who lost both legs in a flying accident in 1931. He persuaded the RAF to let him re-join the service at the start of World War II and fought in the Battle of Britain. He was taken prisoner in 1941 after being forced to bail out over France, and was later imprisoned in Colditz Castle. Despite his disability he made so many attempts at escape the Germans threatened to take his prosthetic legs away. The film continues to his release in 1945 when Bader is again able to lead his men in a flypast commemorating the war's end.
Cast
As appearing in screen credits (main roles identified):
A full cast and production crew list is too lengthy to include, see: IMDb profile. [1]
Production
In order to realistically depict the various Royal Air Force bases, principal filming took place in Surrey at RAF Kenley, and around the village of Bagshot. Studio work was completed at the Pinewood Studios, Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire, England, UK. Available wartime combat aircraft including Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire fighters were arranged to take on the aerial scenes.
Reception
The film fared well with the public, being the most popular film in the UK for 1956. When the film was released in North America, the American release version was slightly altered with 12 minutes edited out.
