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The wartime memories of surviving World War II bomber squadrons were still crystal clear when this acclaimed drama was released in 1949--one of the first postwar films out of Hollywood to treat the war on emotionally complex terms. Framed by a postwar prologue and epilogue and told as a flashback appreciation of wartime valor and teamwork, the film stars Gregory Peck in one of his finest performances as a callous general who assumes command of a bomber squadron based in England. At first, the new commander has little rapport with the 918th Bomber Group, whose loyalties still belong with their previous commander. As they continue to fly dangerous missions over Germany, however, the group and their new leader develop mutual respect and admiration, until the once-alienated commander feels that his men are part of a family--men whose bravery transcends the rigors of rigid discipline and by-the-book leadership. The film's now-classic climax, in which the general waits patiently for his squad to return to base--painfully aware that they may not return at all--is one of the most subtle yet emotionally intense scenes of any World War II drama. With Peck in the lead and Dean Jagger doing Oscar-winning work in a crucial supporting role, this was one of veteran director Henry King's proudest achievements, and it still packs a strong dramatic punch. --Jeff Shannon
Customer Reviews
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
My father, a b-17 bomber pilot, flew 52 missions out of England (Bassingbourn) during WWII. He spoke very little about his war-time experiences, but he said that this was the closest that Hollywood ever came to capturing what it was like for the B-17 bomber squadrons during WWII. It is a great film about human beings under extraordinary stress, making extremely difficult choices and living with their consequences - but most especially it is a moving portrayal of the complexities of leadership and friendship, and the trust needed to get others to do difficult, if not impossible things.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I was disappointed when the DVD version of this film was released. I saw it in theaters in 1949 (probably 10 times)and still recall several missing scenes that are important to the plot. When the DVD came out I was excited thinking that surely they would have been restored in this format without the space constraints of VHS. I was wrong. The current cut, for example, does not explain the significance of the Toby mug that Dean Jagger finds in a London shop and replaces on the airbase officers' club mantlepiece. There are others, such as what happens to the young navigator and why. Obviously, I think this is one of the greatest war movies of all time. I just hope someday a director's cut is released with all the missing scenes restored. It's still worth buying but the film is incomplete without the missing scenes.
5.0 out of 5 stars
FLASH....The movie has arrived, cue the dancing girls, breakout the popcorn, open the beer!!
Feb 13 2013
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Great movie. Why do I have to supply 18 more words when two will suffice, why pray tell why ?
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4.7 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
12 O'Clock High
12 o'clock High is a wonderful classic movie. It has been nicely converted to DVD and the price was more than reasonable.
Published 5 months ago by Jane Ridley
5.0 out of 5 stars
Twelve O'Clock High - A true classic
A true classic! But more.... a great teaching tool in leadership. To acting and newly appointed managers.... Do watch this movie and learn how to lead a group. Read more
Published 17 months ago by golf_a_lot
5.0 out of 5 stars
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Excallent movie is all I can say. If your looking for Dogfight type footage you will not find it here as this is a Drama and not an action movie. Read more
Published on Feb 10 2011 by David Dyck
5.0 out of 5 stars
the meaning of "Maximum Effort"
This is a magnificent World War II film about U.S. airmen stationed in Britain in the fall of 1942, and so much more; it's about the psychology that goes into situations of extreme... Read more
Published on Jun 19 2004 by Alejandra Vernon
5.0 out of 5 stars
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This movie is a classic tool used by the USAF Squadron Officer School. It is a great way to see the different styles of leadership. Read more
Published on Jun 10 2004 by "aumaverick"
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely Brilliant
This movie is a black and white movie set in World War 2. At first glance, the story line seems commonly Hollywood. Gen. Read more
Published on Jun 7 2004 by J. E. Nelson
5.0 out of 5 stars
This was my father's favorite movie
And it is my guilty pleasure. Any time that I have to explain my model of leadership, this film rears its head in my life. Read more
Published on Jun 5 2004
5.0 out of 5 stars
Chef d'oeuvre!
Le film Twelve O'clock high mérite vraiment la cote de la critique qui le classe comme chef d'oeuvre. Read more
Published on Mar 27 2004 by Normand Payette
5.0 out of 5 stars
Leadership
Gregory Peck plays magnificently the role of squadron commander of a precision bombing squadron during WWII. Read more
Published on Jan 23 2004 by Keith Hubbard
5.0 out of 5 stars
Incredible movie, bad DVD transfer
My favorite war film, compassionate and gritty. My second favorite Gregory Peck movie after "To Kill a Mockingbird". A classic that doesn't seemed to have aged at all. Read more
Published on Jan 15 2004
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