Reach for the Sky

Storyline

Reach for the Sky, The true story of airman Douglas Bader who overcame the loss of both legs in a 1931 flying accident to become a successful fighter pilot and wing leader during World War II.

Stirring stuff.

Reach for the Sky, ‘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 humor. Kenneth More is excellent as Bader, using his natural, relaxed acting technique to give the part 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.

A Compelling and Inspiring film…

I would heartily recommend Reach for the Sky to anyone in need of inspiring, or anything of that sort- there is an old saying that goes; “What one man has done, another can do!” I think that very much applies to RFTS!

The acting in this was superb, Kenneth More, and the gorgeous Muriel Pavlow looking surprisingly similar to the real Douglas & Thelma Bader- and Lyndon Brook giving an excellent performance as Johnny Sanderson.

Reach for the Sky is an awesome film, and full of action, and anticipation- to tell the truth, I was shaking with anticipation the first time I saw it- I think- or maybe it was the 2nd or 3rd time- can’t remember, but Lyndon Brook, my favourite actor was causing me a bit of heart throb to!!

Do see it!

Fraulein Doktor