Dave Barsby
With so many reviews already made about this film and the present controversy over the remake and whether it will ever materialize then for me it is a little difficult deciding where to start.
I could list the historical errors as have already been done but I prefer to look at this from an entertainment viewpoint rather than the anorak that I have previous history for. The cast has some well established actors and new faces at the time who went on to have excellent careers. The story is very good except that it omits the crews who attacked or attempted to attack the Sorpe Dam.
There have been numerous documentaries explaining the films short comings but you also have to bear in mind that a lot of the information now available was still classified in 1955. The bravery of the crews is highlighted as well as that of their leader Guy Gibson. One of the most poignant scenes for me is the end shots of the empty places and rooms with personal belongings.
A lot has been said about whether the raid was effective. Just put yourself in the place of the public when this classic was first released and listen to that soundtrack then visit the museums that tell the stories of all who fought through this bleak period of history and watch it again.
A real classic with solid performances supporting the real heroes, the Lancasters and their crews, that for me is something that makes it always worth watching even since the first time I saw it in 1970.
