One of the finest films about the Second World War, Michael Anderson's classic takes some beating. A pretty straightforward re-enactment of the bouncing bomb raid on the Ruhr valley in 1943, it's well told, has some solid performances, good FX for its time, very little sloppy romance and a tremendously stirring soundtrack.
Richard Todd excels as Wing Commander Guy Gibson, the man who led the famous raid by 617 Squadron, while Michael Redgrave is convincing if a little bit too bumbly as boffin Barnes Wallis, the gifted inventor of the unique bomb. Look out also for super little cameos from Bill Kerr (as Flight Lt HB Martin) and Robert Shaw (as Flight Sgt. J Pulford).
The Dam Busters has not had the easiest of rides of late. Those who believe the raid was a sideshow and morale booster during hostilities complain that Anderson's 1955 film hypes up the operation, making it a turning point during the war. And in these PC times, "Nigger!" - the actual radio signal indicating a dam had burst - has been edited out for TV broadcast.
Away from that controversy, there's plenty of trivia for movie and aircraft buffs to enjoy: the film includes one of the first (uncredited) roles by Patrick McGoohan. He's briefly seen as a guard on a door. And although Avro Lancaster bombers were used for the filming, it's been suggested that the later Avro Lincoln bombers may have used as set-dressing.
Anoraks aside, all in all, it's an essential, top-notch film to watch.
The Dam Busters is a Film programme that first aired in 1954 and has been classified a U certificate.
