It's watchable, but in a clean-cut all-American way. There's no feeling that the Memphis Belle is in any real danger, even if all those surrounding her are in grave and imminent mortal peril.

As a factual account of the airwar over Europe in WWII it isn't grand enough in its scope, and as a personal account of the crew of the Memphis Belle, it isn't personal enough and relies entirely on stereotypes to make us care - which we don't!

(And when during WWII did the USAAF throw an official party the night before a raid? The entire ground-crew staff would have been working through the night to prep the aircraft - bombs, ammunition and fuel just don't load themselves. And the flying-crews would have been roused for their briefings in the VERY early hours of the morning - just forming-up over England could take hours, and that was before the formation started crossing to mainland Europe. It's a big factual no-no!)

As a Hollywood movie set against the background of the aircrews of the USAAF flying over Europe, it's shallow and throw-away.

But if you watch it as entertainment, it's just about acceptable.

I'd recommend seeing it if you are a fan of the B17 (only three of which were actually used during the flying sequences) as there they are in full glorious colour, but if you want to purchase something in the same genre that is light years better, look out for Twelve O'Clock High, (1949).


It's Hollywood, what did you expect..?   January 17, 2003
 4 out of 11 found this review helpful

It's not a bad movie, it just isn't a particularly good movie either.

It's watchable, but in a clean-cut all-American way. There's no feeling that the Memphis Belle is in any real danger, even if all those surrounding her are in grave and imminent mortal peril.

As a factual account of the airwar over Europe in WWII it isn't grand enough in its scope, and as a personal account of the crew of the Memphis Belle, it isn't personal enough and relies entirely on stereotypes to make us care - which we don't!

(And when during WWII did the USAAF throw an official party the night before a raid? The entire ground-crew staff would have been working through the night to prep the aircraft - bombs, ammunition and fuel just don't load themselves. And the flying-crews would have been roused for their briefings in the VERY early hours of the morning - just forming-up over England could take hours, and that was before the formation started crossing to mainland Europe. It's a big factual no-no!)

As a Hollywood movie set against the background of the aircrews of the USAAF flying over Europe, it's shallow and throw-away.

But if you watch it as entertainment, it's just about acceptable.

I'd recommend seeing it if you are a fan of the B17 (only three of which were actually used for the flying sequences), as they are there in full glorious colour, but if you want to purchase something in the same genre that is light years better look out for Twelve O'Clock High (1949).


Simply Brilliant!!!   January 24, 2002
 10 out of 10 found this review helpful

This is a superb film from every point of view, marvellous acting,super direction and a realistic and convincing storyline.
It really brings across the fear and dispair that these aircrew of WW2 felt and the huge battle each individual had to fight within himself.The air battles are very convincing and although you always feel that the aircrew will just about survive it's still tense stuff.The aircraft and all ground support equipment are all most convincing and you almost feel that you are back in the 1940's.
Altogether a most entertaining and thought-provoking film.


Excellent tribute   November 11, 2001
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

this film gives you a real insight to the fears and hopes of many of our bomber heros of WW2, with breath taking cinmatography and real footage. It is a little perdictable and you just know that they will make it home safe but at the same time it does have you on the edge of your seat. A billiant tribute of all of those who fought and died in the worst war of the 20th century. i give it a big thumbs up.


Truely Historical   August 14, 2001
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

A truely compleing tale of wartime in the skies. Follow the crew of the Memphis Belle on the final mission. An alltime classic that has not had the recoginition it deserves. A well and truely cute cast