Bombardier

Audience Reviews

View More

Russ G @RT78760655 Feb 10 Randolph Scott lays down his six gun and ten gallon hat for an USAAF uniform in this hokey propaganda film that's a ode to the greatest hoax of WW2: so-called "precision strategic bombing" using the overhyped miracle weapon, the Nordon bomb sight. Bombs are dropped into pickle barrels from twenty thousand feet. Only problem was, the Germans didn't build their aircraft and munitions factories inside pickle barrels! It portrays bombardiers being trained in the clear and tranquil skies of New Mexcico, only to face combat in Europe in persistent cloud cover, fierce headwinds, numbing cold, and withering flak. IOW, it's a total fantasy presented to the 1943 home front audience. Only with 1949's "Twelve O'Clock High" were they shown anything remotely resembling the reality of the air war. So, take "Bombardier" for what it is: a lie pushed by the military with the willing assistance of Hollywood. See more Terry B @RT60510483 12/09/2016 Solid WW2 piece about the training of precision bombers in the early days of the war. A morale booster for sure with the ever dependable Pat O''Brien, Robert Ryan and Randolph Scott. See more 04/21/2013 an entertaining WWII pic made during WWII 4 RKO. See more 01/15/2013 Some striking wartime imagery but not a classic. See more 07/12/2012 2.5: I purchased this film because it was filmed during WWII on the newly-formed Airbase that is now Kirtland AFB (where I work). Sadly, one doesn't get to see a whole lot of the base apart from a dusty airfield and some hazy mountains (the Manzano's and Sandia's) in the background. It's an interesting picture in that I can't recall too many war films that are so heavily focused on the training element of warfare. Almost the entire film is devoted to the sometimes serious, but mainly lighthearted actions of a squadron of bombardiers at their technical school. The other unusual part of the film was the depiction of Japanese soldiers once they have graduated and are off on their first bombing mission. I don't recall seeing the enemy this up close and personal in a film that was actually made during the war before. It's common in films made after the conclusion of the war, but not during to the best of my knowledge. The bleeping out of profanity via the roar of airplane engines was also pretty innovative. It's pretty much a standard hokey war film. See more 10/14/2011 Unapologetic wartime propaganda providing an account of the Bombardier units from the States. Can be stirring, but its one-sided heroic nature makes it disappointing. See more Read all reviews

Bombardier

My Rating

Read More Read Less WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW POST RATING