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Gregory Peck was an actor I wanted to be a fan of way before I have really set out watching his films. I have read about
him, seen his pictures and have seen the reviews of his film. James Cagney and Robert Mitchum also had the similar effect
on me. In fact, while I managed to get a couple of Peck's movies, I failed to do so with Cagney and Mitchum (the latter's
early films). Those films are so hard to get here in Malaysia.
Back to Peck. He plays General Savage, a disciplinarian
general given the task straightening up a bomber squad during the World War 11. Plenty of tough dialogues and tense situation
ensues in his progress of bringing the squad up to shape. There is real footage of dogfight taken from the real war and for
its time, the movie is pretty realistic. Peck is great; as usual I learned, and watch out for the Climax where you learn why he
is one of the best performers in Hollywood. It could be anti-climax, depending on how you take it. His character is a disciplinarian,
bordering on obsession, and when the real thing happens...watch the movie and find out.
The best part of this movie
is that it is straightforward. None of that romance subplot which has slow down many film (Sinatra's Never So Few comes
to mind). Everybody talks and moves the way they should, with economy of dialogue and exposition. All it cares for it getting
to the point. Honestly, I don't remember this film being listed in the same category of many great war films, but now that
I have seen it, I recommend it. At least for Gregory Peck. Hey, he got nominated for Best Actor by Oscar. That should encourage
you to see this masterpiece.
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