Twelve O’Clock High Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A stressed-out general yells at pilots until they fly planes, then he can’t even get in one himself!

🍿 Twelve O’Clock High: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The ‘Hard Luck’ 918th

In 1942 England, the 918th Bomb Group is suffering heavy losses during daylight bombing raids over Nazi Germany. Their morale is low, and they’ve gained a reputation as a ‘hard luck’ outfit. Colonel Keith Davenport, their commander, is well-liked but seen as too attached to his men, leading to a decline in discipline and effectiveness.

Savage Takes Command

Brigadier General Frank Savage is brought in to replace Davenport and whip the group back into shape. Savage is a stern disciplinarian who believes in ‘maximum effort’ and prioritizes mission success above all else. His strict methods immediately clash with the men, who resent his harshness and submit transfer requests.

Building a Fighting Unit

Savage implements rigorous training and demands unwavering discipline. He demotes Lieutenant Colonel Ben Gately, assigning him to ‘The Leper Colony,’ a bomber with a reputation for bad luck. Despite the resentment, Savage’s leadership slowly begins to improve the 918th’s performance and instill a sense of pride. He even goes on bombing runs with his men.

Earning Respect

After a successful mission where the 918th is the only group to bomb its target, the men begin to respect Savage’s leadership. Even Gately earns Savage’s admiration through acts of courage and sacrifice. Savage also shows Gately respect and an apology for humiliating him after an injury. This turnaround solidifies the group’s cohesion and effectiveness.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Gen. Savage (Gregory Peck): A stern and demanding general brought in to whip a demoralized bomber group into shape, but struggles with the emotional toll of command.
• Lt. Col. Ben Gately (Hugh Marlowe): The initially demoted Air Executive Officer who rises to demonstrate courage and leadership.
• Col. Davenport (Gary Merrill): The previous group commander who is relieved of duty due to his emotional attachment to his men and declining morale of the unit.
• Gen. Pritchard (Millard Mitchell): The commanding general who tasks Savage with improving the performance of the struggling bomber group.
• Maj. Stovall (Dean Jagger): The group adjutant and former lawyer who supports Savage’s efforts while providing a human touch.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• General Savage: “There’s no glory in this, Davenport. Maybe not even much purpose. But a man can be proud to be a good soldier.” – Savage explains to Davenport the importance of duty and professionalism amidst the grim realities of war.
• General Savage: “I’m not here to win a popularity contest.” – Savage asserts his commitment to discipline and effectiveness over seeking approval from his men.
• General Savage: “You’re not running this group for your own personal satisfaction. You’re running it for one reason, and one reason only: to get those crates over Germany and drop them on the targets.” – Savage emphasizes the mission objective, underscoring the importance of completing their task regardless of personal feelings.
• General Savage: “Forget about going home. Accept the fact that you’re already dead.” – Savage’s advice to the airmen to psychologically prepare for the high risk of death in combat.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1.9 million
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Twelve O’Clock High Reviews

Personal Review

This movie hit me hard. It’s not just about planes and bombs; it’s about the weight of responsibility and the toll it takes on people. Gregory Peck is incredible – you can see the burden in his eyes. The black and white cinematography adds to the somber mood, making you feel like you’re right there with those guys, facing the impossible. I was really moved by the ending and the look back at what it all meant.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic war movies”
  • “History buffs”
  • “Those interested in leadership studies”
  • “Viewers who appreciate character-driven stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “War violence (primarily aerial combat)”
  • “Psychological distress”
  • “Some thematic elements related to death and loss”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “A powerfully realistic depiction of the psychological toll of war on airmen and their leaders. Gregory Peck delivers a career-defining performance, and the use of actual combat footage adds to the film’s intense and immersive experience. A must-see for those interested in classic war dramas.
• Variety: “Twelve O’Clock High is a compelling film that realistically captures the stress and pressures faced by aircrews during World War II. The film’s strength lies in its character development and exploration of leadership, rather than sensationalized action.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “A thought-provoking and nuanced war drama, Twelve O’Clock High avoids clichés and focuses on the human cost of command. Gregory Peck’s portrayal of General Savage is iconic, and the film’s use of realism and psychological depth sets it apart from other war movies.

Audience Reactions

The film’s focus on character development and psychological realism resonated deeply with viewers.: Viewers universally praised Gregory Peck’s compelling performance and the film’s ability to portray the human side of war without relying on excessive action or sensationalism.

Many found the blending of war footage to be incredibly powerful and immersive.: Viewers universally praised Gregory Peck’s compelling performance and the film’s ability to portray the human side of war without relying on excessive action or sensationalism.

Overall Consensus: A classic war drama praised for its realism, strong performances, and focus on the psychological impact of war on airmen and their leaders.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Supporting Actor)- 1950
2. Academy Award (Best Sound Recording)- 1950

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is used by the US Navy as an example of leadership styles in its Leadership and Management Training School, and also by the Air Force’s College for Enlisted Professional Military Education.”
• “Actual combat footage shot over Europe during World War II was incorporated into the film to enhance realism.”

🖥️ How to Watch Twelve O’Clock High?

Currently, ‘Twelve O’Clock High’ is available for purchase or rental on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check these services for availability in your region. Unfortunately, it is not streaming free on any subscription platforms.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Twelve O’Clock High, you might like these similar films:

• Command Decision (1948): Explores the psychological toll of command during wartime and the difficult decisions leaders must make.
• Memphis Belle (1990): Focuses on a B-17 crew during World War II and their experiences during bombing missions over Germany.
• The Best Years of Our Lives (1946): Examines the challenges faced by veterans returning home after World War II, highlighting the psychological impact of war.
• Saving Private Ryan (1998): Depicts the intensity and trauma of combat, emphasizing the human cost of war and the bonds between soldiers.

🛒 Twelve O’Clock High Related Products

• Twelve O’Clock High [Blu-ray]: High-definition restoration of the classic film, providing a sharper and more detailed viewing experience. Includes bonus features like commentary and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Twelve O’Clock High (Novel): The original novel by Sy Bartlett and Beirne Lay, Jr. delving deeper into the characters and events depicted in the film.
• B-17 Flying Fortress Model Kit: A detailed model kit of the iconic B-17 bomber, perfect for hobbyists and collectors who want to recreate the aircraft featured in the film.
• Twelve O’Clock High Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster, capturing the film’s iconic imagery and design.

🎧 Soundtrack

Twelve O’Clock High features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Alfred Newman
• “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree” – performed by The Andrews Sisters
• “Bless ‘Em All” – performed by Traditional

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Authentic Crash Landing in TWELVE O’CLOCK HIGH Movie: Remarkable Stunt

Check out this awesome real crash landing they did for the movie! It’s mind-blowing to see how they pulled it off without CGI. You won’t believe your eyes!

Twelve O’Clock High: The Historical Aviation Communication System in World War II – #shorts #short

Ever wonder how they communicated in the air back then? This video quickly explains the real aviation communication systems used in WWII. Honestly, it’s fascinating to see how much things have changed!

20 Best WWII Movies Ever Made

Is ‘Twelve O’Clock High’ really one of the best WWII movies? This video ranks it among other classics, and you might discover some new favorites. I was surprised at some of the films on the list!

✨ Rate