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Above and Beyond is a 1952 war drama directed by Melvin Frank and Norman Panama. The movie has a runtime of 122 minutes and stars Robert Taylor, Eleanor Parker and James Whitmore. The film is based on the true story of Colonel Paul Tibbets, the pilot responsible for dropping the atomic bomb on Hiroshima in 1945. The film begins with Col. Tibbets receiving his new assignment to lead the top-secret mission to drop the bomb. It then flashes back to his life before the war when he was a successful pilot and military officer. We follow Tibbets through his training and testing of the B-29 bomber, the Enola Gay. He becomes intensely focused on the mission and drives himself and his crew to be ready for anything.

Meanwhile, his wife Lucey (Eleanor Parker) is struggling with her own fears about their son who is serving in the army and the possibility of Tibbets not returning from the war. She also struggles to understand her husband's devotion to his mission, which takes him away from his family and puts him in danger.

The film does an excellent job of portraying the ethical dilemma faced by Tibbets and his crew, who are informed of the bomb's destructive power and its potential to end the war. While Tibbets and his crew grapple with the moral implications of their mission, the film does not shy away from showing the devastation caused by the bomb.

The special effects in the film are particularly impressive for the time period, especially in the recreation of the bomb's explosion. The film also includes actual footage from the aftermath of the bombing, which adds to the realism and emotional impact of the story.

Robert Taylor delivers a strong performance as Col. Tibbets, portraying both his drive and his inner conflict. Eleanor Parker shines as Tibbets' wife Lucey, adding depth to the film's exploration of the personal sacrifices made during wartime. James Whitmore delivers a standout performance as Major Bill Uanna, Tibbets' trusted adviser and friend.

The film also features a memorable score by Hugo Friedhofer, which adds to the emotional weight of the story. The music underscores the tension and uncertainty faced by Tibbets and his crew, as well as the tragedy of the bombing.

Above and Beyond is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the human cost of war and the ethical dilemmas faced by those on the front lines. While it is a dated film, it still remains relevant for its message about the importance of understanding the implications of our actions, particularly during a time of war.

Overall, Above and Beyond is a must-see for fans of war dramas and those interested in the history of the atomic bomb. The film offers a compelling portrait of a pivotal moment in history and the men and women who were part of it.

Above and Beyond is a 1952 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 2 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.