Watch Twelve O'Clock High

Twelve O'Clock High is a classic, black-and-white war movie from 1949 starring Gregory Peck, Hugh Marlowe, and Gary Merrill. The film is based on a novel of the same name by Beirne Lay Jr. and tells the story of the US Army Air Force's 918th Bombardment Group during World War II. The story is focused on the psychological impact of war on the soldiers and the importance of leadership in a high-pressure situation. The movie's title refers to the practice of pilots taking off at noon to conduct their bombing runs.

The movie starts with a group of American soldiers arriving at an airfield in England. They are replacing the previous crew of a B-17 bomber that had been flying missions over Germany. As the new crew gets settled in, they realize the gravity of the situation. They will be flying into enemy territory, where the chances of not coming back are high. The crew is led by General Frank Savage, played by Gregory Peck. Savage is a tough, no-nonsense commander who has been sent to the base to whip the men into shape. The old crew had become too lax, and the missions were suffering because of it.

At first, the new crew resents Savage's strict leadership style. He demands that the pilots and crew follow strict rules and regulations, including flying twice as many missions as the previous crew. But as the men begin to experience the stresses of war, they realize that Savage's methods are necessary for their survival. The plane gets damaged during a mission, and the crew members' nerves become frayed. Savage's pinpoint leadership and calm demeanor keep the men from falling apart.

As the war continues, Savage's leadership is put to the test as the crew faces more challenging and dangerous missions. The men experience the trauma and stress of war, and their mental and emotional states deteriorate. Savage sees his men struggling and tries to connect with them, but he also knows that he needs to remain firm to maintain the discipline needed for their survival.

The final mission is a dangerous one, and the men are exhausted physically and mentally. Savage rallies the crew and gives them a moving speech, exhorting them to do their duty even though he knows many of them won't survive. The mission becomes a test of both their leadership and their courage. Savage leads the mission and takes risks, putting his own life on the line for the sake of his men. In the end, the mission is successful, but it takes a heavy toll on the men.

Twelve O'Clock High is a movie about the effects of war on the soldiers and their leaders. It shows the psychological and emotional impact of being in combat, as well as the importance of leadership in stressful situations. The film is a realistic portrayal of life during the war, depicting not only the heroism and bravery of soldiers but also the mental and physical toll that war takes on them.

Gregory Peck's performance as General Savage is one of the highlights of the movie. He portrays the character as a tough, uncompromising leader who is willing to do whatever it takes to make sure his men come back alive. Peck's performance is powerful and nuanced, showing the character's vulnerabilities and inner conflicts.

The film's cinematography is also noteworthy, with beautiful black-and-white shots of the planes in flight and the English countryside. The plane sequences are particularly impressive, with the audience getting a sense of the danger and intensity of flying in combat. The film's musical score, composed by Alfred Newman, perfectly complements the action and emotion of the story.

In conclusion, Twelve O'Clock High is a classic war movie that explores the psychological and emotional effects of war on soldiers and leaders. The film features powerful performances, stunning cinematography, and a moving musical score. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of World War II, and for those who appreciate great filmmaking.

Twelve O'Clock High is a 1949 war movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 12 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.