Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: Guppy35 on June 10, 2007, 12:14:08 AM
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"Air Force", with John Garfield just came out on DVD. It's a wartime made film about the crew of a fictional B17C the "Mary Ann". The story is far fetched to say the least, but it's one of my guilty pleasures just getting to see all that film of those early 17s as well as P39s.
The Japanese are really bad and the crew of Mary Ann are all over the top All American boys, but that's to be expected from a wartime film.
If you have 14.99 to spend, it would be worth your while if you like old aviation films.
Just got a new edition of "12 O'Clock High" also with lots of extras including the story of General Frank Armstrong, who General Savage is based on.
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12 O'Clock High...it really don't get much better than that. What a great, great movie.
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For some reason I always liked the begining of 12 O clock high.When that fella walks out onto an airfield that use to be a bee hive of activity.Which is now full of cattle,overgrown with weeds and just plane neglected.Kinda like MY house Muhaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.It says somethin about life and events.
I just saw Dark Blue World not long ago and I realy liked that as well.
Pipz
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12 O clock high
chaplain, "i think i may have shot one down."
general, "ours or theirs?"
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"Fighter Squadron" is well worth the price if for nothing other than P-47s in glorious 1940s color.
Plus its got Robert Stack so young I didn't realise it was him for years. His voice isn't even deep, I think hes about 12 in it.
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"Memphis Belle"-- John Lithgow, Billy Zane, and a few others.
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Dean Jagger, as Harvey Stovall, has perhaps one of the greatest, and most meaningful lines in ANY movie.
That is not why I am drunk tonight. I got drunk because I am confused. I was thinking, which is a thing a man should not do, and all at once I couldn't remember what any of them looked like. I, I couldn't see their faces, Bishop, Cobb, Wilson, Zimmy, all of them. All of you. They all looked alike, just one face. And it was very young. It confused me. I think I shall stay drunk until I'm not confused anymore. [/I]
I don't think anyone could have ever said it better.
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I was surprised at Dark Blue World. I really liked it. And without Ben Aflak the love story was tolerable.
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I was a little worried about the love triangle deal goin into it.At least it was done in a believable fashion.
Pipz
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Battle of Britain. Made in '69 (I think). Lotsa big names.
At the time it was made the Company had the 10th largest air force in the World. And the air force was made up of Brit and German WWII planes. Most of the fight scenes are actually filmed with a chase plane in the air.
Best bang for the buck, IMHO. It retails just about anywhere in the US for $9.95 even at Kroger and Piggly Wiggly. Tell Elvis, "he's dead" when you see him.
Ren
The Damned
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I have to agree, BoB is one of the best WWII aviation flicks I've seen. But the "El Buchons" (BF109J) as emils are just plain ugly!!! :cry Btw. Jan Sverak the director of Dark Blue World used sequenses of the BoB's archived left overs in his masterpiece.
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Originally posted by Guppy35
Just got a new edition of "12 O'Clock High" also with lots of extras including the story of General Frank Armstrong, who General Savage is based on.
Savage is a composite of both Armstrong and Fred Castle, I think.
- oldman
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Originally posted by LLv34_Dictonius
Btw. Jan Sverak the director of Dark Blue World used sequenses of the BoB's archived left overs in his masterpiece.
That makes sense. Some real pretty flying scenes in both.
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dark blue world has got to be my favorite too.
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Its expensive reading this bbs....
You guys just made me order "Battle of Britain (new DTS version)", "Dark Blue World" and "Twelve O'Clock High".
So next weekend it is me, the TV, the surround sound setup and some good danish beer...
Gotta find a way to send wife and daughter on family visit or something...
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heheheh good for you lengro!!!!
And remember
There are two kinds of spurs my friend,those that come in by the door and those that come in by the window..
Pipz
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Originally posted by pipz
There are two kinds of spurs my friend,those that come in by the door and those that come in by the window..
You see, in this world there's two kinds of people, my friend: Those with loaded guns and those who dig. You dig.
...its just an awesome movie :)
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Battle of Britain, and Twelve O'clock High are my favorites, and let's not forget Midway.
I just put 'Air Force' on my rental list, and will be keeping an eye out for 'Dark Blue World' to show up for rental also, (I"m too CHEAP to buy it!)...
I finally pulled the Intro song from the Bob DVD. It's a great song!
Ten years ago, I was part of a local group flying the Warbird circuit. We had a PV-2 Harpoon Bomber, an L-bird, A civilian version of the AT-11, a number of T-6's, and a Harvard Mark II, which was the export version of the T-6, (complete with donut stick.) I'm proud to say I was half owner of the Harvard.
Anyways, we did a show down in Texas, and my group was invited to a party at this billionaires house, out in the middle of the flat lands.
He had a Goose, a PBY, a sherman tank, which had the propane system for it's main gun, and which he used to call everyone for lunch, and a six-by to drive them to his house from his private airfield. When we landed in our PV-2, he met us at the runway in a jeep, and dressed up as a German Sub Commander. He had a portable Drink system in the back of the jeep, with a spout for Beer, and one for Pepsi. As Soon as we de-planed, he came up saluted, and offered us either a beer or a pepsi.
The best part of the party getting a personal tour of his hanger. Inside were Seven P51-D's, and almost all of the ME-109's that were used in the making of 'The Battle of Britain'. He was one of the pilots that flew for the movie.
The second best part was the airshow the next day. There was no FAA on site, until the 2nd day. This was an airshow for airshow pilots, not the public. We had a big party in-between the hangars with tables setup, and surrounded by two jeeps with mounted 50's, and a half-track, (all propane fired.). While we were eating some of the aircraft made strafing runs on the party, coming down just above the hangars. When they made their runs, the guys, in the jeeps and Half-track, let loose with a barrage of 50 cal fire. Then a B-25 came down and made a pass so low, the draft sucked half the paper plates and cups off the tables.
It probably the best time I had doing the airshow circuit.
Wabbit
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Originally posted by wabbit
Battle of Britain, and Twelve O'clock High are my favorites, and let's not forget Midway.
I just put 'Air Force' on my rental list, and will be keeping an eye out for 'Dark Blue World' to show up for rental also, (I"m too CHEAP to buy it!)...
I finally pulled the Intro song from the Bob DVD. It's a great song!
Ten years ago, I was part of a local group flying the Warbird circuit. We had a PV-2 Harpoon Bomber, an L-bird, A civilian version of the AT-11, a number of T-6's, and a Harvard Mark II, which was the export version of the T-6, (complete with donut stick.) I'm proud to say I was half owner of the Harvard.
Anyways, we did a show down in Texas, and my group was invited to a party at this billionaires house, out in the middle of the flat lands.
He had a Goose, a PBY, a sherman tank, which had the propane system for it's main gun, and which he used to call everyone for lunch, and a six-by to drive them to his house from his private airfield. When we landed in our PV-2, he met us at the runway in a jeep, and dressed up as a German Sub Commander. He had a portable Drink system in the back of the jeep, with a spout for Beer, and one for Pepsi. As Soon as we de-planed, he came up saluted, and offered us either a beer or a pepsi.
The best part of the party getting a personal tour of his hanger. Inside were Seven P51-D's, and almost all of the ME-109's that were used in the making of 'The Battle of Britain'. He was one of the pilots that flew for the movie.
The second best part was the airshow the next day. There was no FAA on site, until the 2nd day. This was an airshow for airshow pilots, not the public. We had a big party in-between the hangars with tables setup, and surrounded by two jeeps with mounted 50's, and a half-track, (all propane fired.). While we were eating some of the aircraft made strafing runs on the party, coming down just above the hangars. When they made their runs, the guys, in the jeeps and Half-track, let loose with a barrage of 50 cal fire. Then a B-25 came down and made a pass so low, the draft sucked half the paper plates and cups off the tables.
It probably the best time I had doing the airshow circuit.
Wabbit
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Sounds like you are talking about Connie Edwards. He's selling that entire collection. Problem is he wants to sell it as a collection and isn't selling it off bit by bit. He has crated Daimler Benz engines apparently. The B of B Buchons as well as a Spit and some Honduran 51s that are basically stock.
Seeing his collection is a bit like seeing the grail as not just anyone can get in to see it. I'm quite jelous :)
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Originally posted by Treize69
"Fighter Squadron" is well worth the price if for nothing other than P-47s in glorious 1940s color.
Plus its got Robert Stack so young I didn't realise it was him for years. His voice isn't even deep, I think hes about 12 in it.
I don't think this is out on DVD yet, correct me if I am wrong.
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Originally posted by lengro
Its expensive reading this bbs....
You guys just made me order "Battle of Britain (new DTS version)", "Dark Blue World" and "Twelve O'Clock High".
So next weekend it is me, the TV, the surround sound setup and some good danish beer...
Gotta find a way to send wife and daughter on family visit or something...
When yer done, tell us which one you like the best, then 2nd best, etc. :)
Ren
The Damned
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Flying Leathernecks...... John Wayne.... need I say more.:aok
Blue Max.... K not WWII but still excellent,and Ursala undressed.:o
Bridges of Toko Rii,{sp} Korean conflict,William Holden.... Wow those F9F's:aok
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Originally posted by lengro
You see, in this world there's two kinds of people, my friend: Those with loaded guns and those who dig. You dig.
...its just an awesome movie :)
:aok
Pipz
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I already own most of the films mentioned so far, but I'm surprised no one has mentioned Tora Tora Tora yet. It's one of the great WWII films easilly on par with BoB.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066473/
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Guppy35,
You're right. I couldn't remember the name of the guy, when I entered my reply, but that's it. And yes, I felt very lucky to be invited to his house. The guy is something else. One of the most easy-going, and friendly people I've ever met.
His house was like a gothic castle, complete with gargoyles. He has a roman pool that went inside the house, and down in the basement his wine cellar was an ancient torture chamber, complete with torches on the walls, and skeletons hanging in metal baskets. There was a coffin mounted on a pedestal in the middle of the room. When he opened the coffin, it was stocked full of iced beer!
Wabbit
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Originally posted by DamnedRen
When yer done, tell us which one you like the best, then 2nd best, etc. :)
Yes, I will do that Ren - though the many great reviews on the movie sites tells me its gonna be difficult to choose the better one...
:)
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We all end up with our own favorate...Just curious as it shows the differences in folks perceptions. :)
Ren
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Originally posted by DamnedRen
When yer done, tell us which one you like the best, then 2nd best, etc. :)
Ren
The Damned
I like jello!
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Originally posted by john9001
12 O clock high
chaplain, "i think i may have shot one down."
general, "ours or theirs?"
One of my favorite lines too!
I like the idea of Memphis Belle (The original). I say idea, because there is not a single place on the island ive been able to find a copy (rent OR buy) of either the original, or the remake. Ive found the original on google vids for $.99 but my mum wont let me use her CC to get it :(
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You can probably find the DVDs of both on Amazon, or try pawn shops. I often find VHS or DVD copies of Memphis Belle in the $.99 bin at the local hock shop. IMO they should pay you to take it off their hands. Hate that movie.
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Originally posted by Treize69
You can probably find the DVDs of both on Amazon, or try pawn shops. I often find VHS or DVD copies of Memphis Belle in the $.99 bin at the local hock shop. IMO they should pay you to take it off their hands. Hate that movie.
You hate the original too?!? The 1943 one?!?
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I love the original, but the original is more of a wartime documentary than an actual "movie". The '90s remake basically takes everything that ever happened in 3 years of B-17 missions and crams it into 1 mission. I still say Michael Bay directed it under a pseudonym.
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Originally posted by Treize69
I love the original, but the original is more of a wartime documentary than an actual "movie". The '90s remake basically takes everything that ever happened in 3 years of B-17 missions and crams it into 1 mission. I still say Michael Bay directed it under a pseudonym.
Yes. Thats what I thought it would be like. I love wartime documentaries. My i-pod is completely filled with old wartime documentaries. Thats why I want to see the original. Thanks for the warning about the 90s remake, thats what I figured it was like, but I hadnt seen it so I couldnt say.
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Originally posted by DamnedRen
When yer done, tell us which one you like the best, then 2nd best, etc. :)
Ok - I have now watched those 3 movies, and what a great experience!
They are all very good - and very different - and if I should rate them in any order it would be:
1) "Twelve O'Clock High"
Surprisingly good for such an old movie.
Black and white movie from 1949 - the characters are played well, and the story of the "hard luck" bomber squadron and one mans fight to change it to the better is very good. Not many aviation scenes though.
2) "Dark Blue World"
Czech(ish?) pilots in RAF - escaped from their occupied country to England - very good airscenes - with really good sound effects. The movie (imho) jumps a little to much back and forth on its timeline - and the love story should have been in another movie - but the airfights are very exciting. The scenes where you look through their gunsights showing lead shots is just outstanding - and so ... AHII'ish :)
3) "Battle of Britain (new DTS version)"
There are lots and lots of beautiful airscenes - and its almost a documentary of all the aspects of BoB. What I dont like is the characters, they somehow seems unimportant - its like they are lost in the many details of BoB the movie wants to tell. Oh - and I hate the background music - in the middle of a dogfight this 100+ man orchestra jumps out of my surround setup, playing their lungs out!!
Thanks for the recommendations :aok
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Love all the films discussed here, so here is my 2 pennath,
BoB - Awesome! Excellent flying scenes, and plot lines, love it to death.
12 O'Clock High - Never Seen will have to watch.
Memphis Belle - Bloody Brilliant, awesome - Especially as it was filmed around where I used to live and can see the Church where I was Christened.
There is one addition that I would like to add, I know it is not a Film par se but it is a Mini Series called 'Piece of Cake' (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0157239/). The book is awesome as well if you get the chance to read it, written by Derek Robinson. He also wrote Goshawk Squadron about a Sqn of SE5a Pilots in WW1 and what they got up to, it's a scary, funny and heart wrenching Book, if you get the chance read it! It will scare the crapola out of you.
This mini series is a cracker, am gutted that I can only get the DVD in Region 1 and NTSC :(
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I just saw two Aviation movies I had never seen before.
They were on Turner Classic Movies.
First was "Saber Jet" with Robert Stack. B/W with nice P-80 shots for the first half. Missed some of it helping the wife hang a painting but I DVRed it.
Second was INCREDIBLE. It was "High Flight" (1957) with Ray Millard. The RAF in the 50s with Hunter Jets and in beautiful color. WISH I had DVRed that one. Will have to look for it on DVD.
You get a chance to see the second one I recommend it highly for the fllight sequences.
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One thing about BoB. The rescued a lot of Spitfires from boneyards to make that movie. Without BoB there would be very very few flyable Spits around today.
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Originally posted by SteffK
There is one addition that I would like to add, I know it is not a Film par se but it is a Mini Series called 'Piece of Cake' (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0157239/). This mini series is a cracker, am gutted that I can only get the DVD in Region 1 and NTSC :(
I agree, i love this one :aok
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Wow, I guess Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo (http://www.amazon.com/Thirty-Seconds-Tokyo-Spencer-Tracy/dp/B000NTPG6Q) has finally come out in DVD.
Anyone know when that WWII classic "McHale's Navy Joins the Air Force" will be put on DVD?
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My favorite is " The War Lover"
Followed by "12 Oclock High" and "The Blue Max"
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all those above are excellent! I might add a little known robert stack film called "Sabre Jet" Made during the Korean War... Has much better Jet action than either "Bridges At Toko-Ri" or "Flat Top"
Its an Korean War remake of "Fighter Squadron", in some ways better. I am just an old Cold Warrior, I LOVE the patriotic overtones of wartime films... "way over the top" or otherwise.
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Kelly's hero's was always a favorite of mine
not a very realistic movie however damned funny but the set and vehicles and props were top notch even the trouble of decking a t34 out as a tiger was quite well done all things considered. they are still using those damn t34 tiger mockups (saving private ryan, band of brothers)
the short range mortars being portrayed as long range howitzers is a bit much though :D
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Glad to see a few voted for my all time fave: Piece of Cake. Whoever the Director and/or Producer were, they doted on those Spits and 109s... lovingly filmed, with a gripping story and deep character development. I even ended up cheering for that moral degenerate, and completely nasty bastage Moggy, by the end. It's available on VHS, hopefully on DVD by now. The book is one helluva good read.
Second for me is Battle of Britain. [Those 109s were Buchons? Weren't they genuine Emils from the Spanish Air Force, which were shipped to Franco (together with the Heinkels) from early war Germany? Or did Spain buy them after the war was over?... which would make them Buchons I guess. I don't know].
I loved Tora! Tora! Tora! which makes it a close 3rd for me.
The rest are also-rans IMHO. Dark Blue World has excellent filmed fights, but the love story is a long cliche that doesn't hold the film together very well. Memphis Belle has some great footage of the B17s over Europe, but it has every cliche possible, which ruined the film for me.
Except for the top 3, I would rather watch flight sim films.
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dark blue world