Memphis Belle (1990)

User Rating:

6.7/10   

Director:

Michael Caton-Jones

Writer (WGA):

Monte Merrick (written by)

Release Date:

12 October 1990 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Drama | War

Plot:

The "Memphis Belle" is a World War II bomber, piloted by a young crew on dangerous bombing raids into Europe...

Plot Keywords:

Crew | Bomber | Bombing | B 17 Bomber | Soup

Awards:

Nominated for BAFTA Film Award. Another 1 win & 2 nominations

Cast

Matthew Modine	...	Capt. Dennis Dearborn
Eric Stoltz	...	Sgt. Danny "Danny Boy" Daly
Tate Donovan	...	1st Lt. Luke Sinclair
D.B. Sweeney	...	Lt. Phil Lowenthal
Billy Zane	...	Lt. Val "Valentine" Kozlowski
Sean Astin	...	Sgt. Richard "Rascal" Moore
Harry Connick Jr.	...	Sgt. Clay Busby
Reed Diamond	...	Sgt. Virgil Hoogesteger (as Reed Edward Diamond)
Courtney Gains	...	Sgt. Eugene McVey
Neil Giuntoli	...	Sgt. Jack Bocci
David Strathairn	...	Col. Craig Harriman
John Lithgow	...	Lt.Col. Bruce Derringer
Jane Horrocks	...	Faith
Mac McDonald	...	Les (as Mac Macdonald)
Jodie Wilson	...	Singer

Runtime:

107 min

Country:

UK | Japan | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Sound Mix:

70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints) | Dolby (35 mm prints)

Certification:

UK:12 (cinema release) | UK:PG (video rating) (cut) | Iceland:L | Norway:10 (theatrical rating) | Australia:M (original rating) | Australia:PG (cable rating) | Finland:K-12 | France:U | Germany:12 | South Korea:15 (DVD rating) | Sweden:11 | USA:PG-13 | Singapore:PG

Filming Locations:

Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Cambridgeshire, England, UK

Company:

BSB

Trivia:

The movie was originally to be called "Southern Belle", to avoid possible legal problem's with real "Memphis Belle" crew. But none of the crew members objected.

Goofs:

Factual errors: The mock up of the tail gunners position is a poor replica. It looks as if the gunner barely has room to turn his head, let alone see anything approaching. In reality the windows in a B-17's tail gunners position are sufficiently large enough to give him an excellent view.

Quotes:

[Rascal has just blown up a fighter]
Richard Rascal Moore: And your mother, too!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Jeopardy!: (#22.40)" (2005)

Soundtrack:

Greeneyes

" I know you're dying, but if you try that again, I gonna kill you "

World War II has many memories in it's huge archives. But the ones which stand out in an audience's mind are the ones which recall family members who actually experienced them. This movie " Memphis Belle " reaches deep into the human Psyche and rekindles a plethora of war time conflicts. The actors chosen for this masterpiece are incredible as they superbly resurrect the dangerous era of the courageous men and their historic aircraft. Matthew Modine plays Capt. Dennis Dearborn, a stern commander who exhibits a tough veiner, but is inwardly aware and concern with every man in his crew. Tate Donovan is Lt. Sinclair, anxious to experience bravery as a necessary element to achieve fame. However when the war touches him, he realizes, it's not as glorious as he imagined. Eric Stoltz, D.B. Sweeney, Billy Zane, Sean Astin, Harry Connick Jr., Reed Diamond, Courtney Gains and Neil Giuntoli play the crew. Rounding out the cast, adding prestige and enhancing the over-all story are David Strathairn and John Lithgow. Together, this superior ensemble and the dramatic talent of the special effects specialists allowed the 'Belle' to rise center stage and display its last wartime flight. The result is nothing short of extraordinary. Behind the men and their plane is the memory of the thousands of brave airmen who gave their lives for their country. In short, their sacrifice becomes the lasting monument which continues to this day as a lasting tribute to our freedom. A great film which is sure to become a military Classic. Highly recommended! ****