Description

Some of the classic titles by Warner, such as this, do not have graphic label on the disc. If you’ve never seen an aviation movie before in your entire life, you’ll be blissfully ignorant of the fact that Memphis Belle shamelessly (and yet gloriously) incorporates just about every clich in the flight-movie handbook. If you’re a big fan of aviation films–especially ones about World War II bomber crews–you’ll be glad that the genre’s clichs have been handled with such professional flair. As it follows the crew of a B-17 bomber on its final and most dangerous mission over Germany, Memphis Belle may be little more than a slick and highly authentic presentation of familiar thrills and characters, but it’s a rousing piece of entertainment. Featuring an ensemble cast of fresh faces who’ve since enjoyed thriving careers (including Billy Zane, Sean Astin, Eric Stoltz, DB Sweeney and Harry Connick Jr.), the movie exists as a fitting tribute to the men who fought and often died in the air over hostile territory. It’s the Hollywood version of a 1944 wartime documentary made by legendary director William Wyler (whose daughter served as one of this film’s producers), and as such it’s a bit contrived and melodramatic. And yet, this exciting movie is almost certain to grab and hold your attention, offering an honourable reminder of the bravery and integrity that were crucial ingredients of any bomber’s crew. — Jeff Shannon, Synopsis A human drama set against a World War II backdrop and focussing on the crew of a US Eighth Air Force B-17 bomber, stationed in England. They have completed 24 dangerous bombing missions and are about to set out for the one mission that will allow them to go back home to a heroes’ welcome. From the Back Cover During spring 1943 they took to the war-torn skies for the most dangerous mission in defence of freedom. If the ten-man crew of the bomber Memphis Belle returned, they would receive a hero’s welcome and renew flagging public morale. But the odds were stacked heavily against them in the true, courageous story of the brave “fly-boys” who each fought mortal fear while fighting the enemy together.