Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

The Memphis Belle was a B-17 Flying Fortress during World War II. The Belle flew numerous flights into Nazi territory to drop bombs on factories that are helping the German war effort. The bombing runs send many planes out, but many of those same planes do not return. As the movie gets under way, we are witness to what will be the 25th flight of the Memphis Belle. Once a crew has completed 25 successful missions, they have completed their tour, and they have earned the right to go home. A lot of the fighters never made it this far, and we are taken along for the ride as the Memphis Belle tries to fly into History.


"Memphis Belle", is a true story that is based on factual events during 1943. The movie was directed by Michael Caton-Jones, who is well-known for directing "The Jackal", and "Rob Roy". Both of those films were good in their own rights, but this one is by far the best film that he has made. The movie stars a great cast of characters that help to make the film very good in both acting, and the believability of the storyline. Because it really is based on a true story, you have to think that the actors are really in those parts, and that you want them to succeed. I feel that the film does a great job at making you care about what happens next, and in turn makes you root for the crew of the Memphis Belle.

The crew of the Memphis Belle is composed of a great ensemble cast played by many up-and-coming young stars at the time. They were played by:

Cast overview, first billed only:
Matthew Modine----Capt. Dennis Gilmore, Pilot
Eric Stoltz----Sgt. Danny Daly, Radioman
Tate Donovan----1st Lt. Luke Sinclair, Copilot
D.B. Sweeney----Lt. Phil Lowenthal, Navigator
Billy Zane----Lt. Val Kozlowski, Bombardier
Sean Astin----Sgt. Richard "Rascal" Moore, Ball turret
Harry Connick Jr.----Sgt. Clay Busby, Tailgunner
Reed Diamond (I)----Sgt. Virgil Hoogesteger, Top turret
Courtney Gains----Sgt. Eugene McVey, Left waist gunner
Neil Giuntoli----Sgt. Jack Bocci, Right waist gunner

The commanding officers are played by:

David Strathairn----Col. Craig Harriman, Commanding Officer
John Lithgow----Lt.Col. Bruce Derringer, Public relations officer

As you can see, the cast was filled with many people who were set to take on the world anyways, so why not have them playing parts in a story where the United States is out to save the World. Like I said earlier, the Memphis Belle is about to go on its 25th flight. Leading up to this flight, the audience is shown exactly what can happen in those first 25 flights, and that it is indeed a rare occasion when a plane and its crew is able to survive all 25. Though the Belle has had some close calls, through the skill of its crew and some sheer luck, they are still flying. We as the audience are also introduced to many of the superstitions that go along with the crews of these planes. From keeping a good luck charm with them at all times, to making sure that they all wear the same clothes, they each do not want to change their own patterns for fear of jinxing themselves.

The movie also takes a short time to explain what each of the crew member's roles is while in flight. We are shown what the gunners have to do, what the co-pilot is for, and even how the navigator and bombardier get ready for a bomb-run. I found it extremely interesting to be able to see all of the stuff that they would have to go through in pre-flight, in briefing for the mission, and even when the mission got underway. The Memphis Belle does not fly alone when she takes her final flight though. She goes on a bomb-run with many other bombers on a very important mission into the middle of enemy territory. The risks are very great, and there is a great chance that all of the planes will not be returning. They are given an escort, and that escort gets into a couple of dogfights where the bombers come under attack by enemy planes. Soon though, the escorts get low on fuel and the bombers are left to make the run by themselves.

The action in this movie is top-notch all the way, and the way that they make it look, makes you think you are in the plane with them. Of course there is going to be a lot of drama in the movie, and a lot of great acting to compliment it. What I found most interesting about the film, were the ways that it was decided what planes would be in command of the squadrons when they went out. The fighting scenes with the enemy planes are very intense, and the ending of the film leaves you on the edge of your seat. With scenes from the beginning of the film lingering in your mind, you soon find yourself wondering how the plane has any chance of survival.

I will not give away the ending of this film, because the suspense of it all is just another one of the great qualities that it has. I highly recommend this movie to anyone that likes movies where you have to care about the characters. They become like family, and you want nothing but to see them succeed in their mission. This is a great film that is a must-own.












Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 9 - 12