Bombardier

UPC: 883316266373

Studio: Warner Bros. Digital Distribution

MPAA Rating: NR   Contains:[Suitable for Children]

Summary: A major moneymaker for RKO Radio, Bombardier stars Pat O'Brien and Randolph Scott as trainers at a school for bomber pilots. O'Brien and Scott argue over teaching methods, while their students vie for the affections of Anne Shirley. O'Brien's methods prove sound during a bombing raid over Tokyo. Scott and his crew are captured and tortured by the Japanese, but the mortally wounded Scott manages to set fire to a gas truck, providing a perfect target for his fellow bombardiers. Stylistically, Bombardier is one of the most schizophrenic of war films, with moments of subtle poignancy (the death of trainee Eddie Albert) alternating with scenes of ludicrous "Yellow Peril" melodrama (the Japanese literally hiss through their teeth as they torture the helpless Americans). Though it can't help but seem dated today, Bombardier remains an entertaining propaganda effort (the film is sometimes erroneously listed as the debut of Robert Ryan, who'd actually been appearing before the cameras since 1940). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Category: Action

Awards: Best Special Effects – Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Best Special Effects – Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Best Special Effects – Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Bombardier

Format: DVD

Release Date: 06/24/2011

Audio: DD1 Dolby Digital Mono

Runtime: 99 Minutes

Sides: 1

Number of Discs: 1

Language(s) English

Craig Butler

A moderately entertaining propaganda film, Bombardier undoubtedly meant more to war time audiences than it will to modern viewers. In 1943, with the outcome of the war still in doubt, the go-for-it, get 'em boys attitude of Bombardier would have had an emotional resonance that will be lacking for audiences nowadays. As a result, the more obvious and blatant manipulations in the story and the black-and-white nature of the story will dampen some viewers' enthusiasm. However, there are some genuinely dramatic moments that play quite affectingly on genuine emotion, and these greatly aid in making the film involving. The major conflict between Pat O'Brien and Randolph Scott feels forced and artificial, but the actors play it well and with believability. And while director Richard Wallace paces things a bit unevenly, he does make sure that the final portion of Bombardier has the impact it needs to bring things home. Special effects are quite good for the time, enough so that CGI-disposed viewers won't complain or scoff. O'Brien and Scott are fine throughout, Anne Shirley is good, and Eddie Albert is noteworthy in a showy part. ~ Craig Butler, Rovi

Cast and Crew: Charles D. Brown  Actor 
Abner Biberman  Actor 
Herbert Heyes  Actor 
Robert Middlemass  Actor 
Lee Shumway  Actor 
Neil Hamilton  Actor 
Edward Peil Sr.  Actor 
Lloyd Ingraham  Actor 
Joseph King  Actor 
Robert M. Fellows  Producer 
Derek N. Twist  Screenwriter 
Richard Wallace  Director 
Roy Webb  Composer (Music Score) 
John Twist  Screenwriter 
Pat O'Brien  Actor 
Randolph Scott  Actor 
Anne Shirley  Actor 
Eddie Albert  Actor 
Walter Reed  Actor 
Robert Ryan  Actor 
Barton MacLane  Actor 
Leonard Strong  Actor 
Richard Martin  Actor 
Russell Wade  Actor 
James Newill  Actor 
John Miljan  Actor 
Charles Russell  Actor 

Country: USA