Dir. Michael Anderson, UK, 1955, 124 mins, b/w
Cast: Richard Todd, Michael Redgrave, Ursula Jeans
Review by Dave Smith
On the 18th May 1943, BBC radio announced the success of a raid to distroy the great dams of the Ruhr. Operation “Chastise” was carried out by 617 Squadron of the RAF, soon to be known to the world as ‘The Dam Busters’.
Based on the books by Paul Brickhill (The Dam Busters) and Wing Commander Guy Gibson (Enemy Coast Ahead), the story begins in Spring 1942, when Dr Barnes Wallis (Redgrave) comes up with an idea to create a bomb that can bounce on water. Wallis at first struggles to make the authorities to take his plans seriously but his passion and belief in his plan eventually win throught.
With the plan in place, a new squadron is formed, with Wing Commander Guy Gibson (Todd) to be the commanding officer. The squadron is made up of elite aircrew from within bomber command, who commence their training, eventually having to fly at night just 60 feet above the ground.
With the testing of the bomb, and training complete, Operation “Chastise” begins. Gibson being the first to attack the Möhne dam. After the loss of the second Lancaster to attack, Gibson flies in with every other plane to try and divert the flack, an act that was to see Gibson awared the Victoria Cross. After three more direct hits the Möhne dam is breeched and millions of gallons of water pour into the surrounding area. The three aircraft with bombs, along with Gibson, flew on to the Eder Dam. With the dams breeched and the Ruhr Valley flooded, the remaining Lancasters headed for home.
After the mission Wallis is distraught that 8 Lancasters and 56 men failed to return, but Gibson points out that all these men would still have gone knowing they would not return.
Todd & Redgraves portrayal of the two men are well judged, bringing out the passion that both men felt for their work, while still having the sense of the Briitish stiff upper lip, that was so prevalent in the wartime years.
Shot in black & white so actual footage of the bombs being tested at Reculver in Kent could be included, but it also adds atmosphere, especially during the attack on the dams.
The scenes after the crews return to base are interspersed with shots of empty rooms, personel items untouched by crews who will not return, are very poignant, and speak volumes about sacrifice and loss.
The Dambusters serves as a fitting tribute to the memory of all involved in this slice of British history.
