Average Rating: 
Rating:  - The Blue Max ,revisited
This is one of those films that seems to get better with age. It is the story of a low-born warrior Bruno Stachel (George Peppard), who by force of will and talent, rises out of a common foxhole and into the cockpit of a fighter airplane in the closing days of WW1. It is his arch-nemesis, the aristocratic flying ace Willi von Klugermann,(Jeremy Kemp) who keenly observes Stachel's ruthlessness and nicknames him "Cobra". The aerial flying sequences are breathtaking and plentiful, many of the aircraft were constructed for the making of this movie, unlike computer generated duplications so common today. The slow cadence and almost hesitating sound of unreliable machine guns firing from the flimsy aircraft they were fitted to is striking testament to the sound editors art. Stachel's ambition for glory "in and out of bed" is unmatched by his well-born and condecending comrades. But in the end, his destiny is inexorably tilted by an unyielding competitiveness, a beautiful countess (Ursula Andress),her shrewd and powerful husband Count General von Klugermann,(masterfully portrayed by James Mason), and a demoralized, desperate Germany in the waning days of WW1. The production values of this film are excellent, the sets striking, and obvious attention to historical detail is evident. Jerry Goldsmith's musical score ties a compelling story line together with subtle variations of a hauntingly beautiful musical theme. It is my hope this film will be digitally remastered for DVD release.
Rating: - visually stunning, fantastic realism
I am repeatedly drawn to this movie. Firstly, it is visually stunning throughout. The Irish countryside in which it was filmed and the attention to reproduction of period aircraft and costume captivate the viewer. It is also hard to deny the romance of the multi-wing aircraft. The beautiful scenery the pilots experience contrasts memorably vs the desolation the infantry must endure. It is easy to overlook the British rifles all the Germans seem to carry. Secondly, the numerous flying scenes are extremely realistic - ailerons and stabilizers move with the action. The viewer will be spoiled and find it difficult to watch "Battle of Britain", "Memphis Belle", "Top Gun", "Tuskegee Airmen" or any other flying movie. Thirdly, Jerry Goldsmith's musical score soars by itself and delights the couch-pilot's ear. Fourth, the characters are compelling. Capt Hiedemann is the only noble soul in the movie, while the rest of the characters all suffer cynicism and egotism which is easy to believe in an aristocratic society under severe strain. Without the preachiness vs Germany of most WWI movies, this film draws the viewer into each doomed character. Peppard is the anti-hero - a commoner with the presumption to join the aristocratic German Air Force. He is driven to prove himself to be as good a man as his aristocratic counterparts. The high-born lover of his rival (Andress) and Germany's highest decoration, the Pour Le Merite' or "Blue Max", are his goal (one can see Rommel wearing this medal in many WW2 photos). He pursues each with ruthless determination. Only after the dice are cast does he finally grow up, become comfortable with himself, and realize neither goal will prove his point. James Mason is his usual fantastic self as the cynically foresighted general. Released in 1966, it is hard not to consider this film against the backdrop of the Civil Rights movement. Bottom line - this movie bears watching again and again.
Rating:  - Long but good
In a market dominated by WW II movies, this film is a refreshing change dealing with aviation in its fledgling military role.The story is told from the German perspective with Peppard playing the cynical young Lieutent Bruno Stachel fresh from the infantry trenches. Now a pilot and an officer, he is eager to make his name by acquiring 'victories' and the coveted 'Blue Max' decoration. He is ill received into the closed society of 'gentlemen' pilots of the day and struggles to prove himself as better than most. There is an almost tangible hostility - thinly masked by social moray - between Peppard and the Staffel's top pilot, Willi. The unit commander, Otto Heidemann, is a man who firmly believes that WW I air combat should be conducted with chivilary -- and finds Lt Stachel to be anything but his ideal. Ursula Andress and James Mason provide a stunning performance as the General Count von Klugermann and his wife. Stachel plays on the Countess' vanity and the General's need of a 'public' hero to aid in his rise to fame. All this cumulates in an eventual downfall and 'hero's death' (to the relief of all) at the end of the film. The movie itself is quite long and drags a bit in the middle (sequences as Peppard tries to seduce Ms Andress). But the ariel photography and rest of the story more than make up for this blemish. Seriously, if you're a little worn on watching WW II films, but still like that type of action, this is a bright new look at the battle for the skies of a different age. Highly recommended. ~P~
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