The Dam Busters
Seen it?1955 | 124 min | Drama, History, War
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for history buffs. If you loved 1917 or Glory, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Intense.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 4 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1955: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
The story of the conception of a new British weapon for smashing the German dams in the Ruhr industrial complex and the execution of the raid by 617 Squadron 'The Dam Busters'.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
100% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
6.9 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
Nominated for 1 Oscar.
- Reach & staying powerBelow par
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 77K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
1917
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed war historical drama.
Glory Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed true-story historical drama.
Flyboys
Weeknight WatchAnother true-story historical drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
The Thin Red Line
Saturday SpecialAnother war historical drama, and a Saturday Special.
Flags of Our Fathers Saturday SpecialAnother true-story historical drama, and a Saturday Special.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Michael Anderson
- Richard ToddWing Commander Guy Gibson, V.C., D.S.O., D.F.C.
- Michael RedgraveDoctor B. N. Wallis, C.B.E., F.R.S.
- Ursula JeansMrs. Wallis
- Basil SydneyAir Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Harris G.C.B., O.B.E., A.F.C.
- Patrick BarrCaptain Joseph (Mutt) Summers, C.B.E.
- Ernest ClarkAir Vice-Marshal The Hon. Ralph Cochrane G.B.E., K.C.B., A.F.C.
- Derek FarrGroup Captain J. N. H. Whitworth, D.S.O., D.F.C.
- Charles CarsonDoctor
- Stanley Van BeersSir David Pye, C.B., F.R.S.
- Colin TapleyDoctor W.H. Glanville, C.B., C.B.E.