Twelve O'Clock High
Seen it?1949 | 132 min | War, Action, Drama
Friday Night Flickearly ratingWhy it’s a Friday Night Flick
Critics loved it (96% on Rotten Tomatoes), it won 2 Oscars and it's still drawing plenty of interest. Make plans for this one.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for action fans and history buffs. If you loved The Dirty Dozen or The Thin Red Line, 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 12 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1949: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
In the early days of daylight bombing raids over Germany, General Frank Savage must take command of a 'hard luck' bomber group. Much of the story deals with his struggle to whip his group into a disciplined fighting unit in spite of heavy losses, and withering attacks by German fighters over their targets.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
96% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.2 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Won 2 Oscars: Best Supporting Actor, Best Sound. Also nominated for 2 more Oscars. Plus 1 other award.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$3 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 107K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Henry King
- Gregory PeckBrigadier General Frank Savage
- Hugh MarloweLieutenant Colonel Ben Gately
- Gary MerrillColonel Keith Davenport
- Millard MitchellMajor General Patrick Pritchard
- Dean JaggerMajor / Lieutenant Colonel Harvey Stovall
- Robert ArthurSergeant McIllhenny
- Paul StewartMajor "Doc" Kaiser (flight surgeon)
- John KelloggMajor Cobb
- Robert PattenLieutenant Bishop
- Lee MacGregorLieutenant Zimmerman