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Poster for The Sound Barrier

The Sound Barrier

Seen it?

1952 | 117 min | Drama, Romance, War

Friday Night Flickearly rating

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

It won an Oscar and it earned strong reviews (80% on Rotten Tomatoes). 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 romantics and history buffs.
The mood
Intense, warm and romantic.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 57 min.
What might put you off
Made in 1952: an older pace and style.

A young RAF pilot tests his father-in-law’s prototype supersonic aircraft to the limit, at a time of intense development in the field of aviation, just as commercial jet airliners are about to enter service.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    80% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsVery strong

    Won 1 Oscar: Academy Awards: Best Sound Recording. Won 3 BAFTAs: British Academy Film Awards: Best Film from any Source, British Academy Film Awards: Best British Film, British Academy Film Awards: Best British Actor. Also nominated for 1 more Oscar and 1 more BAFTA. Plus 5 other awards.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $235K worldwide on a $275K budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 25K people sought it out in the past year

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Cast & crew

Directed by David Lean

  • Ralph RichardsonJohn Ridgefield
  • Ann ToddSusan Garthwaite
  • Nigel PatrickTony Garthwaite
  • John JustinPhilip Peel
  • Dinah SheridanJess Peel
  • Joseph TomeltyWill
  • Denholm ElliottChristopher Ridgefield
  • Jack Allen'Windy'
  • Ralph MichaelFletcher
  • Leslie PhillipsController