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Action drama

Memphis Belle (1990): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Memphis Belle (1990) movie poster

Memphis Belle is a 1990 action drama directed by Michael Caton-Jones, starring Matthew Modine, Tate Donovan and D.B. Sweeney. It runs 1 hour 47 minutes and earned $27.4 million worldwide. It earned 1 award nomination, including Best Original Music at the BAFTA 1991. Critics gave it 68% on Rotten Tomatoes and 59 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.9/10.

IMDb rating
6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes
68%
worldwide gross
$27.4M
award nomination
1
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Memphis Belle (1990) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 47m (107 min)
Genres
Action , Drama , War
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Memphis Belle About?

The premise of Memphis Belle without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

During World War II, the crew of the B-17 Flying Fortress Memphis Belle prepares for its 25th and final bombing mission over Nazi Germany. As Captain Dennis Dearborn leads his men, he faces the pressure of Army Public Relations wanting a successful, morale-boosting conclusion. The mission tests not only their combat skills but also the bonds between the airmen, as Dearborn strives to maintain discipline and keep spirits high amidst the dangers of war.

Memphis Belle Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • b 17 bomber
  • airman
  • warplane
  • american in the uk
  • four engine airplane
  • world war two soldier
  • american abroad
  • boeing b 17 flying fortress
  • flight
  • bomber crew
  • aerial gunner
  • flying in formation
+38 more
  • bombing
  • bomber
  • engineer
  • tomato soup
  • bomber aircraft
  • based on true story
  • england
  • military uniform
  • u.s. military
  • dying young
  • u.s. soldier
  • automatic weapon
  • damaged airplane
  • machine gunner
  • aviation
  • automatic gunfire
  • u.s. army air force
  • aerial camera shot
  • world war two in europe
  • enemy
  • world war two pilot
  • dark comedy
  • place in title
  • place name in title
  • air force pilot
  • losing one's virginity
  • american soldier
  • view through binoculars
  • airplane take off
  • throwing up on someone
  • .50 caliber machine gun
  • air force officer
  • airplane shot down
  • flak
  • bombing mission
  • telephone call
  • radio communication
  • engine fire
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Cast & crew

Memphis Belle Cast

Matthew Modine leads the cast, with Tate Donovan and D.B. Sweeney. Directed by Michael Caton-Jones; 10 actors are credited in all.

Ratings

Memphis Belle Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Memphis Belle 68% on Rotten Tomatoes and 59 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.9/10.

Plot

Memphis Belle Plot Summary

What happens in Memphis Belle from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

S. Army Air Force stationed in England, find themselves grounded due to their aircraft undergoing repairs. During this time, they await the safe return of their fellow comrades from a daylight bombing mission over Europe. Thankfully, all aircraft eventually make it back to the airfield; however, tragedy strikes when the last returning plane crashes upon landing, resulting in the loss of all on board. That evening, at a celebratory party, Army publicist Lt. Colonel Bruce Derringer announces that the crew of the Belle is about to complete their momentous twenty-fifth and final mission, making them the first to achieve this milestone in the entire air force. Derringer has grand plans for a celebration upon their return, but base commander Colonel Craig Harriman opposes this, wishing to avoid favoritism.

Full summary

The whole story of Memphis Belle, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Memphis Belle Box Office

Memphis Belle grossed $27.4 million worldwide.

1990 box office

Worldwide gross

$27.4M

US & Canada
$27.4M
Awards

Memphis Belle Awards & Nominations

Memphis Belle earned 1 award nomination, including Best Original Music at the BAFTA 1991.

1 nomination1 ceremony

Videos

Memphis Belle Trailers & Videos

3 videos: 3 trailers.

Memphis Belle - Trailer
  • Trailer Memphis Belle (1990) Theatrical Trailer #1 [4K] [FTD-0684]
  • Trailer Memphis Belle (1990) - Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Memphis Belle?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is the primary mission of the Memphis Belle's crew?

Cars

Cars in Memphis Belle

3 cars on screen, including the 1942 Willys MB 'Jeep' and the 1942 Dodge WC 54.

  • 1942 Willys MB 'Jeep' in Memphis Belle 1942 Willys MB 'Jeep' Minor role
  • 1942 Dodge WC 54 in Memphis Belle 1942 Dodge WC 54 Background role
  • 1942 Willys MB 'Jeep' in Memphis Belle 1942 Willys MB 'Jeep'
Details

Memphis Belle Also Known As

14 alternative titles, including “Ślicznotka z Memphis” and “メンフィス・ベル”.

Also known as
  • Ślicznotka z Memphis
  • メンフィス・ベル
  • メンフィス・ベル:1990
  • 孟菲斯美女号
  • 英烈的歲月
  • Красавица Мемфиса
  • Memphiská kráska
  • Memphis Belle: A Fortaleza Voadora
  • ממפיס בל
  • Memphis Belle - A Fortaleza Voadora
  • 멤피스 벨
  • Красавицата от Мемфис
+2 more
  • Красуня з Мемфіса
  • ป้อมบินเย้ยฟ้า

Seen Memphis Belle?

FAQ

Memphis Belle FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Memphis Belle, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Memphis Belle?

Memphis Belle runs 1 hour 47 minutes (107 minutes).

When was Memphis Belle released?

Memphis Belle was released on October 12, 1990.

Who directed Memphis Belle?

Memphis Belle was directed by Michael Caton-Jones.

More films by Michael Caton-Jones

Who is in the cast of Memphis Belle?

Memphis Belle stars Matthew Modine, Tate Donovan and D.B. Sweeney, among 10 credited actors.

How much did Memphis Belle make at the box office?

Memphis Belle grossed $27.4 million worldwide.

How is Memphis Belle rated?

Memphis Belle has 6.9/10 on IMDb, 68% on Rotten Tomatoes, 59 on Metacritic and 67% on TMDB.

Was Memphis Belle nominated for any awards?

Memphis Belle received 1 nomination across 1 ceremony.

Does Memphis Belle have a post-credit scene?

No. Memphis Belle has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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