Reach for the Sky (1956): Cast & Plot
Reach for the Sky is a 1956 war drama directed by Lewis Gilbert, starring Kenneth More as Douglas Bader, Avice Landone and Muriel Pavlow. It runs 2 hours 15 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 15m (135 min)
- Director
- Lewis Gilbert
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- The Rank Organisation
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Reach for the Sky About?
The premise of Reach for the Sky without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
The true story of airman Douglas Bader who overcame the loss of both legs in a 1931 flying accident to become a successful fighter pilot and wing leader during World War II.
Reach for the Sky Themes & Keywords
· 29 tags- fighter plane
- airplane cockpit
- one engine airplane
- disability
- battle of britain
- royal air force
- world war two
- based on book
- based on real person
- british soldier
- world war two soldier
- plane
+17 more Show fewer
- aerial combat
- flight
- propaganda
- warplane
- british military
- pilot
- aircraft
- airplane crash
- hospital
- german officer
- canadian
- airfield
- handicap
- aviation
- prisoner of war
- amputation
- hero
Reach for the Sky Cast & Characters
Kenneth More leads the cast as Douglas Bader, with Avice Landone as Douglas Bader's Mother and Muriel Pavlow as Thelma Bader. Directed by Lewis Gilbert; 33 actors are credited in all.
-
Director Lewis Gilbert
- Kenneth More as Douglas Bader
- Avice Landone as Douglas Bader's Mother
- Muriel Pavlow as Thelma Bader
- Eddie Byrne as Flight Sergeant Mills
Also Starring in Reach for the Sky
· 29 more- Ronald Adam Air Vice-Marshal Leigh-Mallory
- Walter Hudd Air Vice-Marshal Halahan
- Alexander Knox Mr. Joyce
- Dorothy Alison Nurse Brace
- Beverley Brooks Sally
- Michael Gough Flying Instructor Pearson
- Ernest Clark Wing Commander Beiseigel
- Philip Stainton Police Constable
- Sam Kydd Warrant Officer Blake
- Michael Ripper Warrant Officer West
- Eric Pohlmann Adjutant of Prison Camp
- Anton Diffring German Stabsfeldwebel
- Sydney Tafler Robert Desoutter
- Basil Dignam Air Ministry Doctor
- Harry Locke Bates
- Charles Carson Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding
Show all 33 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Nigel Green Streatfeild
- Jack Watling Peel
- Howard Marion-Crawford 'Woody' Woodhall
- Lee Patterson Turner
- Patrick Westwood RAF Corporal
- Barry Letts Tommy
- Lyndon Brook Johnny Sanderson
- Derek Blomfield Civilian Pilot
- Peter Byrne Civilian Pilot Witnessing Bader's Crash
- Basil Appleby Crowley-Milling
- Trevor Bannister Man Listening to Radio
- Anne Leon Sister Thornhill
- Michael Warre Harry Day
Reach for the Sky Plot Summary
What happens in Reach for the Sky from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In 1928, Douglas Bader Kenneth More joins the Royal Air Force as a Flight Cadet, where a friendly rebuke from Air Vice-Marshal Halahan Walter Hudd only fuels his defiant streak. He powers through training and earns a posting with No. 23 Squadron at RAF Kenley, where his talent and drive stand out even as his rebellious temperament tests the limits of discipline. By 1930, he is selected to participate in an aerial exhibition, pushing his skills to the edge even as the politics of flight and caution loom large.
Full summary
The whole story of Reach for the Sky, scene by scene
Reach for the Sky Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Reach for the Sky.
How Well Do You Know Reach for the Sky?
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
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Which actor portrayed Douglas Bader in the film?
Cars in Reach for the Sky
19 cars on screen, including the 1925 Bentley 3 Litre and the 1926 Douglas EW.
-
1925 Bentley 3 Litre Important role -
1926 Douglas EW Important role -
1932 MG M-Type Midget Important role -
1933 Vauxhall 14 hp Light Six Important role
Reach for the Sky Also Known As
10 alternative titles, including “Han gav sig aldrig” and “Vainqueur du ciel”.
- Also known as
-
- Han gav sig aldrig
- Vainqueur du ciel
- Bader il pilota
- Allen Gewalten zum Trotz
- ידיים למעלה
- O Céu ao Seu Alcance
- Dosiegnac nieba
- Elérni az eget
- Proa al cielo
- 触摸苍穹
Seen Reach for the Sky?
Movies Like Reach for the Sky
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Masters of the Air, Battle Over Britain and Fighter Squadron.
Reach for the Sky FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of Reach for the Sky, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Reach for the Sky?
Reach for the Sky runs 2 hours 15 minutes (135 minutes).
When was Reach for the Sky released?
Reach for the Sky was released on July 5, 1956.
Who directed Reach for the Sky?
Reach for the Sky was directed by Lewis Gilbert.
More films by Lewis Gilbert Who is in the cast of Reach for the Sky?
Reach for the Sky stars Kenneth More as Douglas Bader, Avice Landone as Douglas Bader's Mother and Muriel Pavlow as Thelma Bader, among 33 credited actors.
Does Reach for the Sky have a post-credit scene?
No. Reach for the Sky has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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