The Dam Busters

Split into two distinct sections, the film deals first with the fraught, but the ultimately successful development of a new bomb, by Dr. Barnes N. Wallis (Michael Redgrave). The second deals with the mission itself during the British raid on the Ruhr Dams, and its associated costs for the enemy and for the British airmen. Adapted by R.C. Sherriff from Paul Brickhill’s book “Enemy Coast Ahead” and featuring superlative special effects photography by Gilbert Taylor (to say nothing of Eric Coates’ stirring theme tune), The Dam Busters was Britain’s biggest box office success of 1955. (StudioCanal UK)