During a very hectic Saturday of the usual domestic round SWMBO and I managed to find time to visit one of the two local Saturday boot sales. Whilst we were there I was delighted to acquire an unused copy of the DVD of the film The Dam Busters. This was being sold on a stall supporting a local children's hospice and so I probably spent slightly more on this than I would have usually - you can buy this new very cheaply in any event - but it was in a shrinkwrap and so in pristine condition.
I doubt if there is any wargamer on the planet that is not familiar with the story of 617 squadrons raid on the Ruhr dams - certainly the film has been shown countless times and the theme tune is a classic in its own right.
I am sure I read somewhere that Peter Jackson - of the 'Lord of the Rings' film trilogy - was planning a remake of the film but I am unsure how well founded that is. Although the special effects of such a remake would be undoubtedly far superior to the original I am convinced that it would never capture the essential 'Britishness' of the 1954 version.
A true classic indeed.
8 comments:
Great flick - and lots of Aussies aircrew in 617 Sqn too!
A superb film - I always loved the scenes with Barnes Wallis working in his shed. There's a sort of quixotic heroism about it. The final scene really tugs at the emotions too.
What are your thoughts on "In which we serve"?
Hi Man Cave,
I suppose then I should say then the essential 'Commonwealthishness' then. I didn't know that but am not surprised.
All the best,
DC
Hi CK,
I echo your comments - I always remember the scene where BW takes off his shoes to wade out to collect the bit and pieces when the experiment went wrong. I always it quite a poignant moment.
'In Which We Serve'I have not seen for years but it is on my 'to get' list alongside 'The Cruel Sea' and 'Sink the Bismarck'. All that black and white stiff 'upperlipishness' and jutting jawlines - great viewing and hugely evocative.
All the best,
DC
That remake was definitely on the cards...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/5301998.stm
..but it was some time ago so I wonder if it ever got off the ground ('scuse pun)...
I was in two minds - the original is just so brilliant, but wouldn't you just love to see what Peter Jackson could do with the story!
Hi Steve,
Thanks for the link - I was pleased that I was not imagining it! The original is a classic and I am firmly of the opinion that if Peter Jackson did tackle the story then cerstinly it would look better in terms of effects but the result will never better the original for sheer period feel.
All the best,
DC
Yes Peters remake is still on the cards and Stephen Fry is now involved with script writing.
I was lucky enough to meet one of the navigators a few years ago when the small museum was opened at the Derwent Dam a few years back. Lovely, unassuming bloke.
Hi Patrick,
I guess after the Hobbit then!
certainly one to look out for.
All the best,
DC
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