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The wartime memories of surviving World War II bomber squadrons were still crystal clear when this acclaimed drama was released in 1949--one of the first postwar films out of Hollywood to treat the war on emotionally complex terms. Framed by a postwar prologue and epilogue and told as a flashback appreciation of wartime valor and teamwork, the film stars Gregory Peck in one of his finest performances as a callous general who assumes command of a bomber squadron based in England. At first, the new commander has little rapport with the 918th Bomber Group, whose loyalties still belong with their previous commander. As they continue to fly dangerous missions over Germany, however, the group and their new leader develop mutual respect and admiration, until the once-alienated commander feels that his men are part of a family--men whose bravery transcends the rigors of rigid discipline and by-the-book leadership. The film's now-classic climax, in which the general waits patiently for his squad to return to base--painfully aware that they may not return at all--is one of the most subtle yet emotionally intense scenes of any World War II drama. With Peck in the lead and Dean Jagger doing Oscar-winning work in a crucial supporting role, this was one of veteran director Henry King's proudest achievements, and it still packs a strong dramatic punch. --Jeff Shannon
Description
This gritty World War II action drama staring Gregory Peck, Oscar winner Dean Jagger, Hugh Marlowe, Gary Merrill and Millard Mitchell is seen as one of the most realistic portrayals of the heroics and perils of war. Convinced an air force commander (Gary Merrill) is at the breaking point, Brigadier General Savage (Peck) takes over his struggling bomber group. Kind and understanding, he adopts a crushing discipline to revitalize the demoralized troop. At first resentful and rebellious, the flyers gradually change as Savage guides them to amazing feats. But the stress of command soon takes it's toll and the weary general reaches his own breaking point.
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Twelve O'Clock High [VHS]
- VHS Tape: 0 pages (2002-05-21)
- Publisher: 20th Century Fox
- Label: 20th Century Fox
- Format: Black & White, Original recording reissued, NTSC
- Rated: Unrated
- Studio: 20th Century Fox
- Video Release Date: 2002-05-21
- Run Time: 132
- Average Customer Review:
 based on 167 reviews
- Sales Rank in Video: #19371
Avg. Customer Review:
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Customer Rating: 
Summary: An outstanding film ! Peck at his best ! 2010-02-03
Comment: I didn`t have the chance to watch this film till I received my dvd copy and I must say I was deeply surprised with the depth and realism of the film. I have previously read the reviews of many people and I must agree with their comments : this is one of the finest (if not the finest together with Patton and The Longest Day) WWII films ever made. The direction (Henry King) is outstanding , the performances especially Dean Jagger are superb and besides one of the truly great actors of all time -Mr. Gregory Peck- gives a hell of a performance as "a hard as nails" commander who breaks down in the end. I`m very glad with my purchase and "Twelve O Clock High" is definitely one of the highlights of my film collection.
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
Customer Rating:
Summary: WWII DVD 2010-01-30
Comment: came even sooner than expected. One of my favorite movies - gave grandson, a pilot a chance to go back in time to see a little of WWII
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
Customer Rating: 
Summary: A study in command 2009-12-26
Comment: I got this movie as a requirement for a class but I'm glad I got it. This movie surrounds a bomber group in England in 1942. The United States is just now getting into the war in Europe and the 8th Air Force is committed to participating in the strategic bombing campaign against Axis-occupied Europe. Brigadier-General Savage takes command of the group following a particularly bad bombing run. Savage leads the bomber group, establishes esprit de corps in the unit, improves morale and bombing accuracy.
This is a great film and the bonus disk has some great material on the making of the movie and the real-life story of the brave men who flew the bombers over Fortress Europe.
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Customer Rating:
Summary: Leadership 2009-11-14
Comment: Twelve O'Clock High is an excellent study in leadership and clearly shows the propensity to adapt to circumstances in unintended ways.
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Customer Rating:
Summary: A Study in Situational Leadereship 2009-08-08
Comment: This popular academy award winning movie is used in leadership training seminars to demonstrate leadership style and teamwork. It presents a genuine parallel between effective and ineffective leadership. The 918th, a WWII B-17 bomber squadron, under the leadership of General Savage, grew from a fearful, unskilled group with numerous casualties to a confident, highly skilled group with much fewer casualties. The vivid contrast in leadership styles between General Savage and Colonel Davenport dramatically affect the performance of the squadron. This is the significant message of the film. General Davenport, outwardly caring greatly for his men, is reluctant to keep sending them on bombing missions because of high casualties and the extremely low morale. General Davenport, high on the relationship scale, is so concerned with the welfare of his men that he is underleading them i.e. having low expectations and poor training. He is not matching the necessary leadership style to their readiness level of the group. They were low in ability and motivation. General Savage, low on the relationship scale, took command and immediately raised expections and training. Morale increased and so did effectiveness. General Savage's style matched the readiness of the group. He was demanding and authoritative. He insisted on developing training skills. He was "hands on" and actually went on missions with his men. This movie is also a study of over leadership. It clearly illuminates the consequences of not knowing when it is necessary to move from an strong authoritarian style to a coaching or counseling style once readiness levels improve. Understanding 12 O'Clock High in the context of situational leadership will help any leader become better!
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