Some may not like this film, where a little slow love interest moves in, but nevertheless, it works within the plot totally (and I'm not one for mush!). Gregory Peck, he whom makes any standard film above that, is the central character, Squadron Leader Bill Forrester. Again, the man plagued by problems, that of depression sinking in after the death of his wife in a blitz on wartime London, surviving the very same himself.
He's now stationed in Burma in the last stages of the war, but noticeably at odds with his squadron over his rantings which, undoubtedly have got the better of him, much to their angst. Everyone is affected by his angst which is getting more wayward and frustrating to all day by day and even the CO wants him out.
Thankfully, on the base, the laid-back Doctor Harris (ok, the 'M.O') (Bernard Lee) suggests he accompany him out of the 'camp' to see the other side and perhaps, why we're fighting this war. Harris introduces him to a missionary station run by a Mrs McNab (Brenda De Banzie). She welcomes Forrester to the 'enclave' where he meets a lovely, pretty Burmese teacher, Anna (Win Min Than). The love interest that then matures between them will obviously, and does, bring him out of his depressed state, as well as seeing how the missionary Mrs McNab has shown him the other side of himself via the mission - it'd humble anybody.
However, the war is always still there, Forrester is sent on a mission with the friendly but matter-of-fact Blore, the photo-reconnaissance man, played with usual upper-class aplomb in authoritative character actor, Maurice Denham (has that guy EVER looked young/had hair?). They and another new officer posted to the squadron, Carrington (Lyndon Brook) subsequently take off on the mission, but suffer engine problems and crash-land in a desolate, arid area of Burma - the film significantly changes tack where you least expect, I think, where the three have to survive in the 'purple plain'. Short of food, water and the intense heat, the characters come together or work against each other, in the case of Blore, the latter now finding himself at odds with Forrester, especially as they have to 'carry' Carrington as he was injured in the subsequent crash-landing. As the wilderness kicks into their attitude and physical being, Blore finally shoots himself, leaving just Forrester and Carrington finally making it home.
Forrester's love for Anna saw him through his worst time and the next time again. This film is one of those that doesn't feature a lot on TV, but it should, but it's still 'familiar' and remains in the back of your mind from time to time in movie history, as I say probably for not being shown enough. Brenda De Banzie's character did honestly get on my nerves with her 'Christian missionary' rantings, but it was central to the plot in bringing Forrester out of himself.
This is also another film that features the excellent De Havilland Mosquito fighter-bomber. There are some moments of 'special effects' of the day, in this respect, maybe a bit laughable after the CGI of today, but still, competent for the time - watch it, it's good!
He's now stationed in Burma in the last stages of the war, but noticeably at odds with his squadron over his rantings which, undoubtedly have got the better of him, much to their angst. Everyone is affected by his angst which is getting more wayward and frustrating to all day by day and even the CO wants him out.
Thankfully, on the base, the laid-back Doctor Harris (ok, the 'M.O') (Bernard Lee) suggests he accompany him out of the 'camp' to see the other side and perhaps, why we're fighting this war. Harris introduces him to a missionary station run by a Mrs McNab (Brenda De Banzie). She welcomes Forrester to the 'enclave' where he meets a lovely, pretty Burmese teacher, Anna (Win Min Than). The love interest that then matures between them will obviously, and does, bring him out of his depressed state, as well as seeing how the missionary Mrs McNab has shown him the other side of himself via the mission - it'd humble anybody.
However, the war is always still there, Forrester is sent on a mission with the friendly but matter-of-fact Blore, the photo-reconnaissance man, played with usual upper-class aplomb in authoritative character actor, Maurice Denham (has that guy EVER looked young/had hair?). They and another new officer posted to the squadron, Carrington (Lyndon Brook) subsequently take off on the mission, but suffer engine problems and crash-land in a desolate, arid area of Burma - the film significantly changes tack where you least expect, I think, where the three have to survive in the 'purple plain'. Short of food, water and the intense heat, the characters come together or work against each other, in the case of Blore, the latter now finding himself at odds with Forrester, especially as they have to 'carry' Carrington as he was injured in the subsequent crash-landing. As the wilderness kicks into their attitude and physical being, Blore finally shoots himself, leaving just Forrester and Carrington finally making it home.
Forrester's love for Anna saw him through his worst time and the next time again. This film is one of those that doesn't feature a lot on TV, but it should, but it's still 'familiar' and remains in the back of your mind from time to time in movie history, as I say probably for not being shown enough. Brenda De Banzie's character did honestly get on my nerves with her 'Christian missionary' rantings, but it was central to the plot in bringing Forrester out of himself.
This is also another film that features the excellent De Havilland Mosquito fighter-bomber. There are some moments of 'special effects' of the day, in this respect, maybe a bit laughable after the CGI of today, but still, competent for the time - watch it, it's good!