The Thousand Plane Raid

Story

Synopsis

In 1943, Colonel Greg Brandon, stationed at an United States Army Air Forces 8th Air Force, 103rd Bomb Group base in England, repeatedly attempts to persuade superiors that massive daylight bombing will hasten the end of World War II. In spite of the mission's extreme difficulty, his plan is finally put into effect against a German aircraft factory. During preparation for the raid, Brandon alienates his men by insisting that normal bombing operations continue. His disdain for cautious Lieutenant Archer and brash RAF Wing Commander Trafton Howard further antagonizes his associates, including his girl friend, WAC Lieutenant Gabrielle Ames. When his bomber crashes the morning of the mission, Brandon boards a bomber manned by Archer and Howard. During the effective air raid, he is impressed by Archer's courage and Howard's judgment.

Director

Boris Sagal

Writers

Donald S. Sanford, Ralph Barker

Language

English

Country

United States of America

Release date

15 July 1969

Ensemble

Cast

• 

  Christopher George

  Col. Greg Brandon

• 

  Laraine Stephens

  Gabrielle

• 

  J.D. Cannon

  Gen. Palmer

• 

  Gary Marshall

  Wing Cmdr. Taffy Howard

• 

  Michael Evans

  Group Commander

• 

  Gavin MacLeod

  Sgt. Kruger

• 

  Ben Murphy

  Lt. Archer

• 

  Bo Hopkins

  Capt. Douglass

• 

  Tim McIntire

  Lt. Quimby

• 

  Barry Atwater

  Gen. Conway

• 

  Henry Jaglom

  Worchek

• 

  Ivor Barry

  RAF Officer (uncredited)