IMDb RATING
6.8/10
2.3K
YOUR RATING
A dramatization of the American general and his court martial for publically complaining about High Command's dismissal and neglect of the aerial fighting forces.A dramatization of the American general and his court martial for publically complaining about High Command's dismissal and neglect of the aerial fighting forces.A dramatization of the American general and his court martial for publically complaining about High Command's dismissal and neglect of the aerial fighting forces.
- Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 2 nominations total
Robert F. Simon
- Adm. Gage
- (as Robert Simon)
Stephen Roberts
- Maj. Carl Spaatz
- (as Steve Roberts)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe Mitchell family was very unhappy with the film, especially the casting of the tall, laconic Gary Cooper in the lead role. The real Billy Mitchell was short with an explosive temper. The family thought James Cagney would have been ideal.
- GoofsIn the movie, Billy Mitchell is reduced in rank and transferred to Texas for disobeying orders during the bombing tests. Actually it was due to him talking to the press without permission and happened a few years after this event.
- Quotes
Admiral William S. Sims: The Navy hasn't got any policy on flying, they are ignoring the aeroplane in hopes that it will just go away.
- ConnectionsReferenced in M*A*S*H: 5 O'Clock Charlie (1973)
Featured review
A decent film - with a mesmerising 17-minute cameo
This is a decent film, for the most part a very watchable telling of a good true story which is worth knowing about. Gary Cooper is solid in the title role (albeit he is apparently nothing like the real-life Mitchell) and the drama moves along at a reasonable pace.
But for 17 minutes towards the end it rises above that and becomes mesmerising. What makes the difference? Two words: Rod Steiger. The cross-examination scene, where he goads and scorns Cooper mercilessly, is one of those very rare moments in cinema when a performance holds the screen and burns itself into your memory. No matter how many times I have seen this film, I always spend the first hour or so waiting to relish this particular scene. And I am never disappointed.
So watch the film for two reasons: it is good in its own right. A well-played, thoughtful and dignified film about a good man who was ahead of his time. But whatever you do, make sure you don't miss the last half-hour!
But for 17 minutes towards the end it rises above that and becomes mesmerising. What makes the difference? Two words: Rod Steiger. The cross-examination scene, where he goads and scorns Cooper mercilessly, is one of those very rare moments in cinema when a performance holds the screen and burns itself into your memory. No matter how many times I have seen this film, I always spend the first hour or so waiting to relish this particular scene. And I am never disappointed.
So watch the film for two reasons: it is good in its own right. A well-played, thoughtful and dignified film about a good man who was ahead of his time. But whatever you do, make sure you don't miss the last half-hour!
helpful•81
- tohu
- Apr 15, 2007
- How long is The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Der Flieger
- Filming locations
- El Monte, California, USA(Rosemead Airport as Langley Field)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $3,000,000
- Runtime1 hour 40 minutes
- Aspect ratio
- 2.55 : 1
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By what name was The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell (1955) officially released in India in English?
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