mark.waltz Set in England before the American entrance into World War II but made some seven years after the war ended, this personal drama of the life of squadron pilots is often touching, but mostly quite familiar. Many American films (as well as a few other classic British films) have touched on the same subject, and where this one succeeds is in its quiet moments as the interconnecting human relationships come full circle as personal conflict disappears for the benefit of a mission, in this case, keeping the English coastline safe from the invasion of those nasty Jerry's who cowardly invade in the middle of the night and create much chaos in their wake. With the squadron under the command of the stern but likable Jack Hawkins, the arrival of a new but inexperienced pilot (John Gregson) creates some tension. Much of the film deals with the day to day life of these young anxious pilots, but mostly focuses on Gregson, making a serious mistake during a spontaneous mission where the lives of the other pilots are put in danger because of his failure to stick to detail.The most important moment of this film occurs as one of the characters makes it clear through subtle hints that they will not be returning from their mission. The looks on the faces of the pilots and their leaders shows their horror over this revelation and creates an indelible human moment that can't be ignored. Even when Gregson is called on the carpet for his serious mistake, there's the feeling that the commander is both disappointed and quietly proud of him, unwilling to punish him, but not able to completely dismiss it either. The way Gregson deals with this is also very haunting, as are some of the more quiet moments when a last party is given before the rumored raid of the German air force occurs. I feel that this is a film that has so many key moments that it is a film that has to be viewed numerous times to fully appreciate, and that its moral lesson of every action these pilots commit be fully detailed and not just by the book (as Gregson is accused of knowing too much about without the actual experience of knowing what to do), and that every action has a consequence that can make a mission fail and thus cost many lives. In the fight for freedom, details like this are ones that are very important to stick to, and even the top officers must maintain some composure even in the worst of situations.

JohnHowardReid Producers: John W. Gossage, Derek Twist. A Templar Production, released in the U.K. by Associated British. Released in Australia by 20th Century-Fox on 25 November 1953. Released in the U.S.A. by Stratford, May, 1954. Copyright in the U.S. by Stratford Pictures Corp., 25 February 1953. New York opening simultaneously at the Beekman, Gramercy and 8th Street Playhouse: 29 April 1954. U.K. release: May 1954. Sydney opening at the Embassy. Location scenes filmed at Kenley Aerodrome, Surrey. 98 minutes. 8,820 feet.(Available on an Optimum DVD).NOTES: Number ten at British ticket windows for 1952.COMMENT: Far above Mr. O'Ferrall's usual standard, thanks to solid acting and an interesting script that provides plenty of action. Some of the miniature work (particularly the closing shot) is not the best but generally special effects and production values are first-class.OTHER VIEWS: Despite the high-sounding title (it means that aircraft are flying at a height of 15,000 feet), this is a routine drama of the wartime R.A.F. True, better films have been made about war in the air, but rarely have I seen one which is more sincere. To an ex-serviceman, the feeling is there, strong and indefinable, that these were the men he knew, fought with and laughed with. The sensation of reality is well maintained throughout the film with the exception of the few air combat scenes which are rather artificial. "Angels One Five" tells the story of some of the "Few," the men who flew the Hurricanes and Spitfires during the Battle of Britain in 1940. These were the men, who, outnumbered six to one by the Germans, managed to stave off the Luftwaffe. - Leo Basser.

Leofwine_draca ANGELS ONE FIVE is a somewhat ordinary British WW2 drama about RAF fighters battling the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain. Most of the action is centred around a control room on the ground which is actually a positive because this film's dated, cheesy special effects are the worst thing about it. Other than that it feels like a propaganda picture made about ten years too late.Jack Hawkins plays the stern captain in charge of his raw recruits; John Gregson stands out playing the greenest of the lot. The usual character conflict and typical drama ensue, but the film does quite a good job of representing the look and feel of the war in the skies. The usual familiar faces play in support, including Sam Kydd, Victor Maddern, Harry Fowler, and Ronald Adam.

chelmsfordstag Just watched this film again, really good fun. I've recently bought a WW2 computer Flight Simulator called IL-2 and afterwards I just had to go flying and shoot down some bally Huns, Tally Ho!Shame there are no memorable quotes listed as this film has lots. My favourite is just after the Ops bunker takes a direct hit, the roof has fallen in and there is concrete dust everywhere. People slowly start dusting themselves off, one of the WAAF's (Foster) timidly comes up to SqLdr Clinton and offers him a cup of tea.Foster: Tea sir ? It's a bit gritty, sir... SqLdr Clinton: (looks at the tea in amazement for 5 seconds) Foster, that's an inspiration ! Remind me to have you promoted.Classic.