633 Squadron (1964) - full transcript
633 Squadron has enjoyed an unqualified string of successes. Their luck changes when they are assigned to bomb a German rocket fuel plant, in Norway which is guarded by heavy anti-aircraft defences, and the plant is considered bomb-proof. Their nearly impossible mission is further complicated by a German air raid, the difficult approach to the target and the capture and torture of the underground leader who is assisting the squadron.
(SPEAKING IN GERMAN)
(SPEAKING IN GERMAN)
(VEHICLE APPROACHING)
(SHOUTING)
Hardly touched us.
Bring my glove,
will you, Evans?
EVANS: Right
you are, man.
Greiner, make a note
of that flak tower.
(WHISTLES)
Well done, Digger.
Yeah, it's not
bad, is it?
Got a light, old boy?
Yeah, there you go.
That Jerry ammunition
truck made a pretty
tempting target.
So did you when
you broke formation.
How did I know
I was going to run
into a flak tower?
You know what
I'm gonna do,
Gillibrand?
No, sir.
I'm gonna recommend
you for a medal.
(CHUCKLES) Well,
thanks very much,
Skipper. I appreciate that.
When it comes,
I'm gonna pin it
right on your tail.
(ALL LAUGHING)
Roy, what are you
gonna do on your leave?
I'm gonna sleep
for three days.
(CHUCKLING) Who with?
Me, I'm heading
right for Hyde Park.
Why Hyde Park?
I thought ducks
were out of season.
Not the kind of
birds I'm after.
How about you, Scott?
I'm gonna go anywhere
where I don't have
to look at aircrafts.
(JEEP HORN HONKS)
Group Captain Barrett
wants to see you.
He says it's urgent.
Scott, take care
of the debriefing.
Right, Skipper.
What's up?
Thank you.
Hello, Roy.
Don, what's happening?
We've got visitors.
Sir.
DAVIS: Come in, Barrett.
This is Wing Commander Grant
and Squadron Leader Adams.
Air Vice Marshal Davis
and Lieutenant Bergman.
Glad to meet you, Grant.
How do you do, sir?
How do you do?
How are you?
Sit down, gentlemen.
Congratulations, Grant.
I hear today's operation
was a great success.
We all got
back, sir.
Good.
Anyway, there'll be
no more operations
for your squadron
for the next 17 days.
You mean we're
on leave, sir?
No, I don't.
All leave is canceled
until further orders.
633 Squadron are assigned
an urgent, most secret
operation.
Your men are going
into training for it.
That's all they need
know for the present.
Do you mind
if I ask you
a question?
Yes?
Why our squadron?
What do you mean?
Some of our men have
been on 12 strikes
in the last two weeks.
They're tired, sir.
They were looking
forward to a leave.
Unfortunately, they'll have
to wait for their leave.
All leave is canceled.
Since you took over,
your squadron has
attained a high
degree of efficiency.
You can look upon
this assignment
as a reward.
I'll try to, sir.
Now, for the operation.
As you know,
the Germans have been building
mysterious concrete
blocks all up and down
France and Belgium.
At long last,
Intelligence
have come up
with the answer
to what they are.
They're rocket
launching pads. Yes.
The Huns have got
a new operational
rocket.
D-day is imminent.
These rockets could
smash the invasion.
And they're ready
by the thousand.
Why don't they
use them? Fuel.
Without very special
fuel, these rockets
would be so much scrap.
Now we come to why
Lieutenant Bergman
is here.
He's one of the leaders
of the Norwegian Linge,
the resistance.
They have discovered
the location of the
only factory
the Nazis have
at present
which can make fuel
for these rockets.
It's at a fjord
just north of Bergen.
Here's Bergen.
Here's the fjord.
It's called
the Swartsfjord.
The Black Water Fjord.
Now, as to the exact
location of the factory,
I'll let Lieutenant
Bergman tell you.
First, I must explain
that the factory itself
is not the target.
It's not the target?
No, the factory
is bomb-proof.
It is also sheltered
by a huge cliff.
Then what do we bomb?
You bomb the mountain.
You'll blow away the whole
overhanging cliff so it
buries the factory.
I should explain, too,
why you cannot bomb
from above.
The Underground
have brought in
geologists to
study the mountain.
There is a fissure
underneath the overhang.
If you explode from below,
the entire overhanging cliff
will come down, we hope.
DAVIS: The only
way you can get
into position
is to fly up
the fjord at
about 200 feet.
The Huns have flak posts
at the mouth of the fjord.
At 200 feet, you'll
be blown to hell,
which brings me
back to Bergman.
At an exact hour
on M-day, the day
of our mission,
Bergman and his men
will neutralize
the enemy flak posts.
If all goes well, Grant,
you should have a clear
run up the fjord.
If all goes well.
The factory will be
shipping fuel in 18 days.
Your special bombs
will be ready in 17.
Today is M-minus-17.
Your orders are to
obliterate the target
at whatever cost.
Any questions?
Lieutenant Bergman
will be working
closely with you.
He knows
the target well.
What are we
gonna practice on?
We've found
a valley in
Scotland.
It's not nearly as tough
as the fjord, but it's
the best we can do.
Barrett?
Sir?
This gives you exact
schedules and routes
to the training site.
Training to
commence immediately.
I think that's
all, gentlemen.
Adams, will you see that
Lieutenant Bergman
finds suitable quarters?
I certainly will, sir.
Nice to have you
with us, Lieutenant.
Thank you very much.
Wing Commander.
I just wanted to tell
you how pleased I am
you were chosen
for this operation.
I'm glad you are,
Lieutenant. I wish
I felt the same.
You give me the impression
of being able to do very
difficult things.
I do what they
tell me to do.
Ah, but this is
terribly important.
Mmm-hmm. That's what
they always say.
You sound so cynical.
Do I?
You have not
seen the Nazis
at close range.
Close enough.
In the air, yes.
I have seen them
in my own country,
torturing and
killing innocent people.
So you want to
bury them under
that mountain?
Yes, if it will
help win the war.
As long as we're
working together,
we might as well
understand each other.
We'll do the best job
we can, but as far as
I'm concerned,
it's a job, not the
Holy Grail, okay?
I will try to
remember that.
You do that.
Climb in, Lieutenant.
I'll drive you to
your quarters.
Thank you.
"X" marks the spot.
Our climb was slow.
We'll have to increase
our approach speed to 290.
How are we going
to bomb the target
even if we get the
right approach speed?
That's what we're
here to find out.
Made eight passes
already and each
one's a bust.
Skipper, just let's
sit this one out.
Don't you
trust me, Hoppy?
Like my dear old mom,
but this one's a bit dicey.
I thought you
wanted to see
Scotland.
Yeah, but not
upside down.
You had
a good day, Grant.
Not good enough.
I'll try again tomorrow.
That's yesterday,
today, tomorrow.
That's three days
out of your 17, Roy.
Perhaps you'd
better take
the squadron.
All right. I wish
there was some way
to see that target.
I could describe it
to you. Every detail.
Wasn't Bissell an artist?
BERGMAN: The center
peak is higher.
BISSELL: This one?
Yes.
And the cliff
hangs over more.
Fine.
Hmm.
What's this all
about, Skipper?
You'll find out
soon enough.
I see. Sort
of hush-hush?
Well, you sure
that's the way
it is?
I mean, as you
remember it?
Yes. That's as
good as a photograph.
Good. Thanks, Bissell.
Sir.
Bissell, how you
making out with Mary
what's-her-name?
Mary Blake?
Yeah.
Well, it's sort of
hush-hush, but we're
going to get married.
He's out of his head.
Don't you approve
of war marriages?
No. Not for me.
You don't want
any attachments?
That's right.
How wide is that
fjord at that point?
Not over 200 yards.
Mmm-hmm. What's on
the other side of
the fjord?
A lake.
A large lake.
What's that?
A sailboat.
My sister Hilde and I
used to go sailing there.
She's in England now.
How'd she get
out of Norway?
We smuggled her out
in a fishing boat
just after our
parents were killed.
And your parents,
Roy, where are they?
My parents?
My mother's dead.
I haven't seen my
father since I was a kid.
Well, I have been
more fortunate.
At least, my memories
before the war were
happy ones.
What did you do
before the war?
I was studying
to become a doctor,
until the Nazis came.
Instead of
learning how to cure,
we learned how to kill.
(MAN WHISTLING)
THOR: I will send word!
(TAPPING MORSE CODE)
With all these
reinforcements,
do you think
they'll cancel
the attack?
No. Not if Erik
can help it.
There are many
more Germans.
We'll spread ourselves
thinner and start
24-hour patrols.
Thanks.
Stand easy,
gentlemen.
I've called you here
because I've just had
a message from Intelligence.
The Germans have
moved in another
entire regiment
and a string of ack-ack
vehicles a mile long right
into our target area.
Our Underground cannot
knock out another
German regiment.
We have not enough men.
Then you'll have
to get some more.
If we can,
they will need training.
What about
a parachute attack?
It would not work.
There is no place for
them to land or to group.
Commandos, then.
There must be a way
they can work their
way into the fjord.
There is no way.
We have discarded
that idea a dozen times.
We have to send in
more men, whether
they're trained or not.
Could we have
more time?
There is no more
time. M-day stands.
Well, in that case,
we will do the best we can.
Well, Grant?
I didn't say anything, sir.
No, but I could
hear you thinking.
Under the new circumstances,
are you willing to go in?
Are you asking
me to volunteer?
No, damn it, I'm not.
I'm giving you an order.
In that case,
I volunteer.
How'd we do?
Perfect.
Wish it'd been
the Germans
down there.
Try and match that.
Speed, 295, dead on.
Altitude, 200 feet,
and keep it low.
Peel off
in this order.
Scott,
Gillibrand,
Singh.
I don't know why
you ever left
that coal mine.
That's what I could
do with right now.
A nice, deep,
cozy coal mine.
If I make a mess of this,
you'll be deeper than
any coal mine.
GRANT: Scott, peel!
Gillibrand, peel!
Stand by, Singh.
Peel!
Now!
You fool! You bloody
Australian fool!
I'm getting married.
Try and remember that.
How could I forget it?
I figured on getting
the widow for myself.
I love your raw,
colonial humor.
Bloody Aborigine!
Too close, Gillibrand.
Pull up sooner.
GILLIBRAND:
Okay, Skipper!
You think they're
ever going to get it?
Give them a week.
They'll get it.
Hey, look!
This way!
(SIREN WAILING)
(GUNS FIRING)
Thanks.
What?
You saved my neck.
Why shouldn't I?
You're damn lucky
they didn't get you.
(GUNS FIRING)
Look out!
(GUNS FIRING)
(ALARM SOUNDING)
(PEOPLE CHATTERING)
Listen, there I was
with this Messerschmitt
coming in at 12:00.
I was out of ammunition.
What did you do then?
I opened the old
escape hatch, reached up,
grabbed him by the tail
and pulled him down.
(OFFICERS LAUGHING)
(SOLDIER EXCLAIMS)
(LAUGHING)
There's a really
beautiful sight.
Haven't you seen
a pair of legs before,
you big ape?
Oh, not like
yours, sweetheart.
What's the matter
with you Aussies?
Don't they let you
see girls till
you're over 40?
HOPPY: They don't
have girls down under.
Down under what?
HOPPY: Here comes Rosie!
Stand by, lads!
(ALL TALKING AT ONCE)
I'll ask you to
step aside, sir.
I'll step aside, Rosie,
if you'll step
outside with me.
Don't listen to him.
We'll live in Australia
and raise kangaroos.
No, don't listen
to him, Rosie.
Marry me.
Belt him one
on the face.
You wouldn't hit
a lad with only
one hand?
It all depends what
he's doing with it.
(ALL LAUGHING)
Break it up, boys.
Come on, Rosie,
I will see you through.
A gentleman at last.
Here we are.
Keep you hale and
hearty till you're 90.
That's our aim,
Rosie.
Hale and hearty
till we're 90.
What do you suppose
those special bombs
are for?
Not what, who.
I got it straight from
the Adjutant's WAAF.
They're for
the paperhanger.
Berchtesgaden?
Mmm-hmm.
Wow!
One of these
bullets clipped me
right on the hand.
A medic came up and said,
"Shall I take you to
the infirmary, sir?"
I said, "No, but you
could drop this off
at the garage."
(ALL LAUGHING)
(DOOR CLICKS OPEN)
(MAN WHISTLES)
(WHISTLING)
(GROWLS)
That's for me.
Just my type.
Oh, yeah? What makes
you think you'll get
first crack?
Rank, old boy.
Excuse me.
(CLEARS THROAT)
Uh, I wonder if
I might entice you
into joining me
for a drink, my love?
Erik!
BERGMAN: Hilde!
(MEN LAUGHING)
It's been such
a long time.
Three years.
You know, sometimes,
I was so afraid I might
never see you again.
Ah, you know me
better than that.
Of course.
Let me have
a look at you.
What a fine uniform.
The Navy, isn't it?
Yes. Unfortunately,
a navy without ships.
(CHUCKLES)
I don't care.
As long as you're safe
and you're not in Norway
(EXCLAIMS)
I think we've broken
up the party. Let's
go into the parlor.
I have so many
questions to ask.
I don't know
where to start.
Some chaps have
all the luck.
Don't be silly.
That's Lieutenant
Bergman's sister.
I've got a sister.
Would you like to
see a photograph?
What use is
a photograph?
Anyway, she probably
looks like you.
(ALL LAUGHING)
Hey, same again,
Mr. Kearns.
This round's
on my sister.
Hey, Rosie, how
about some music?
(ALL TALKING AT ONCE)
Who's next, then?
Let's get another
pint of that going.
Oh! Welcome
aboard, Skipper!
MAN 1: Oh, look what
he's brought back.
(CHUCKLES)
Oh, pick me.
(GROWLING)
(ALL CHATTERING)
Come on, girls,
don't be shy!
There you are!
Sit right here,
darling!
(EXCLAIMS)
Well played!
What are you drinking?
What do you got?
Whiskey?
That's what
we're drinking.
(ALL CHEERING)
Hey, girls,
girls, girls?
How'd you manage
to break out of
the barracks?
Roy brought a ladder.
Didn't you, Roy?
A little
second-story work.
Here you are.
You've arrived just
in time to make the
party complete!
Here's to girls!
Yeah, all of 'em!
I haven't met
all of them.
You haven't met
Bergman's sister.
(WHISTLES)
She's in the
other room.
Here's to the
one I haven't met.
(ALL CHUCKLE)
Go on.
That is about
all there is.
That is how
I got to England.
And now you work
for the English?
Yes, with an
RAF squadron
as liaison officer.
But that's all
I'm permitted
to tell you.
But enough about
me. What have you
been doing?
I have been working
in the country with
children
who have been sent out
of the bombed areas.
Roy, come in.
I would like you to
meet my sister, Hilde.
Wing Commander Grant.
How do you do?
How do you do?
I was just drinking
a toast to you.
Thank you. My brother
has just been telling
me about you.
You're the girl
in the sailboat,
aren't you?
Sailboat?
Yes, I was telling
Roy about the times
we went sailing on
our lake. You remember?
Yes, I remember.
But I felt much
younger then.
The last three years
seem more like 300.
You're a mighty
pretty old lady.
Thank you, again.
But you don't have to
pay me compliments,
Wing Commander.
Just take care
of my brother.
Oh, yeah. We take
care of each other.
You know, kind of
mutual aid society.
Roy? Your drink's
getting warm.
Hmm.
Oh, excuse me.
I was just looking
for you.
I bet you were.
(GRANT MUMBLING)
Is that his fiancee?
He would be
amused to hear
you say that. No.
I don't think
he takes her
too seriously.
I feel he doesn't
take anything seriously.
But they are
all like that,
different from us.
The more they feel
something, the less
they show it.
Today in that raid,
some of their friends
were killed
and tonight they
are drinking, very gay.
And you feel that
he is dependable
for whatever it
is you're doing?
Oh, yes.
Completely.
Good morning.
Good hit,
Gillibrand.
Roger. Out, Skip.
Now!
Blue Leader to Jones.
You're up. Clobber it.
Okay, Skipper!
(PLANE ENGINE SPUTTERING)
What went wrong?
Their luck ran out.
Blue Leader
to squadron.
Form on Scott,
return to station.
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
Come in.
Sorry to disturb
you, Roy. I wanted
to speak to you.
Come on in.
What's up?
I've come to
say goodbye.
Goodbye?
Yes.
Davis heard from
the Underground.
They have not
been able to
raise enough men.
They're dropping
me in tonight.
How are you
going to get more men
if there aren't any?
There is a unit operating
in the mountains just north
of the fjord.
I might be able
to bring them down.
If you can get by
the German lines.
Yes.
Hello, this is Grant.
Get me Operations.
OPERATOR: Hold on.
I'll fly you in.
They've already
assigned a Mitchell.
To hell with a Mitchell.
I'll fly the drop.
Hello, Jerry?
Get my ship on the line.
I'm making a drop tonight.
Right.
You should not take
unnecessary risks.
Look who's talking.
I would like to see
Hilde before I go.
All right. We'll pick
her up after I talk
to Davis.
We'd planned on going
to the party tonight.
The one for
Bissell and Mary.
Oh, yeah, they're getting
married, aren't they?
Hmm.
It's funny.
Two die,
two get married.
Kind of evens
things up.
I thought you were
against marriage.
I'm also against death,
but it happens anyway.
I'd feel a lot better
if I could fly him
myself, sir.
I've ordered a Mitchell
to fly him in and also
make an arms drop.
Could I fly
the Mitchell?
You're grounded until M-day.
Grounded? When did
that happen?
I just made the decision.
Scott can lead
the remainder of
the practice flights.
What kind of
a decision is that?
I've been...
It's just that you're
too important to risk.
Yes, sir.
Is it all right
if I drive him
to the airplane,
or is that
too great a risk?
We'll take
a chance on it.
Thank you, sir.
When the war is over,
we can take Roy
sailing on our lake.
Will you come, Roy?
Sure, I'll come.
And we can go
fishing like before.
You like to fish?
Yeah, I like to fish.
(LAUGHS) Good. That
will be something to
look forward to, Hilde?
Hilde.
(SPEAKING IN NORWEGIAN)
Take good care
of her, Roy.
Good luck when
you hit that ground.
And to you,
in the air.
(PLANE ENGINES STARTING)
All right.
Are you angry with me?
No. Why should
I be angry?
You just don't
seem to be friendly.
Hell, I'm friendly.
I just got a lot on
my mind, that's all.
Now, you've got
me besides.
Is that what you
were thinking of?
No.
I promise I won't
be a bother,
but one favor
I have to ask you.
Let me know
if there is some
news about Erik.
Sure. Give me your
address and I'll
let you know.
I'm going to stay here
until I know he's safe.
No. I don't think
that's a good idea.
Why not?
There are a lot of
hungry characters
around here.
I think you do
not understand.
Erik is all that's
left for me in the world,
and now he's gone.
Yeah, I understand.
I'm sorry.
(PEOPLE SINGING)
Oh, pardon me.
Hmm?
Happy days,
old boy.
And nights.
Rosie! Rosie!
ROSIE: I'm coming!
Come on, love,
or all the bubbly
will be gone!
How about these?
Is that all
you could get?
All I could get?
There is a war on,
you know.
You could have
fooled me. I'm gonna
get some more tin cans.
Sounds like quite
a party. You want
to join them?
No, I'm not in
a party mood.
I think I'll just
go up to my room.
All right.
Oh, you don't have
to see me in.
I promised Erik
I'd take care of you.
I know what it is.
You don't want to
throw me to those
hungry characters.
That's right.
Here comes the bride,
short, fat and wide.
(ALL CHATTERING)
Skipper, care to
kiss the bride?
You bet.
(ALL CHEERING)
Just a minute!
That's enough!
Good luck, Bissell.
I brought my
luck with me.
Come on, guys!
(ALL SHOUTING)
(ALL SINGING)
Don't worry.
It's not contagious.
You sure?
Yes, I'm sure.
Well, good night
and thank you.
Good night.
Oh, Hilde?
Yes?
I've been grounded.
Grounded?
Well, that means that
I won't be flying
for a couple of days
and I was wondering
if tomorrow you were
free, maybe you...
If you're inviting me,
the answer is yes.
Good night.
Good night.
(CAR DRIVING AWAY)
(PEOPLE CHEERING)
(PLANE APPROACHING)
(CRACKING SOUND)
Erik! Erik!
It's good to
have you back.
Are you all right?
Yes, I'm fine.
Get down!
They haven't
patrolled here
before?
It happened three
days ago. They're
all over the place.
Twenty hostages were
shot for a bridge
Goth blew up.
You had orders.
No attacks.
His sister was raped.
We must bury the chute.
With all the German patrols,
it would be better to wait
till dark.
We can't.
The weapons must
get through to
the other units.
Easy.
Slow down at
the barricade.
Halt!
Go!
Halt!
GERMAN OFFICER:
Halt!
(GUNS FIRING)
(ALARM SOUNDING)
(GUNS FIRING)
(SCREAMS)
(GUNS FIRING)
(EXPLOSION)
Over the bridge!
I'll cover you.
Go on, over
the bridge!
(SHOUTING IN GERMAN)
(SPEAKING IN GERMAN)
(SCREAMING)
(PLANE ENGINE HUMMING)
What did you do
before the war, Roy?
I was a barnstormer.
Barnstormer?
Yeah. You know, aerial
circuses, aerobatics,
and things like that.
Now you fly
in the war.
Do you hate
the Germans?
I never met any.
The only ones I've
ever seen have been
through a gun sight.
Not the best way
to get acquainted.
Then why did you
enter the war
so early?
Well, I had to
do something.
The air circus folded,
so I joined the Eagle
Squadron.
It was different
with me.
Where I grew up,
everything was
very safe.
Uh-oh.
I got one.
Oh!
Oh, bring him in
before he gets away.
No, he might
throw the hook.
The idea is to give
him a little bit of play.
(CHUCKLES)
It's a sardine. It's
a Norwegian sardine.
How'd he get
over here?
All right, little sardine,
back to your fjord.
Here, you want to
take that over there?
Straighten the line out.
That's it.
Get it straight, now.
Hey, you're very good.
I used to do it
for the fishermen.
Sometimes, they even
took me out on the
boat with them.
Don, you're up late.
Roy, they've
captured Erik.
The Gestapo's got him,
and they've had him
since 8:00 this morning.
You know
what that means.
They'll work on him
and they'll break
him down and make
him talk.
This whole operation's
in danger unless we can
stop it.
How?
We know the building
they've got him in.
Gestapo headquarters
in Bergen.
This building
must be bombed.
We believe that
a single Mosquito
might get through
tonight and stop him.
You want a killer, right?
We need a man
to do a job.
You want a killer.
Listen, Roy.
Do you remember Charlie,
that collie I had?
You remember how we
nursed him when he was
run over by a lorry?
But it was no good.
He was in pain,
so I had to shoot him.
I don't care about
your canine love stories.
We're talking
about a man's life.
We are talking about
many men's lives!
I'm grounded,
remember?
That order can be
rescinded in the
circumstances.
What circumstances?
If you should
happen to volunteer.
Is there a choice?
Yes.
It's a hell
of a choice.
Who'll be
my navigator?
Bissell's volunteered.
Okay.
Tell him to get my
plane ready. I'll be
out in half an hour.
We'll be waiting for you.
Get me the Black Swan.
(CAR APPROACHING)
How are you feeling,
Lieutenant?
Very sociable.
Listen to me,
Lieutenant.
I'm going to ask
you some questions.
You will have
to answer them
sooner or later.
You will save
yourself much pain
by answering now.
What were you doing
in England, and whom
did you see there?
I was not in England.
Come, Lieutenant,
those canisters and
weapons we found
I know nothing
about them.
You are insulting
our intelligence.
We will try something
nearer home.
What is the location
of your Underground
headquarters?
I have nothing to say.
Surely you would
not deny you are
a member?
I have nothing to say.
I'm afraid we shall
have to persuade you.
Take off his clothes.
Advise Intelligence
one aircraft dispatched
en route to
pre-designated
Norwegian target.
Yes.
I can be reached here
at Sutton Craddock
Operations.
We'll wait.
He should be just
crossing the coast now.
If Bergman talks...
He won't talk.
We'll know
soon enough.
FEMALE OFFICER:
Go on, Lieutenant.
What else?
Well, Lieutenant?
(ALARM SOUNDING)
(ALARM SOUNDING)
There's the building.
(GUNS FIRING)
(BOMBS WHISTLING)
GRANT ON RADIO:
Blue Leader to Control.
Blue Leader, Control.
The wheel's down but
one light's showing.
I don't think
it's locked.
All crash crews.
All crash crews stand by
for emergency landing.
Hang on, Bissell.
This might be
a little rough.
Oh, my God.
(ALARM RINGING)
Hold it!
(MEN SHOUTING)
GRANT: Get him
out of there!
Okay, go!
And you're quite sure
it was Gestapo
headquarters you hit?
Yes, sir.
Then we can assume
that Bergman is dead.
Yes, sir.
Grant, it may seem
ironic to you,
but I'm going
to recommend you
for an award
for what you did today.
You may have saved
the whole operation.
Shall I break the news
to Bergman's sister, Roy?
I shan't mention
your part, of course.
No, I'll tell her.
Gentleman, I can't take
a chance on anything
else going wrong.
I'm going to move
up the operation.
Take off 0330
tomorrow morning.
But, sir, what
about the bombs?
They'll be here tonight.
Adams, get in touch
with the Linge.
Tell them to plan
their attack for
tomorrow.
ADAMS: Yes, sir.
At what time?
Daybreak.
Grant, you'd better
get that wound seen to.
(DOOR CLOSES)
Sir?
How's a man going
to be without a face,
and blind?
Awful, isn't it, sir?
GRANT: I killed him, Hilde.
He was in the building.
And I knew it.
You knew they
were torturing him.
You stopped it.
Erik cannot
thank you, Roy.
So, I thank
you for him.
(SOBBING)
Goodbye, Hilde.
(SOFTLY)
Goodbye?
Another mission?
I will wait for you.
I'm glad.
(SOBBING)
Oh, Roy.
Please come back.
Please do come back.
We've got a date.
DAVIS: Now, the bombs
you'll be using are what
we call earthquake bombs.
And that is literally
their purpose, to cause
an earthquake
which will bring down
the overhanging section
of this mountain
and bury that
factory which
the Germans
have built there
under that cliff.
All right, gentlemen,
you may return to
your seats.
Squadron Leader Adams
will now continue
with the briefing.
This is the flight plan
from Sutton Craddock.
By following
this dogleg
the chances of losing
the surprise element
over the sea are reduced.
If you are detected,
this route will lead
the enemy to believe
that you're on
a coastal shipping strike.
Wing Commander Grant,
anything to add?
I just would like
to remind the men
that we will drop the
bombs within 50 yards
of each other
at 10 second intervals.
The geologists calculate
that 12 bombs of this size
exploding in this
pattern, will break
loose the overhang.
Ah, Skipper, excuse me,
I'd like to ask a question.
GRANT: Go ahead.
Isn't it likely
that each plane
could be blown apart
by the explosion
of the bomb in
front of it?
Not if our
calculations
are correct.
I hope you've got
a good calculator.
(ALL CHUCKLE)
With all those
gun emplacements,
the flak's going to be
murderous, isn't it sir?
The Norwegian Underground
will attack those emplacements
at exactly 0630.
Which means, you
should be entering
the fjord
not earlier than
0655, and not later
than 0705.
DAVIS: Squadron
Leader Adams.
Time check your watches.
It's coming up
02:47 in...
...five, four, three...
...two, one, check.
Your call sign
is "Everest."
The code for
the successful
completion
of the operation
is "Vesuvius."
Sounds like that mountain
could turn into a bloody
big volcano.
(ALL LAUGHING)
Yes, and we hope
the Germans will
be under it.
Any further questions?
Yes, sir, I've
got a question.
Just a bit of
curiosity, really, but,
what does that
factory make?
You'll be told that
when you get back.
This much I can
tell you, though.
No squadron has
ever been sent out
on a more critically
important operation.
That's all, gentlemen.
Except, good luck.
Thank you, sir.
(SOLDIERS CHATTERING)
Well, Roy.
What's that?
At last, I've got Davis'
permission and the
Medical's to come along.
Without a command,
of course.
You're little late,
aren't you?
What do you mean?
You haven't been on
any practice missions.
We take off in
half an hour.
Look, I've studied every
detail of this strike
from beginning to end.
I know I can
follow you in.
Yeah. Why do you want
to risk your neck?
I'm damned if
I know, Roy.
Okay, Don.
You can take
Jones' place.
You'll lead
Red Section.
Thanks.
How do you
feel now?
Scared. And you?
Scared.
(BOTH CHUCKLE)
(RECEIVING MORSE CODE)
Johanson. Johanson.
They have moved up M-day.
They want us to
attack at 0630.
It is time to
send Matterhorn.
We are starting
the attack.
(TAPPING)
(GUNS FIRING)
Ambush! Ambush!
(GUN FIRING)
(GUNS FIRING)
Landfall nine
minutes, Skipper.
Dead on 0703.
Right.
(RECEIVING MORSE CODE)
ETA 0703, sir.
(PHONE RINGING)
633 Operation Control.
It's for you, sir.
Davis here. Yes.
What?
I see. Thank you.
Intelligence reports
the Germans ambushed
the Linge,
trailed some of
the survivors to
their hideout,
destroyed everything.
Arms, communications,
men, the lot.
When's their landfall?
MAN: 0703.
Send this message to
Wing Commander Grant.
"Linge destroyed.
"Enemy anti-aircraft intact."
(TAPPING MESSAGE)
"You have
permission
to abort."
(RECEIVING MORSE CODE)
Hoppy?
Abort.
Blue Leader
to all sections.
Enemy anti-aircraft intact.
Keep your eyes open.
We're going in.
You know, Skipper,
I'm gonna recommend
you for a medal.
And when it comes,
I'm going to pin
it right on your...
What?
On your tail.
There's Norway.
And you can have it.
We got bandits
up ahead, boys.
Got bandits up above.
Keep down low.
You all right?
Yeah.
Throw that
extinguisher,
Reynolds!
Reynolds!
Skipper!
Blue Leader to
White Section.
I'm coming back
to cover your run.
Roger, Blue Leader!
Hit it!
(BOMB WHISTLING)
(RECEIVING MORSE CODE)
"Four hits.
"Three aircraft lost.
"Two crews ditched
in fjord."
You've got bandits
at 7:00, Clark.
Bandits at 7:00.
Dive, Clark!
(GUNS FIRING)
Come on, Green Section.
You're way behind.
Come on, Green Section.
Bomb release!
Bombs...
Put it out!
Put the bloody
thing out!
Break for the fjord.
Gillibrand, break
for the fjord.
How many hits?
Six.
Send it.
Won't that
mountain ever go?
Send it!
(RECEIVING MORSE CODE)
"Six direct hits.
"Nine
"aircraft lost.
"One bomb left."
I'm coming in on
target now with
an engine dead.
Now!
Skipper! It's going!
It's going!
(HILL RUMBLING)
(RECEIVING MORSE CODE)
Vesuvius, sir.
Vesuvius.
All right, Scott,
let's get the hell
out of here.
You lead,
and I'll cover.
Roger, Skipper.
(METALLIC CREAKING)
(SPEAKING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
Skipper!
Skipper!
You okay?
Yes. Yes, Skipper.
Can you move?
Where does it hurt?
(GRUNTS)
All over.
I can't raise
them, sir.
Keep trying.
Keep trying.
Yes. He's coming on
the line now, sir.
Davis here, sir.
Vesuvius, sir.
Complete success.
Thank you, sir.
Well, at least
the rockets won't happen.
Of course
they'll happen.
They won't start
tomorrow or this month
or on D-day,
and that's important.
Then what's it
all add up to?
All their sacrifice?
A successful operation.
But they're
probably all dead,
all 633 Squadron.
You can't kill
a squadron.
(SPEAKING IN GERMAN)
(VEHICLE APPROACHING)
(SHOUTING)
Hardly touched us.
Bring my glove,
will you, Evans?
EVANS: Right
you are, man.
Greiner, make a note
of that flak tower.
(WHISTLES)
Well done, Digger.
Yeah, it's not
bad, is it?
Got a light, old boy?
Yeah, there you go.
That Jerry ammunition
truck made a pretty
tempting target.
So did you when
you broke formation.
How did I know
I was going to run
into a flak tower?
You know what
I'm gonna do,
Gillibrand?
No, sir.
I'm gonna recommend
you for a medal.
(CHUCKLES) Well,
thanks very much,
Skipper. I appreciate that.
When it comes,
I'm gonna pin it
right on your tail.
(ALL LAUGHING)
Roy, what are you
gonna do on your leave?
I'm gonna sleep
for three days.
(CHUCKLING) Who with?
Me, I'm heading
right for Hyde Park.
Why Hyde Park?
I thought ducks
were out of season.
Not the kind of
birds I'm after.
How about you, Scott?
I'm gonna go anywhere
where I don't have
to look at aircrafts.
(JEEP HORN HONKS)
Group Captain Barrett
wants to see you.
He says it's urgent.
Scott, take care
of the debriefing.
Right, Skipper.
What's up?
Thank you.
Hello, Roy.
Don, what's happening?
We've got visitors.
Sir.
DAVIS: Come in, Barrett.
This is Wing Commander Grant
and Squadron Leader Adams.
Air Vice Marshal Davis
and Lieutenant Bergman.
Glad to meet you, Grant.
How do you do, sir?
How do you do?
How are you?
Sit down, gentlemen.
Congratulations, Grant.
I hear today's operation
was a great success.
We all got
back, sir.
Good.
Anyway, there'll be
no more operations
for your squadron
for the next 17 days.
You mean we're
on leave, sir?
No, I don't.
All leave is canceled
until further orders.
633 Squadron are assigned
an urgent, most secret
operation.
Your men are going
into training for it.
That's all they need
know for the present.
Do you mind
if I ask you
a question?
Yes?
Why our squadron?
What do you mean?
Some of our men have
been on 12 strikes
in the last two weeks.
They're tired, sir.
They were looking
forward to a leave.
Unfortunately, they'll have
to wait for their leave.
All leave is canceled.
Since you took over,
your squadron has
attained a high
degree of efficiency.
You can look upon
this assignment
as a reward.
I'll try to, sir.
Now, for the operation.
As you know,
the Germans have been building
mysterious concrete
blocks all up and down
France and Belgium.
At long last,
Intelligence
have come up
with the answer
to what they are.
They're rocket
launching pads. Yes.
The Huns have got
a new operational
rocket.
D-day is imminent.
These rockets could
smash the invasion.
And they're ready
by the thousand.
Why don't they
use them? Fuel.
Without very special
fuel, these rockets
would be so much scrap.
Now we come to why
Lieutenant Bergman
is here.
He's one of the leaders
of the Norwegian Linge,
the resistance.
They have discovered
the location of the
only factory
the Nazis have
at present
which can make fuel
for these rockets.
It's at a fjord
just north of Bergen.
Here's Bergen.
Here's the fjord.
It's called
the Swartsfjord.
The Black Water Fjord.
Now, as to the exact
location of the factory,
I'll let Lieutenant
Bergman tell you.
First, I must explain
that the factory itself
is not the target.
It's not the target?
No, the factory
is bomb-proof.
It is also sheltered
by a huge cliff.
Then what do we bomb?
You bomb the mountain.
You'll blow away the whole
overhanging cliff so it
buries the factory.
I should explain, too,
why you cannot bomb
from above.
The Underground
have brought in
geologists to
study the mountain.
There is a fissure
underneath the overhang.
If you explode from below,
the entire overhanging cliff
will come down, we hope.
DAVIS: The only
way you can get
into position
is to fly up
the fjord at
about 200 feet.
The Huns have flak posts
at the mouth of the fjord.
At 200 feet, you'll
be blown to hell,
which brings me
back to Bergman.
At an exact hour
on M-day, the day
of our mission,
Bergman and his men
will neutralize
the enemy flak posts.
If all goes well, Grant,
you should have a clear
run up the fjord.
If all goes well.
The factory will be
shipping fuel in 18 days.
Your special bombs
will be ready in 17.
Today is M-minus-17.
Your orders are to
obliterate the target
at whatever cost.
Any questions?
Lieutenant Bergman
will be working
closely with you.
He knows
the target well.
What are we
gonna practice on?
We've found
a valley in
Scotland.
It's not nearly as tough
as the fjord, but it's
the best we can do.
Barrett?
Sir?
This gives you exact
schedules and routes
to the training site.
Training to
commence immediately.
I think that's
all, gentlemen.
Adams, will you see that
Lieutenant Bergman
finds suitable quarters?
I certainly will, sir.
Nice to have you
with us, Lieutenant.
Thank you very much.
Wing Commander.
I just wanted to tell
you how pleased I am
you were chosen
for this operation.
I'm glad you are,
Lieutenant. I wish
I felt the same.
You give me the impression
of being able to do very
difficult things.
I do what they
tell me to do.
Ah, but this is
terribly important.
Mmm-hmm. That's what
they always say.
You sound so cynical.
Do I?
You have not
seen the Nazis
at close range.
Close enough.
In the air, yes.
I have seen them
in my own country,
torturing and
killing innocent people.
So you want to
bury them under
that mountain?
Yes, if it will
help win the war.
As long as we're
working together,
we might as well
understand each other.
We'll do the best job
we can, but as far as
I'm concerned,
it's a job, not the
Holy Grail, okay?
I will try to
remember that.
You do that.
Climb in, Lieutenant.
I'll drive you to
your quarters.
Thank you.
"X" marks the spot.
Our climb was slow.
We'll have to increase
our approach speed to 290.
How are we going
to bomb the target
even if we get the
right approach speed?
That's what we're
here to find out.
Made eight passes
already and each
one's a bust.
Skipper, just let's
sit this one out.
Don't you
trust me, Hoppy?
Like my dear old mom,
but this one's a bit dicey.
I thought you
wanted to see
Scotland.
Yeah, but not
upside down.
You had
a good day, Grant.
Not good enough.
I'll try again tomorrow.
That's yesterday,
today, tomorrow.
That's three days
out of your 17, Roy.
Perhaps you'd
better take
the squadron.
All right. I wish
there was some way
to see that target.
I could describe it
to you. Every detail.
Wasn't Bissell an artist?
BERGMAN: The center
peak is higher.
BISSELL: This one?
Yes.
And the cliff
hangs over more.
Fine.
Hmm.
What's this all
about, Skipper?
You'll find out
soon enough.
I see. Sort
of hush-hush?
Well, you sure
that's the way
it is?
I mean, as you
remember it?
Yes. That's as
good as a photograph.
Good. Thanks, Bissell.
Sir.
Bissell, how you
making out with Mary
what's-her-name?
Mary Blake?
Yeah.
Well, it's sort of
hush-hush, but we're
going to get married.
He's out of his head.
Don't you approve
of war marriages?
No. Not for me.
You don't want
any attachments?
That's right.
How wide is that
fjord at that point?
Not over 200 yards.
Mmm-hmm. What's on
the other side of
the fjord?
A lake.
A large lake.
What's that?
A sailboat.
My sister Hilde and I
used to go sailing there.
She's in England now.
How'd she get
out of Norway?
We smuggled her out
in a fishing boat
just after our
parents were killed.
And your parents,
Roy, where are they?
My parents?
My mother's dead.
I haven't seen my
father since I was a kid.
Well, I have been
more fortunate.
At least, my memories
before the war were
happy ones.
What did you do
before the war?
I was studying
to become a doctor,
until the Nazis came.
Instead of
learning how to cure,
we learned how to kill.
(MAN WHISTLING)
THOR: I will send word!
(TAPPING MORSE CODE)
With all these
reinforcements,
do you think
they'll cancel
the attack?
No. Not if Erik
can help it.
There are many
more Germans.
We'll spread ourselves
thinner and start
24-hour patrols.
Thanks.
Stand easy,
gentlemen.
I've called you here
because I've just had
a message from Intelligence.
The Germans have
moved in another
entire regiment
and a string of ack-ack
vehicles a mile long right
into our target area.
Our Underground cannot
knock out another
German regiment.
We have not enough men.
Then you'll have
to get some more.
If we can,
they will need training.
What about
a parachute attack?
It would not work.
There is no place for
them to land or to group.
Commandos, then.
There must be a way
they can work their
way into the fjord.
There is no way.
We have discarded
that idea a dozen times.
We have to send in
more men, whether
they're trained or not.
Could we have
more time?
There is no more
time. M-day stands.
Well, in that case,
we will do the best we can.
Well, Grant?
I didn't say anything, sir.
No, but I could
hear you thinking.
Under the new circumstances,
are you willing to go in?
Are you asking
me to volunteer?
No, damn it, I'm not.
I'm giving you an order.
In that case,
I volunteer.
How'd we do?
Perfect.
Wish it'd been
the Germans
down there.
Try and match that.
Speed, 295, dead on.
Altitude, 200 feet,
and keep it low.
Peel off
in this order.
Scott,
Gillibrand,
Singh.
I don't know why
you ever left
that coal mine.
That's what I could
do with right now.
A nice, deep,
cozy coal mine.
If I make a mess of this,
you'll be deeper than
any coal mine.
GRANT: Scott, peel!
Gillibrand, peel!
Stand by, Singh.
Peel!
Now!
You fool! You bloody
Australian fool!
I'm getting married.
Try and remember that.
How could I forget it?
I figured on getting
the widow for myself.
I love your raw,
colonial humor.
Bloody Aborigine!
Too close, Gillibrand.
Pull up sooner.
GILLIBRAND:
Okay, Skipper!
You think they're
ever going to get it?
Give them a week.
They'll get it.
Hey, look!
This way!
(SIREN WAILING)
(GUNS FIRING)
Thanks.
What?
You saved my neck.
Why shouldn't I?
You're damn lucky
they didn't get you.
(GUNS FIRING)
Look out!
(GUNS FIRING)
(ALARM SOUNDING)
(PEOPLE CHATTERING)
Listen, there I was
with this Messerschmitt
coming in at 12:00.
I was out of ammunition.
What did you do then?
I opened the old
escape hatch, reached up,
grabbed him by the tail
and pulled him down.
(OFFICERS LAUGHING)
(SOLDIER EXCLAIMS)
(LAUGHING)
There's a really
beautiful sight.
Haven't you seen
a pair of legs before,
you big ape?
Oh, not like
yours, sweetheart.
What's the matter
with you Aussies?
Don't they let you
see girls till
you're over 40?
HOPPY: They don't
have girls down under.
Down under what?
HOPPY: Here comes Rosie!
Stand by, lads!
(ALL TALKING AT ONCE)
I'll ask you to
step aside, sir.
I'll step aside, Rosie,
if you'll step
outside with me.
Don't listen to him.
We'll live in Australia
and raise kangaroos.
No, don't listen
to him, Rosie.
Marry me.
Belt him one
on the face.
You wouldn't hit
a lad with only
one hand?
It all depends what
he's doing with it.
(ALL LAUGHING)
Break it up, boys.
Come on, Rosie,
I will see you through.
A gentleman at last.
Here we are.
Keep you hale and
hearty till you're 90.
That's our aim,
Rosie.
Hale and hearty
till we're 90.
What do you suppose
those special bombs
are for?
Not what, who.
I got it straight from
the Adjutant's WAAF.
They're for
the paperhanger.
Berchtesgaden?
Mmm-hmm.
Wow!
One of these
bullets clipped me
right on the hand.
A medic came up and said,
"Shall I take you to
the infirmary, sir?"
I said, "No, but you
could drop this off
at the garage."
(ALL LAUGHING)
(DOOR CLICKS OPEN)
(MAN WHISTLES)
(WHISTLING)
(GROWLS)
That's for me.
Just my type.
Oh, yeah? What makes
you think you'll get
first crack?
Rank, old boy.
Excuse me.
(CLEARS THROAT)
Uh, I wonder if
I might entice you
into joining me
for a drink, my love?
Erik!
BERGMAN: Hilde!
(MEN LAUGHING)
It's been such
a long time.
Three years.
You know, sometimes,
I was so afraid I might
never see you again.
Ah, you know me
better than that.
Of course.
Let me have
a look at you.
What a fine uniform.
The Navy, isn't it?
Yes. Unfortunately,
a navy without ships.
(CHUCKLES)
I don't care.
As long as you're safe
and you're not in Norway
(EXCLAIMS)
I think we've broken
up the party. Let's
go into the parlor.
I have so many
questions to ask.
I don't know
where to start.
Some chaps have
all the luck.
Don't be silly.
That's Lieutenant
Bergman's sister.
I've got a sister.
Would you like to
see a photograph?
What use is
a photograph?
Anyway, she probably
looks like you.
(ALL LAUGHING)
Hey, same again,
Mr. Kearns.
This round's
on my sister.
Hey, Rosie, how
about some music?
(ALL TALKING AT ONCE)
Who's next, then?
Let's get another
pint of that going.
Oh! Welcome
aboard, Skipper!
MAN 1: Oh, look what
he's brought back.
(CHUCKLES)
Oh, pick me.
(GROWLING)
(ALL CHATTERING)
Come on, girls,
don't be shy!
There you are!
Sit right here,
darling!
(EXCLAIMS)
Well played!
What are you drinking?
What do you got?
Whiskey?
That's what
we're drinking.
(ALL CHEERING)
Hey, girls,
girls, girls?
How'd you manage
to break out of
the barracks?
Roy brought a ladder.
Didn't you, Roy?
A little
second-story work.
Here you are.
You've arrived just
in time to make the
party complete!
Here's to girls!
Yeah, all of 'em!
I haven't met
all of them.
You haven't met
Bergman's sister.
(WHISTLES)
She's in the
other room.
Here's to the
one I haven't met.
(ALL CHUCKLE)
Go on.
That is about
all there is.
That is how
I got to England.
And now you work
for the English?
Yes, with an
RAF squadron
as liaison officer.
But that's all
I'm permitted
to tell you.
But enough about
me. What have you
been doing?
I have been working
in the country with
children
who have been sent out
of the bombed areas.
Roy, come in.
I would like you to
meet my sister, Hilde.
Wing Commander Grant.
How do you do?
How do you do?
I was just drinking
a toast to you.
Thank you. My brother
has just been telling
me about you.
You're the girl
in the sailboat,
aren't you?
Sailboat?
Yes, I was telling
Roy about the times
we went sailing on
our lake. You remember?
Yes, I remember.
But I felt much
younger then.
The last three years
seem more like 300.
You're a mighty
pretty old lady.
Thank you, again.
But you don't have to
pay me compliments,
Wing Commander.
Just take care
of my brother.
Oh, yeah. We take
care of each other.
You know, kind of
mutual aid society.
Roy? Your drink's
getting warm.
Hmm.
Oh, excuse me.
I was just looking
for you.
I bet you were.
(GRANT MUMBLING)
Is that his fiancee?
He would be
amused to hear
you say that. No.
I don't think
he takes her
too seriously.
I feel he doesn't
take anything seriously.
But they are
all like that,
different from us.
The more they feel
something, the less
they show it.
Today in that raid,
some of their friends
were killed
and tonight they
are drinking, very gay.
And you feel that
he is dependable
for whatever it
is you're doing?
Oh, yes.
Completely.
Good morning.
Good hit,
Gillibrand.
Roger. Out, Skip.
Now!
Blue Leader to Jones.
You're up. Clobber it.
Okay, Skipper!
(PLANE ENGINE SPUTTERING)
What went wrong?
Their luck ran out.
Blue Leader
to squadron.
Form on Scott,
return to station.
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
Come in.
Sorry to disturb
you, Roy. I wanted
to speak to you.
Come on in.
What's up?
I've come to
say goodbye.
Goodbye?
Yes.
Davis heard from
the Underground.
They have not
been able to
raise enough men.
They're dropping
me in tonight.
How are you
going to get more men
if there aren't any?
There is a unit operating
in the mountains just north
of the fjord.
I might be able
to bring them down.
If you can get by
the German lines.
Yes.
Hello, this is Grant.
Get me Operations.
OPERATOR: Hold on.
I'll fly you in.
They've already
assigned a Mitchell.
To hell with a Mitchell.
I'll fly the drop.
Hello, Jerry?
Get my ship on the line.
I'm making a drop tonight.
Right.
You should not take
unnecessary risks.
Look who's talking.
I would like to see
Hilde before I go.
All right. We'll pick
her up after I talk
to Davis.
We'd planned on going
to the party tonight.
The one for
Bissell and Mary.
Oh, yeah, they're getting
married, aren't they?
Hmm.
It's funny.
Two die,
two get married.
Kind of evens
things up.
I thought you were
against marriage.
I'm also against death,
but it happens anyway.
I'd feel a lot better
if I could fly him
myself, sir.
I've ordered a Mitchell
to fly him in and also
make an arms drop.
Could I fly
the Mitchell?
You're grounded until M-day.
Grounded? When did
that happen?
I just made the decision.
Scott can lead
the remainder of
the practice flights.
What kind of
a decision is that?
I've been...
It's just that you're
too important to risk.
Yes, sir.
Is it all right
if I drive him
to the airplane,
or is that
too great a risk?
We'll take
a chance on it.
Thank you, sir.
When the war is over,
we can take Roy
sailing on our lake.
Will you come, Roy?
Sure, I'll come.
And we can go
fishing like before.
You like to fish?
Yeah, I like to fish.
(LAUGHS) Good. That
will be something to
look forward to, Hilde?
Hilde.
(SPEAKING IN NORWEGIAN)
Take good care
of her, Roy.
Good luck when
you hit that ground.
And to you,
in the air.
(PLANE ENGINES STARTING)
All right.
Are you angry with me?
No. Why should
I be angry?
You just don't
seem to be friendly.
Hell, I'm friendly.
I just got a lot on
my mind, that's all.
Now, you've got
me besides.
Is that what you
were thinking of?
No.
I promise I won't
be a bother,
but one favor
I have to ask you.
Let me know
if there is some
news about Erik.
Sure. Give me your
address and I'll
let you know.
I'm going to stay here
until I know he's safe.
No. I don't think
that's a good idea.
Why not?
There are a lot of
hungry characters
around here.
I think you do
not understand.
Erik is all that's
left for me in the world,
and now he's gone.
Yeah, I understand.
I'm sorry.
(PEOPLE SINGING)
Oh, pardon me.
Hmm?
Happy days,
old boy.
And nights.
Rosie! Rosie!
ROSIE: I'm coming!
Come on, love,
or all the bubbly
will be gone!
How about these?
Is that all
you could get?
All I could get?
There is a war on,
you know.
You could have
fooled me. I'm gonna
get some more tin cans.
Sounds like quite
a party. You want
to join them?
No, I'm not in
a party mood.
I think I'll just
go up to my room.
All right.
Oh, you don't have
to see me in.
I promised Erik
I'd take care of you.
I know what it is.
You don't want to
throw me to those
hungry characters.
That's right.
Here comes the bride,
short, fat and wide.
(ALL CHATTERING)
Skipper, care to
kiss the bride?
You bet.
(ALL CHEERING)
Just a minute!
That's enough!
Good luck, Bissell.
I brought my
luck with me.
Come on, guys!
(ALL SHOUTING)
(ALL SINGING)
Don't worry.
It's not contagious.
You sure?
Yes, I'm sure.
Well, good night
and thank you.
Good night.
Oh, Hilde?
Yes?
I've been grounded.
Grounded?
Well, that means that
I won't be flying
for a couple of days
and I was wondering
if tomorrow you were
free, maybe you...
If you're inviting me,
the answer is yes.
Good night.
Good night.
(CAR DRIVING AWAY)
(PEOPLE CHEERING)
(PLANE APPROACHING)
(CRACKING SOUND)
Erik! Erik!
It's good to
have you back.
Are you all right?
Yes, I'm fine.
Get down!
They haven't
patrolled here
before?
It happened three
days ago. They're
all over the place.
Twenty hostages were
shot for a bridge
Goth blew up.
You had orders.
No attacks.
His sister was raped.
We must bury the chute.
With all the German patrols,
it would be better to wait
till dark.
We can't.
The weapons must
get through to
the other units.
Easy.
Slow down at
the barricade.
Halt!
Go!
Halt!
GERMAN OFFICER:
Halt!
(GUNS FIRING)
(ALARM SOUNDING)
(GUNS FIRING)
(SCREAMS)
(GUNS FIRING)
(EXPLOSION)
Over the bridge!
I'll cover you.
Go on, over
the bridge!
(SHOUTING IN GERMAN)
(SPEAKING IN GERMAN)
(SCREAMING)
(PLANE ENGINE HUMMING)
What did you do
before the war, Roy?
I was a barnstormer.
Barnstormer?
Yeah. You know, aerial
circuses, aerobatics,
and things like that.
Now you fly
in the war.
Do you hate
the Germans?
I never met any.
The only ones I've
ever seen have been
through a gun sight.
Not the best way
to get acquainted.
Then why did you
enter the war
so early?
Well, I had to
do something.
The air circus folded,
so I joined the Eagle
Squadron.
It was different
with me.
Where I grew up,
everything was
very safe.
Uh-oh.
I got one.
Oh!
Oh, bring him in
before he gets away.
No, he might
throw the hook.
The idea is to give
him a little bit of play.
(CHUCKLES)
It's a sardine. It's
a Norwegian sardine.
How'd he get
over here?
All right, little sardine,
back to your fjord.
Here, you want to
take that over there?
Straighten the line out.
That's it.
Get it straight, now.
Hey, you're very good.
I used to do it
for the fishermen.
Sometimes, they even
took me out on the
boat with them.
Don, you're up late.
Roy, they've
captured Erik.
The Gestapo's got him,
and they've had him
since 8:00 this morning.
You know
what that means.
They'll work on him
and they'll break
him down and make
him talk.
This whole operation's
in danger unless we can
stop it.
How?
We know the building
they've got him in.
Gestapo headquarters
in Bergen.
This building
must be bombed.
We believe that
a single Mosquito
might get through
tonight and stop him.
You want a killer, right?
We need a man
to do a job.
You want a killer.
Listen, Roy.
Do you remember Charlie,
that collie I had?
You remember how we
nursed him when he was
run over by a lorry?
But it was no good.
He was in pain,
so I had to shoot him.
I don't care about
your canine love stories.
We're talking
about a man's life.
We are talking about
many men's lives!
I'm grounded,
remember?
That order can be
rescinded in the
circumstances.
What circumstances?
If you should
happen to volunteer.
Is there a choice?
Yes.
It's a hell
of a choice.
Who'll be
my navigator?
Bissell's volunteered.
Okay.
Tell him to get my
plane ready. I'll be
out in half an hour.
We'll be waiting for you.
Get me the Black Swan.
(CAR APPROACHING)
How are you feeling,
Lieutenant?
Very sociable.
Listen to me,
Lieutenant.
I'm going to ask
you some questions.
You will have
to answer them
sooner or later.
You will save
yourself much pain
by answering now.
What were you doing
in England, and whom
did you see there?
I was not in England.
Come, Lieutenant,
those canisters and
weapons we found
I know nothing
about them.
You are insulting
our intelligence.
We will try something
nearer home.
What is the location
of your Underground
headquarters?
I have nothing to say.
Surely you would
not deny you are
a member?
I have nothing to say.
I'm afraid we shall
have to persuade you.
Take off his clothes.
Advise Intelligence
one aircraft dispatched
en route to
pre-designated
Norwegian target.
Yes.
I can be reached here
at Sutton Craddock
Operations.
We'll wait.
He should be just
crossing the coast now.
If Bergman talks...
He won't talk.
We'll know
soon enough.
FEMALE OFFICER:
Go on, Lieutenant.
What else?
Well, Lieutenant?
(ALARM SOUNDING)
(ALARM SOUNDING)
There's the building.
(GUNS FIRING)
(BOMBS WHISTLING)
GRANT ON RADIO:
Blue Leader to Control.
Blue Leader, Control.
The wheel's down but
one light's showing.
I don't think
it's locked.
All crash crews.
All crash crews stand by
for emergency landing.
Hang on, Bissell.
This might be
a little rough.
Oh, my God.
(ALARM RINGING)
Hold it!
(MEN SHOUTING)
GRANT: Get him
out of there!
Okay, go!
And you're quite sure
it was Gestapo
headquarters you hit?
Yes, sir.
Then we can assume
that Bergman is dead.
Yes, sir.
Grant, it may seem
ironic to you,
but I'm going
to recommend you
for an award
for what you did today.
You may have saved
the whole operation.
Shall I break the news
to Bergman's sister, Roy?
I shan't mention
your part, of course.
No, I'll tell her.
Gentleman, I can't take
a chance on anything
else going wrong.
I'm going to move
up the operation.
Take off 0330
tomorrow morning.
But, sir, what
about the bombs?
They'll be here tonight.
Adams, get in touch
with the Linge.
Tell them to plan
their attack for
tomorrow.
ADAMS: Yes, sir.
At what time?
Daybreak.
Grant, you'd better
get that wound seen to.
(DOOR CLOSES)
Sir?
How's a man going
to be without a face,
and blind?
Awful, isn't it, sir?
GRANT: I killed him, Hilde.
He was in the building.
And I knew it.
You knew they
were torturing him.
You stopped it.
Erik cannot
thank you, Roy.
So, I thank
you for him.
(SOBBING)
Goodbye, Hilde.
(SOFTLY)
Goodbye?
Another mission?
I will wait for you.
I'm glad.
(SOBBING)
Oh, Roy.
Please come back.
Please do come back.
We've got a date.
DAVIS: Now, the bombs
you'll be using are what
we call earthquake bombs.
And that is literally
their purpose, to cause
an earthquake
which will bring down
the overhanging section
of this mountain
and bury that
factory which
the Germans
have built there
under that cliff.
All right, gentlemen,
you may return to
your seats.
Squadron Leader Adams
will now continue
with the briefing.
This is the flight plan
from Sutton Craddock.
By following
this dogleg
the chances of losing
the surprise element
over the sea are reduced.
If you are detected,
this route will lead
the enemy to believe
that you're on
a coastal shipping strike.
Wing Commander Grant,
anything to add?
I just would like
to remind the men
that we will drop the
bombs within 50 yards
of each other
at 10 second intervals.
The geologists calculate
that 12 bombs of this size
exploding in this
pattern, will break
loose the overhang.
Ah, Skipper, excuse me,
I'd like to ask a question.
GRANT: Go ahead.
Isn't it likely
that each plane
could be blown apart
by the explosion
of the bomb in
front of it?
Not if our
calculations
are correct.
I hope you've got
a good calculator.
(ALL CHUCKLE)
With all those
gun emplacements,
the flak's going to be
murderous, isn't it sir?
The Norwegian Underground
will attack those emplacements
at exactly 0630.
Which means, you
should be entering
the fjord
not earlier than
0655, and not later
than 0705.
DAVIS: Squadron
Leader Adams.
Time check your watches.
It's coming up
02:47 in...
...five, four, three...
...two, one, check.
Your call sign
is "Everest."
The code for
the successful
completion
of the operation
is "Vesuvius."
Sounds like that mountain
could turn into a bloody
big volcano.
(ALL LAUGHING)
Yes, and we hope
the Germans will
be under it.
Any further questions?
Yes, sir, I've
got a question.
Just a bit of
curiosity, really, but,
what does that
factory make?
You'll be told that
when you get back.
This much I can
tell you, though.
No squadron has
ever been sent out
on a more critically
important operation.
That's all, gentlemen.
Except, good luck.
Thank you, sir.
(SOLDIERS CHATTERING)
Well, Roy.
What's that?
At last, I've got Davis'
permission and the
Medical's to come along.
Without a command,
of course.
You're little late,
aren't you?
What do you mean?
You haven't been on
any practice missions.
We take off in
half an hour.
Look, I've studied every
detail of this strike
from beginning to end.
I know I can
follow you in.
Yeah. Why do you want
to risk your neck?
I'm damned if
I know, Roy.
Okay, Don.
You can take
Jones' place.
You'll lead
Red Section.
Thanks.
How do you
feel now?
Scared. And you?
Scared.
(BOTH CHUCKLE)
(RECEIVING MORSE CODE)
Johanson. Johanson.
They have moved up M-day.
They want us to
attack at 0630.
It is time to
send Matterhorn.
We are starting
the attack.
(TAPPING)
(GUNS FIRING)
Ambush! Ambush!
(GUN FIRING)
(GUNS FIRING)
Landfall nine
minutes, Skipper.
Dead on 0703.
Right.
(RECEIVING MORSE CODE)
ETA 0703, sir.
(PHONE RINGING)
633 Operation Control.
It's for you, sir.
Davis here. Yes.
What?
I see. Thank you.
Intelligence reports
the Germans ambushed
the Linge,
trailed some of
the survivors to
their hideout,
destroyed everything.
Arms, communications,
men, the lot.
When's their landfall?
MAN: 0703.
Send this message to
Wing Commander Grant.
"Linge destroyed.
"Enemy anti-aircraft intact."
(TAPPING MESSAGE)
"You have
permission
to abort."
(RECEIVING MORSE CODE)
Hoppy?
Abort.
Blue Leader
to all sections.
Enemy anti-aircraft intact.
Keep your eyes open.
We're going in.
You know, Skipper,
I'm gonna recommend
you for a medal.
And when it comes,
I'm going to pin
it right on your...
What?
On your tail.
There's Norway.
And you can have it.
We got bandits
up ahead, boys.
Got bandits up above.
Keep down low.
You all right?
Yeah.
Throw that
extinguisher,
Reynolds!
Reynolds!
Skipper!
Blue Leader to
White Section.
I'm coming back
to cover your run.
Roger, Blue Leader!
Hit it!
(BOMB WHISTLING)
(RECEIVING MORSE CODE)
"Four hits.
"Three aircraft lost.
"Two crews ditched
in fjord."
You've got bandits
at 7:00, Clark.
Bandits at 7:00.
Dive, Clark!
(GUNS FIRING)
Come on, Green Section.
You're way behind.
Come on, Green Section.
Bomb release!
Bombs...
Put it out!
Put the bloody
thing out!
Break for the fjord.
Gillibrand, break
for the fjord.
How many hits?
Six.
Send it.
Won't that
mountain ever go?
Send it!
(RECEIVING MORSE CODE)
"Six direct hits.
"Nine
"aircraft lost.
"One bomb left."
I'm coming in on
target now with
an engine dead.
Now!
Skipper! It's going!
It's going!
(HILL RUMBLING)
(RECEIVING MORSE CODE)
Vesuvius, sir.
Vesuvius.
All right, Scott,
let's get the hell
out of here.
You lead,
and I'll cover.
Roger, Skipper.
(METALLIC CREAKING)
(SPEAKING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
Skipper!
Skipper!
You okay?
Yes. Yes, Skipper.
Can you move?
Where does it hurt?
(GRUNTS)
All over.
I can't raise
them, sir.
Keep trying.
Keep trying.
Yes. He's coming on
the line now, sir.
Davis here, sir.
Vesuvius, sir.
Complete success.
Thank you, sir.
Well, at least
the rockets won't happen.
Of course
they'll happen.
They won't start
tomorrow or this month
or on D-day,
and that's important.
Then what's it
all add up to?
All their sacrifice?
A successful operation.
But they're
probably all dead,
all 633 Squadron.
You can't kill
a squadron.