‘The Blue Max’ is one of the most authentic wartime aviation films. Set during WW I, when air warfare was in its infancy, the film traces the flight path of a young German fighter pilot who grows too big for his boots in his blind quest for Imperial Germany’s highest military decoration.
The plot centers around Leutnant Bruno Satchel, a Corporal, who had himself transferred to the Air Corps during WW I. Satchel is an arrogant and ambitious young man who eyes ‘The Blue Max’ and considers that to be beyond his duty to his country. In his quest he befriends no one and goes about his business shooting down enemy planes, sometimes despite orders not to engage.
As his fame grows, German propagandists use his image to shore up dipping morale. On a routine mission with another pilot, Willi von Klugermann, Satchel claims two of Willi’s kills as his own after Willi’s plane crashes. When this is reported to the higher-ups, Satchel’s image is under threat as is the credibility of the propaganda. Will the German military give him ‘The Blue Max’ or will they have him investigated is what the plot tries to uncover.
John Guillermin’s direction is thrilling to say the least. The flying is authentic with absolutely no special effects. The dog fights are superbly choreographed, exposing the viewer to the grave danger that pilots were exposed to in the early years. The sub-plots revolving around Satchel’s personal tail-spin and his run-ins with the authorities and colleagues are handled with the same effectiveness making for superb all-round viewing.
George Peppard as Bruno Satchel towers over the cast in his portrayal of a cold and calculative, yet sometimes immature young man. His body language, finely tuned physique and intense acting are a convincing combination in a stirring portrayal. Ursula Andrews as the voluptuous and scheming Countess Kaeti von Klugermann, who seduces Satchel and turns against him when he spurns her escape offer is at her sexy best.
‘The Blue Max’ is a must-watch for those interesting in wartime aviation and war movies in general.
