Prime. Sahara, a 1943 war movie starring Humphrey Bogart as an American tank commander in North Africa, with his crew fleeing the German offensive at Tobruk. They, and those they pick up along the way, make a stand against a German battalion at a water hole in the Sahara. I don’t remember ever seeing it before.

The War Lover, Steve McQueen and Robert Wagner. 1962 movie about an 8th Air Force B-17 crew (McQueen as pilot and Wagner as co-pilot) flying missions over Germany in 1943. McQueens character is a “dare-devil World War II bomber pilot with a death wish. Failing at everything not involving flying, Rickson lives for the most dangerous missions. His crew lives with this aspect of his personality only because they know he always brings them back alive.” (IMBD)

It seems to me that McQueen’s role as Buzz Rickson is one of his best, yet it’s not discussed like The Great Escape, or The Sand Pebbles, other films. I don’t remember seeing this one before either.

Interesting to me that last Saturday was a work day out at Frontier Park, in preparation for next month’s Cheyenne Frontier Days. We were talking about Frontier Park during WWII and the United Airlines Modiication Center, which performed the “Cheyenne Modification” to B-17s, characterized by a new tail gun turret design with a reflector sight and a wider field of fire. The 17s in the movie had this modification, fielded in 1944, while the movie was set in ‘43. That flaw aside, McQueen and Wagner were both great, and if you haven’t seen it, or haven’t seen it in a long time, I recommend you seek out both movies.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: TMats,

Saw The War Lover several times. One of my favorites. (My sister was shocked once when I recited the lines as they were said.) A mediocre movie, perhaps, but in a way showcased McQueen's real personality like no other.

"I fly by the book, but Buzz, well he flies like he's a part of the plane."

This message has been edited. Last edited by: kkina,

Have watched Sahara numerous times. Great movie.

Don't think I've ever seen The War Lover though.

I have to say I like the 're-make' of Sahara with John Belushi better than the original.

Better double-check your Belushis.

Today I watched Twelve O’Clock High. I’ve seen it, but it had been a long time. I immediately recognized the opening scene where Dean Jagger’s character walked out onto the old airfield as a civilian after the War, but I didn’t recall it so well that it wasn’t absolutely worthwhile to watch.

What a great movie, with at least two outstanding performances: Gregory Peck as Brig. Gen. Frank Savage, and Desn Jagger as Maj. Stovall. Both were nominated for Oscars, and Jarrett won Best Supporting Actor. Broderick Crawford won Best Actor for All the King’s Men, which also won Best Picture— Twelve O’Clock High was also nominated.

I have never seen the movie Broderick Crawford won the award for, but he must have been great, because Peck’s character was incredibly complex. Always keeping up his hard-ass persona, he displayed happiness and immense pride in the bomb group, both without letting anyone in on his emotions. Ultimately, of course, he broke down, at least for awhile.

What a great movie.

^^I will admit that every time I watch that one, I raise a glass as Dean Jagger's character mounts the bicycle heading out. Outstanding movie!

He’s watching you.