Aces High

The first World War is in its third year and aerial combat above the Western Front is consuming the nation's favored children at an appalling rate. By early 1917, the average life-span of a British pilot is less than a fortnight. Such losses place a fearsome strain on Gresham, commanding officer of the squadron. Aces High recreates the early days of the Royal Flying Corps with some magnificently staged aerial battles, and sensitive direction presents a moving portrayal of the futilities of war.

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  Malcolm McDowell

  Maj. John Gresham
• 
  Christopher Plummer

  Capt. 'Uncle' Sinclair
• 
  Simon Ward

  Lt. Crawford
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  Peter Firth

  Lt. Stephen Croft
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  David Wood

  Lt. 'Tommy' Thompson
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  John Gielgud

  Headmaster
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  Trevor Howard

  Lieutenant Colonel Silkin
• 
  Richard Johnson

  Major Lyle
• 
  Ray Milland

  Brigadier General Whale
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  Gilles Béhat

  Captain Beckenauer