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      Above and Beyond

      Released Nov 21, 1952 2h 2m History Drama List
      Reviews 67% 100+ Ratings Audience Score In this moving 1953 drama from director Melvin Frank, Col. Paul Tibbets (Robert Taylor), commander of the 509th Composite Group during World War II, struggles to come to grips with his peculiar place in human history: He's the first man to ever drop an atomic bomb. While his wife, Lucey (Eleanor Parker), has stayed loyal to him, the aftermath of causing such destruction leaves Paul questioning his humanity and the mission that may have forever diminished it. Read More Read Less Watch on Fandango at Home Premiered Aug 04 Buy Now

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      Audience Reviews

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      Steve D Interesting but fairly wooden. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 06/24/23 Full Review Audience Member Very,very moving film. What made it so gripping was that i read about the relationship and friendship between the star of the film robert taylor and The guy he was playing-- Colonel paul Tibbetts. So the story was not just a hollywood script but the guy he was playing was telling Robert taylor what was going on in his miInd and how he felt This movie was 1952. The dropping oF the first atomic bomB in huMan history was just 7 years earlier in 1945. Tibbetts had time to think this over and be of great help to robert taylor This made quite a difference to me. This wasn't hollywood's idea of what happened but what---actually--- happened on that day. One young guy---tibbetts was only 29/30. A lot to deal with at that age----particuarly when you have a wife and kids Very sobering. As an american who has been in the service it made me very appreciative to have a guy like paul tibbetts picked to do this job---which, Unfortunately had to be done to end that war and save lives Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/15/23 Full Review Audience Member True story of WW2. The classified file been shared open and made into a movie. Robert Taylor is a Air Force Lt.Col from a fighter squadron, been handpick by a General Larry Keating to head a top secret project mission for his integrity and dedication. After landing to see his wife Eleanor Parker, he has to head to his new bomber unit. James Whitmore is the Major in charge of security of this mission. After recruiting soldiers and informing of the utmost secrecy, secret agents were deploy to test most of them. Some soldiers didn't reveal anything whereas some are big mouth. After the test is done, Robert has countless meetings with the scientist and engineers to create an atomic bomb code name Operation Silverplate. At first he is reluctant to get his wife and 2 young kids over to the base and live but he give in. Soon the pressure of the ops, conscious and secrecy is driving him mad and Eleanor also cannot take it anymore. Robert want to send the family back but she wouldn't leave without knowing what is going on. She find James but he can't reveal anything. The group discover the atom bomb must be activated at 1600 feet and the crew practise the altitude. He was promote to full Colonel. Finally the mission is a go ahead. Robert on flight told all the crew of this real mission. Out of the 4 Japanese cities, Hiroshima has the clear weather and the bomber pick it as the target and succeed. Robert is a hero and receive medal of honor. He return home and embrace Eleanor. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/22/23 Full Review Audience Member Good, but could have been better. Laboriously shows all the anguish and stress Colonel Paul Tibbets went through in preparing the 509th Composite Bomb Group to drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Shows not only the the effects on his military life but also his private life, as he couldn't reveal anything to his wife. Is great, from an historic perspective. But most of the human-drama scenes, especially those involving his wife, are over-dramatic. Robert Taylor is rather stiff and unrealistic as Colonel Tibbets. Eleanor Parker is irriitating as his wife. If it wasn't for the final 20-30 minutes, where the mission all comes together, this movie would have been a waste of time. But that's the point, I guess. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/20/23 Full Review ashley h This movie kept me interested. Rod Steward and Elanor Parker gave excellent performances. The storyline was amazing. Melvin Frank and Norman Panama did a good job directing this motion picture. This movie is a must see if you like war films. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member Great film...a lil slow paced but still worth a watch. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/16/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      Above and Beyond

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      Critics Reviews

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      Manny Farber The Nation A picture that is interesting despite its lack of filmic virtues. Sep 15, 2021 Full Review Clyde Gilmour Maclean's Magazine The story is told with an admirable blend of excitement and decent sobriety. Dec 2, 2019 Full Review Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews Spirited flag-waver about doing a controversial mission beyond one's duty. Rated: B- Sep 5, 2009 Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Though the story of Col. Paul Thibbetts (Robert Taylor), the pilot who dropped the bomb on Hirsohima, is interesting, the movie is compromised by having too many domestic scenes with his wife (Eleanor Parker). Rated: C+ Jan 31, 2006 Full Review Read all reviews

      Movie Info

      Synopsis In this moving 1953 drama from director Melvin Frank, Col. Paul Tibbets (Robert Taylor), commander of the 509th Composite Group during World War II, struggles to come to grips with his peculiar place in human history: He's the first man to ever drop an atomic bomb. While his wife, Lucey (Eleanor Parker), has stayed loyal to him, the aftermath of causing such destruction leaves Paul questioning his humanity and the mission that may have forever diminished it.
      Director
      Melvin Frank, Norman Panama
      Screenwriter
      Beirne Lay Jr., Melvin Frank, Norman Panama, Beirne Lay Jr.
      Distributor
      Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
      Production Co
      Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
      Genre
      History, Drama
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Theaters)
      Nov 21, 1952, Original
      Release Date (Streaming)
      Aug 4, 2009
      Runtime
      2h 2m
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