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The Way to the Stars

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At an English RAF base, bomber flight leader David Archdale (Michael Redgrave) masks his concern over his possible fate from his wife, Toddy (Rosamund John). Young pilot Peter Penrose (John Mills) arrives at the base, and his enthusiasm soon dims as the war takes its toll. When American flyers begin arriving, Yank Johnny Hollis (Douglass Montgomery) provides Toddy with much-needed friendship, while Peter's mounting bitterness comes between him and his girlfriend, Iris (Renee Asherson).

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The Way to the Stars

Critics Reviews

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Ian Kane Epoch Times 12/31/2023
4/5
“Johnny in the Clouds” is an impressive war drama with a solid cast, positive messages about duty and camaraderie. Go to Full Review MFB Critics Monthly Film Bulletin 03/03/2019
No other film has so subtly and so truthfully portrayed the life of the airman in war, its problems, its hazards, its exaggerated casualness towards death, its courage, its humour, its comradeship. Go to Full Review John J. Puccio Movie Metropolis 07/14/2011
8/10
...good, straight-ahead drama, with fine acting and solid direction. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Paul G @RT67423558 03/03/2021 The US/RAF acceptance of each other was an interesting thread but overall not that much happens of interest, feels more like a soap opera and no actual flying - everything happens on the base. See more Paul B @RT59122977 02/27/2020 Absolute classic British war film. Great performances all round. See more 09/12/2014 Exceptionally well-written and acted; one of the best of the British WWII dramas. See more 07/20/2011 Stereotypical British RAF (reserved and talk tea) meet stereotypical American USAAF (brash, loud, cocky) over in jolly ol' England where they start their bombing missions to Germany. The film gets into the feelings of the men fighting and the public who are affected. This film shows no actual war footage - just highlights the emotional aspect of the impact war has. The film is well handled under the direction of Asquith and there is a very strong cast. It would have been nice to paint a more realistic portrait of the men instead of relying so heavily on stereotypes to craft a more complex story. Definitely worth seeing. See more ashley h @ashleyhobgood87 11/24/2010 The Way to the Stars is an excellent film. Michael Redgrave and John Mills give incredible performances. The screenplay is well written. The settings are also remarkable. Anthony Asquith did a great job directing this movie. I enjoyed this motion picture because of the drama and romance. The Way to the Stars is a must see. See more 08/21/2010 good brit WWII drama good brit WWII drama good brit See more Read all reviews
The Way to the Stars

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Cast & Crew

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Anthony Asquith

Director

John Mills

Peter Penrose

Michael Redgrave

David Archdale

Rosamund John

Miss Todd

Douglass Montgomery

Johnny Hollis

Renée Asherson

Iris Winterton
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The Way to the Stars

The Way to the Stars (1945) The Way to the Stars (1945) The Way to the Stars (1945) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis At an English RAF base, bomber flight leader David Archdale (Michael Redgrave) masks his concern over his possible fate from his wife, Toddy (Rosamund John). Young pilot Peter Penrose (John Mills) arrives at the base, and his enthusiasm soon dims as the war takes its toll. When American flyers begin arriving, Yank Johnny Hollis (Douglass Montgomery) provides Toddy with much-needed friendship, while Peter's mounting bitterness comes between him and his girlfriend, Iris (Renee Asherson).
Director
Anthony Asquith
Producer
Anatole de Grunwald
Screenwriter
Terence Rattigan, Anatole de Grunwald, Richard Sherman
Production Co
Two Cities Films Ltd.
Genre
War
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 25, 2018
Runtime
1h 49m
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