The Way to the Stars

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The Way to the Stars

1945

1h 49m

War

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3 Reviews

77%

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100+ Ratings

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).

Ian Kane

Epoch Times

“Johnny in the Clouds” is an impressive war drama with a solid cast, positive messages about duty and camaraderie.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 31, 2023

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MFB Critics

Monthly Film Bulletin

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.

Mar 3, 2019

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John J. Puccio

Movie Metropolis

...good, straight-ahead drama, with fine acting and solid direction.

Rated: 8/10

Jul 14, 2011

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Audience Member

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.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/27/23

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Audience Member

Absolute classic British war film. Great performances all round.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/11/23

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Audience Member

Exceptionally well-written and acted; one of the best of the British WWII dramas.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/27/23

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Audience Member

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.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/09/23

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ashley h

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.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

good brit WWII drama good brit WWII drama good brit

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/25/23

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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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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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