Dawn Patrol [VHS]

This is easily Errol Flynn's best film. He plays a commander, friend, hero, guilt ridden man and humanist. This film contains no women, no romantic interest, it just deals with young men, facing death on a daily basis. This film came out just before the second world war, making the point that untrianed amateurs will never truly succeed against systematic Germans. Errol really acts in this film, his friendship and affection for David Niven's character is obvious, and his grief and suffering on his supposed death is well played. Basil Rathbone is also great, as is Niven as the wonderfull Scott. This film is almost forgotten now, but it demonstrates three fine actors feeding off each other perfectly.

If you enjoy Films like the Blue Max or Aces High then the Dawn Patrol is not to be missed. With the cream of early actors like David Nivern and Eyrol Flynn (Who plays the Stressed and Guilty C.O perfectly) at there very best. The film is set in France 1915. New recruits are needlessly sacrificed at the front after only a few hours training. The verteran officers cope with the stress and personal anger while there is chaos all around them. The whole film comes gradually reveals fear of the officers. though it Its not just another anti-war piece. It has a very adventerous aspect in Flynn and Nivern's raid on an enemy airfield. 'Keep the boot's they don't fit!' If you are facinated by the early exploits of wartime aviators then you'll love this film.

War films come in many varieties. The action packed fantasy such as Where Eagles Dare, and the viscerally realistic such as Saving Private Ryan. But the ones that engage me most are the studies of the human cost of war, and the effects that the constant brutality has upon ordinary people pushed into extraordinary situations. Chief among my favourites of this type are `The Cruel Sea', and the superb `Dawn Patrol'.

This is a deeply moving film, which studies the effect of constant combat upon a squadron of fliers in the first world war. Errol Flynn puts in one of his greatest performances as Courtney, the lead flying officer. Constantly railing against his CO Brand, played by Basil Rathbone, for sending him up with boys with no flying experience in worn out planes. Flynn brings his usual derring-do to the role, but manages to bring a real depth to the character also. When Brand is promoted and Courtney has to take over, Flynn's portrayal of his descent into a nervous wreck is a great piece of acting.

Alongside Flynn is David Niven as his good friend Scott. Niven, who often just coasted through films relying on his good looks and charm, turns in one of his finest performances, only equalled by his turn in `Guns of Navarone'. Like Flynn he starts off as a loveable rogue, full of bonhomie, who is hardened and changed as the war goes on and on and tragedy after tragedy strikes those around them.

The film builds up the tension and emotional stress expertly leading up to a trilling finale - one man is required to fly a virtually suicide mission behind enemy lines. The ending is fairly guessable, but is played out so expertly that it brings a lump to the throat.

In addition to the excellent performances, there is also the great action set pieces. There is lots of thrilling footage of planes and dogfights, which leave the viewer breathless with excitement.

The picture and sound quality on this release are superb. The picture is sharp with all artefacts and jumps removed. The aspect ratio is 4:3. The sound is mono only, but comes through clearly and is synchronised well with the film. An excellent job has been made with these aspects. There are lots of extras, which are mainly contemporary short releases from WB that seem to have no relationship to the film, which is a bit odd. I really don't know why they were included.

An excellent release for this classic film, with a fine performance from the King of the action adventure. Five stars, no hesitation.