In London, World War II fighter Clark Gable (as K.C. "Casey" Dennis) has the unenviable job as the commander in charge of sending bombers on risky missions into Germany. A top secret "Operation Stitch" incurs a massive loss of American pilots, but Mr. Gable believes the mission is worth a high casualty rate. The targeted sites are factories where Nazis build superior aircraft; with these planes, they will be able to win the air war. The first of three strikes brings record losses of life. This raises concerns from superior officers, politicians and the press. Gable's mission to destroy German aircraft may be grounded...
From the successful novel and play by William Wister Haines, "Command Decision" sometimes feels a little confined on screen. This is especially evident when the cast is shot in close-up while they watch planes return from a dangerous mission. However, the scene is edited well. Otherwise, director Sam Wood performs exceptionally in moving the story and actors. Gable has one of his better roles; it is interesting to see him perform without action sequences and beautiful women. Others in the cast are uniformly outstanding, with Walter Pidgeon getting the next best part. He and Gable deliver long speeches convincingly.
******** Command Decision (12/23/48) Sam Wood ~ Clark Gable, Walter Pidgeon, Van Johnson, Brian Donlevy
From the successful novel and play by William Wister Haines, "Command Decision" sometimes feels a little confined on screen. This is especially evident when the cast is shot in close-up while they watch planes return from a dangerous mission. However, the scene is edited well. Otherwise, director Sam Wood performs exceptionally in moving the story and actors. Gable has one of his better roles; it is interesting to see him perform without action sequences and beautiful women. Others in the cast are uniformly outstanding, with Walter Pidgeon getting the next best part. He and Gable deliver long speeches convincingly.
******** Command Decision (12/23/48) Sam Wood ~ Clark Gable, Walter Pidgeon, Van Johnson, Brian Donlevy