The Blue Max is a 1966 British WWI war film about a German fighter pilot on the Western Front during World War I. It stars George Peppard, James Mason and Ursula Andress.

This stirring drama centres around a por German man who is promoted into the elite ranks of the German Air force, to the dismay of his higher born fellow flyers. To overcome this stigma, he proves that he will go to any length to earn the highest flying medal, The Blue Max – but he learn quickly, there is a price to be proclaimed a hero, and dishonour catches up with you.

From Director John Guillermin (The Towering Inferno, King Kong).

Awards

• BAFTA Awards 1967 – Won Best British Art Direction, Nominated for Best British Cinematography and Best British Costume

The Blue Max Reviews

“The Blue Max is a classic aviation movie that I remember from my childhood. As a kid interested in anything that related to flying, this was one movie that really fueled my fancy. Due to the limitations of childhood (rigidly imposed bedtimes), I never got to see it completely until it came to DVD. It turns out that the DVD version was definitely worth the wait! The movie is a feast for the eyes and the ears. The film is loaded with spectacular aerial footage, and the dogfights were done with replicas of the real aircraft rather than with miniatures, reflecting the million dollar budget that was exorbitant by 1966 standards.
When I was young the dogfight scenes were impressive but now, seeing this in its entirety for the first time, I am quite overwhelmed. Those scenes are filmed so well that one almost feels inside the cockpit. What is more remarkable is that this movie was made without the use of the computerized visuals that are so common today. My only regret is in seeing this movie on a regular television and not a large screen with a real sound system.” Movie House Commentary

“Despite a lengthy running time and a plot that tends to get bogged down at times, the aerial sequences and attention to period detail in The Blue Max make it an easy film to like and enjoy repeated viewings. Virtually anything with James Mason is worth your time, even with star George Peppard virtually sleepwalking through his role. Seeing things from the German perspective also makes for a welcome diversion…Recom­mended.” DVD Verdict

“Set in the waning years of World War I, The Blue Max is one of the best WWI movies and one of the best war movies I have ever seen. Unusual among historical war movies in that it concentrates upon WWI at all, it also shows the war from the point of view of the Germans..The audio and video quality of this release are quite high. The visuals are as stunning as you could hope for in a film about flying..The sound is clear and lovely, even over the occasional roaring engine. The stock footage is a bit faded, but probably no more so than it was when the film was released in 1966…The rags to riches, nobles vs. the peasant tale isn't nearly as heavy-handed or cliché as you might fear; this film is no Mighty Ducks, in other words. If you enjoy action, adventure, even love stories, or just beautifully filmed movies, then you will absolutely want to get this one.” needcoffee.com