Thanks for the memories!

Just so...so bad

Crappy film

best movie i've ever seen.

Some may not like this film, where a little slow love interest moves in, but nevertheless, it works within the plot totally (and I'm not one for mush!). Gregory Peck, he whom makes any standard film above that, is the central character, Squadron Leader Bill Forrester. Again, the man plagued by problems, that of depression sinking in after the death of his wife in a blitz on wartime London, surviving the very same himself. He's now stationed in Burma in the last stages of the war, but noticeably at odds with his squadron over his rantings which, undoubtedly have got the better of him, much to their angst. Everyone is affected by his angst which is getting more wayward and frustrating to all day by day and even the CO wants him out.Thankfully, on the base, the laid-back Doctor Harris (ok, the 'M.O') (Bernard Lee) suggests he accompany him out of the 'camp' to see the other side and perhaps, why we're fighting this war. Harris introduces him to a missionary station run by a Mrs McNab (Brenda De Banzie). She welcomes Forrester to the 'enclave' where he meets a lovely, pretty Burmese teacher, Anna (Win Min Than). The love interest that then matures between them will obviously, and does, bring him out of his depressed state, as well as seeing how the missionary Mrs McNab has shown him the other side of himself via the mission - it'd humble anybody. However, the war is always still there, Forrester is sent on a mission with the friendly but matter-of-fact Blore, the photo-reconnaissance man, played with usual upper-class aplomb in authoritative character actor, Maurice Denham (has that guy EVER looked young/had hair?). They and another new officer posted to the squadron, Carrington (Lyndon Brook) subsequently take off on the mission, but suffer engine problems and crash-land in a desolate, arid area of Burma - the film significantly changes tack where you least expect, I think, where the three have to survive in the 'purple plain'. Short of food, water and the intense heat, the characters come together or work against each other, in the case of Blore, the latter now finding himself at odds with Forrester, especially as they have to 'carry' Carrington as he was injured in the subsequent crash-landing. As the wilderness kicks into their attitude and physical being, Blore finally shoots himself, leaving just Forrester and Carrington finally making it home. Forrester's love for Anna saw him through his worst time and the next time again. This film is one of those that doesn't feature a lot on TV, but it should, but it's still 'familiar' and remains in the back of your mind from time to time in movie history, as I say probably for not being shown enough. Brenda De Banzie's character did honestly get on my nerves with her 'Christian missionary' rantings, but it was central to the plot in bringing Forrester out of himself. This is also another film that features the excellent De Havilland Mosquito fighter-bomber. There are some moments of 'special effects' of the day, in this respect, maybe a bit laughable after the CGI of today, but still, competent for the time - watch it, it's good!

This is a good war film, unusual in that we never get to see the enemy. The cast is small but effective. A couple of minor points grated a little - as Marlonius has already mentioned, Peck really should have picked up Blore's hat for his heroic trek with the injured navigator; early on in the film it was made clear to us how extremely hot the climate was, with the men's tunics soaked in sweat. And after the crash Peck quickly sprouted some impressive bristles, which then all but disappeared.SPOILER: We saw Peck realising he had found water, then there was an immediate switch back to the airfield where the CO explained what happened next.It was almost as if the makers of the film had realised they were running out of time or money and decided to omit a few scenes.But all in all this is a convincing production that merits a highish ranking among war films (say in the second quartile).

A fine movie about a suicide-minded pilot fighting in Burma during World War II. The Gregory Peck character lost his bride during the German bombing of London, needs to find a purpose for living. He'll soon find it, as there's much need for able men not only in the hero department but also pretty girls need attention -- even in the Burma jungle.The themes of duty, courage, purpose, tenacity and redemption ride deep, and there's enough patriotism and faith to make any godless liberals in the audience cringe like Dracula facing a Crucifix. The Burma locations add a lot, as do the high production standards. They knew how to make good movies 50 years ago -- unlike today.This film has real heroes. Today's cocaine-soaked film industry only knows about comic book-style Super Heroes, who fight make-believe enemies using only the weapon of computer animation. They offer nothing to the younger generation save for inspiration fire up the PlayStation. Moral bankruptcy for the Bevis and Butthead audience; grown-ups (12 and older) are the forgotten audience.Gregory Peck made lots of excellent films prior to his dreadful (but Oscar winning) role of Aticus Finch. The Purple Plain is a fine example of his acting and star quality. Sadly, Peck just went to the dogs the last years of his career.Not only were movies better in 1954, but watching them was better. I saw The Purple Plain at Loew's Capitol Theatre -- the most deluxe theater that ever existed in Washington, DC. With its giant screen (largest ever), stereo sound and 3645 seats, you could sit in an atmosphere that would make the Emperor of China green with envy.

This is an odd film and I don't mean this in a negative way. All too often, films seem derivative and predictable, though this film excels in being different and placing Gregory Peck in a very unusual role--that of a fighter-bomber pilot fighting for the British Empire during WWII. While I loved the film because it featured nice aerial shots of the De Havilland Mosquito (the plane), it was not really a film about dogfights and bombing missions but was instead a character study of Peck as he tries to survive and keep his injured comrade alive. At times the film uses some flashbacks, but generally it is a straight drama about how the crash of his plane impacts him and gets him to reassess his life.Different and a film that allows this wonderful actor to exert his acting muscles.