The Dam Busters: back for Anzac weekend

The World War II classic The Dam Busters returns to the big screen in Geraldine this coming weekend.

This 1955 film tells how the British attacked German hydroelectric dams in World War II using an ingenious technique to drop bombs where they would be most effective. The true account of Dr Barnes Wallis (Michael Redgrave) and his incredible bouncing bombs makes for a riveting slice of cinema.

The British, desperate to hit the steel-producing Ruhr Valley where it hurts, realise that blowing the dams could cripple the German war effort. But no plane is yet big enough to carry the estimated 30-tonne bomb needed, and the accuracy demanded is almost impossible. These odds are dealt with by an upper-lip attitude so stiff that pride is never under question, despite the many setbacks that lie ahead. Wallis diligently works away, trying to perfect a bomb that can skip along the water before finally smacking right into the dam. Meanwhile, officials in Whitehall create a load of red tape. A squadron of gung-ho but eminently polite pilots, headed by Wing Commander Guy Gibson (Richard Todd), works day and night to perfect the skills they’ll need for this dangerous mission.

This absorbing background setup takes up nearly two-thirds of the film and ensures that you’re firmly fixed to the edge of your seat once it’s time for the raid. Nail-biting tension takes over as the pilots make their way to Germany, while Wallis paces anxiously, waiting to hear if his scheme will work. Meanwhile, the audience is treated to a legendary grand finale of special effects.

On paper The DamBusters is exciting, but the film works brilliantly in allowing the suspense to slowly build as the viewer invests their hopes and fears into this remarkable story.

The Dam Busters screens at the Geraldine Cinema this Sun 23 April, at 2pm; all seats $10.00. Mr Walsh wishes to thank the film’s distributors, Studio Canal Films Ltd, for allowing this film to be exhibited again on the big screen.