Aces High (1976)
A powerful WWI aerial drama where courage, loss, and the brutal arithmetic of survival collide above the Western Front.
Aces High - Movie Information
- Original Title: Aces High
- Release Year: 1976
- Directed by: Jack Gold
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Drama, War
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 1h 54m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: German, French, English
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 19, 1976 (United Kingdom - PG), December 10, 1977 (United States - PG), September 29, 1976 (Germany - 12)
- Alternative Titles: Асы в небе (RU), Ases do Espaço (BR), Asy przestworzy (PL), 碧血長空爭霸爭 (HK), La Bataille du Ciel (FR)
- Production Companies: Les Productions Jacques Roitfeld, S. Benjamin Fisz Productions
- Production Countries: France, United Kingdom
Aces High - Plot
The first World War is in its third year and aerial combat above the Western Front is consuming the nation's favored children at an appalling rate. By early 1917, the average life-span of a British pilot is less than a fortnight. Such losses place a fearsome strain on Gresham, commanding officer of the squadron. Aces High recreates the early days of the Royal Flying Corps with some magnificently staged aerial battles, and sensitive direction presents a moving portrayal of the futilities of war.
Aces High - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the aerial drama unfold:
High above the trenches 14 days is a long life...This is the 15th day!
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Aces High - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jack Gold
Main Cast
- Malcolm McDowell
- Christopher Plummer
- Simon Ward
- Peter Firth
- David Wood
- John Gielgud
- Trevor Howard
- Richard Johnson
- Ray Milland
- Gilles Béhat
Writers
- Howard Barker
Producers
- Benjamin Fisz
- Jacques Roitfeld
Aces High - FAQs
Who are the main actors in Aces High?
Aces High features a remarkable ensemble cast led by Malcolm McDowell as the battle-worn Major Gresham and Christopher Plummer as the seasoned Captain Sinclair. You'll also see Simon Ward, Peter Firth, John Gielgud, Trevor Howard, Richard Johnson, and Ray Milland rounding out this impressive lineup.
Is Aces High based on a true story?
Aces High is based on R.C. Sherriff's celebrated 1928 stage play Journey's End, which drew heavily from Sherriff's own experiences as a World War I officer. While the characters are fictional, the harrowing conditions and psychological toll depicted reflect the very real horrors faced by RFC pilots on the Western Front.
What is Aces High about?
Set in 1917, Aces High follows a British Royal Flying Corps squadron on the Western Front, where the average pilot survives less than two weeks. The film blends spectacular aerial dogfights with an intimate portrait of leadership under unbearable pressure, exploring themes of courage, trauma, and the devastating futility of war.
How does Aces High portray PTSD and psychological trauma?
The film is notably candid for its era in depicting the psychological toll of combat. Malcolm McDowell's Major Gresham drinks heavily to cope with sending young pilots to near-certain death, while new recruit Lieutenant Croft visibly deteriorates under the weight of fear and loss — a raw, honest portrayal of what we now call PTSD.
Where can I stream or watch Aces High?
You can watch Aces High on several platforms. It's available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. If you prefer free viewing, both Tubi TV (with ads) and Plex offer it at no cost.
What is the age rating for Aces High?
Aces High carries a PG rating in the United States. While the film deals with the grim realities of World War I aerial combat, including themes of death, fear, and psychological breakdown, it was considered suitable for general audiences with parental guidance when it was released in 1977.
How long is Aces High?
Aces High runs for 1 hour and 54 minutes (114 minutes). The runtime gives the film room to balance its thrilling aerial battle sequences with the quieter, more intimate moments in the mess hall and barracks that reveal the emotional cost of war on the men who fight it.
What are some movies similar to Aces High?
If Aces High resonated with you, check out Journey's End (2017), which adapts the same source play, as well as Hurricane (2018) and Devotion (2022) for more stories of wartime aviators. The Forgotten Battle (2021) and The King's Man (2021) also offer compelling WWI-era drama worth exploring.
More About Aces High
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