Von Richthofen and Brown (1971)
Directed by Roger Corman
Genres - Action, Adventure, Drama, War |
Sub-Genres - Biopic [feature], Combat Films, War Drama |
Release Date - Jun 30, 1971 (USA), Jul 28, 1971 (USA - Unknown) |
Run Time - 97 min. |
Countries - United States |
MPAA Rating - PG13
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Synopsis by Clarke Fountain
This film of the wartime exploits of Baron Von Richthoven, who was also known as the "Red Baron," was a relatively lavish Corman-brothers production, and is directed by Roger Corman. The film's airborne dogfight sequences are among its most notable features. Vintage World War I airplanes were used, and accidents during filming resulted in one death and several injuries. The evolution of airborne warfare from being a sporting game between gentlemen to its use as an instrument of total war is integral to the story. Von Richthoven (John Phillip Law), who becomes an air ace and an important German hero, was an early aeronautical rival of Hermann Goering (Barry Primus). So important was he to German morale that he was asked to retire from fighting, so that he could assume a position in the post-war German government. He refused, and was killed by a young Canadian (Don Stroud) in an airborne battle. Spookily enough, even though he died in the air, his plane is reputed to have landed intact.
Characteristics
Themes
Keywords
war, accident, aerial, attack, barnstorming, battle [war], Britain, competition, courage, death, dogfight [airplanes], ego, enemy, fame, fighter, flight, flying, flying-ace, Germany, government, havoc, hospital, landing [plane], leader, military, national, painting, rage, rival, speed, surprise, tactics, target [object of attack], unit, aristocracy, lawyer, plans, time
