As a kid I used to force myself to stay up half the night whenever this movie would appear on late night TV. It has never lost its ability to intrigue, and every time I see it I find new dimensions to appreciate. Beyond the spectacular aerial photography, I found the core moral dilemma the most engaging aspect of the film. While the German aristocrats see an absolute need for chivalry and honor to maintain their humanity in the face of horror and death, Stachel sees only hypocrisy and prefers the honesty of naked aggression and ambition. Ultimately, it is left up to the viewer to decide the morality of their philosophies. On the downside, I've always found it hard to accept Peppard as German, and the dry performance of Andress brings the pace to a dead halt whenever she appears on screen. Mason was brilliant as ever, though, as were Vogler and Kemp.
Review of The Blue Max
