Christoper George's portrayal of a bomb group commander is terrible. He ruins the film for me and I really waned to like it! Hoping it would be like Memphis Belle! But Colonel Brandon is a terrible character. He doesn't listen to the men. Doesn't take anyone's advice. Goes off half-cocked before he's got all the information. Downright mean and condescending to his officers and mechanics. And even blames another pilot when he himself crashes a B-17! He's rude to his girlfriend and is really not appealing in any way. (Besides fraternizing with a subordinate officer, you wonder what she's sees in this jerk?) You actually hope he gets shot or crashes. So, I expected maybe this was part of the plot and he'd come around eventually and maybe even his pilots and crews would come to understand and respect him. Nope. Instead, he crashes on take off and shows up late to the big bomber formation and starts barking orders based on some special intuition that only he has. Then, he manages to get his whole crew shot up and never once gives LT Archer, a young pilot he grounded, a chance to actually pilot the bomber. Instead, he flies the entire mission himself refusing to give up the controls. He nearly crashes and Archer has to take over at the last moment. No decent pilot or commander would behave this way. What a jackass! When the wounded crew climb out of the burning wreck, the one he caused, everyone shows up to praise him and his plan, including his girlfriend (she doesn't seem to have a job). Does he turn to the young lieutenant and thank him for saving his life? Does he tell his men, great job! Nope. Instead he accepts all the praise for himself and barks at everyone "don't just stand there, you have a briefing to get to." And the credits rolls. No redemption, no payoff.
Review of The Thousand Plane Raid
