The Thousand Plane Raid (1969): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1969, The Thousand Plane Raid is an adventure and war film directed by Boris Sagal, running about 93 minutes. “This was the day the Allies turned the blitz on Hitler” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. In 1943, Colonel Greg Brandon, stationed at an United States Army Air Forces 8th Air Force, 103rd Bomb Group base in England, repeatedly attempts to persuade superiors that massive daylight bombing will hasten the end of World War II. In spite of the mission's extreme difficulty, his plan is finally put into effect against a German aircraft factory. During preparation for the raid, Brandon alienates his men by insisting that normal bombing operations continue. His disdain for cautious Lieutenant Archer and brash RAF Wing Commander Trafton Howard further antagonizes his associates, including his girl friend, WAC Lieutenant Gabrielle Ames. When his bomber crashes the morning of the mission, Brandon boards a bomber manned by Archer and Howard. During the effective air raid, he is impressed by Archer's courage and Howard's judgment.

Who’s in it. The Thousand Plane Raid stars Christopher George as Col. Greg Brandon, Laraine Stephens as Gabrielle, J.D. Cannon as Gen. Palmer and Gary Marshall as Wing Cmdr. Taffy Howard, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.0/10, The Thousand Plane Raid has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. In US you can stream it on fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Philo and MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Thousand Plane Raid page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Thousand Plane Raid tend to enjoy The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Inception, Interstellar and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.