One of Our Aircraft Is Missing (1941)

One of Our Aircraft Is Missing made quite an impression on war-time viewers when it was first released, and those who lived through World War II, especially in Europe, will still find it a moving experience. Those who did not actually experience the war will likely find Aircraft a professionally made and fairly interesting drama, but will also likely be put off by the air of propaganda that hangs over it. The term propaganda is not being used in this sense to imply that the film uses lies and untruths, although as a fiction film it is certainly free to do so; rather, it means that the film takes a particular point-of-view and pushes that point in such a way that it comes across to modern viewers as a little extreme. This is especially true in its treatment of the brave people of the Netherlands, who are presented in general more as stereotypes than as flesh and blood people. The film also lags a bit in places, although not terribly so. Compensating for these flaws is an exceptionally fine ensemble cast, evocative Ronald Neame cinematography, sharp editing, and some inventive directing by the Michael Powell-Emeric Pressburger team. The directors are especially good in portraying the oppressiveness of the Nazis without resorting to overt brutality and in finding small ways -- such as various accents -- to individualize the RAF troops. If not as effective as it was in the 1940s, One of Our Aircraft Is Missing is still a good and suspenseful war flick. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide