Watch 12 O'Clock High Complete Sessions

12 O'Clock High is a war film released in 1949, directed by Henry King and starring Gregory Peck. The film is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Beirne Lay Jr. and Sy Bartlett. The movie tells the story of the 918th Bombardment Group of the US Army Air Forces during World War II. The film follows the journey of General Frank Savage (played by Gregory Peck), who takes over the command of the 918th Bombardment Group. Savage is assigned to restore morale and discipline among the group's officers and enlisted men, who are suffering from exhaustion, low morale, and fear after suffering heavy losses on their bombing raids.

Savage is a strict and tough leader who believes in strict discipline and high morale. He is determined to turn the 918th into one of the best units in the Air Force. Savage's leadership style is initially met with resistance and even hostility from his subordinates. However, Savage proves himself to be an effective leader, and his methods of instilling discipline and unit cohesion slowly begin to bear fruit.

The film also explores the personal lives of Savage and his men. We see how the stress and trauma of war affect their personal relationships, and how they cope with loss and fear of death. The film has several emotional scenes that highlight the human cost of war, and the toll war takes on soldiers and their families.

The film's portrayal of the air war over Europe is realistic and intense. The bombing runs are depicted in detail, and we get a sense of the danger and bravery of the men who flew these missions. The film's action scenes are well-directed and thrilling, and the aerial photography is impressive for a film made in the late 1940s.

The film's themes of courage, leadership, and sacrifice are timeless and universal. Its message that discipline and teamwork are essential for success resonates as much today as it did when the film was first released. The film's historical context also makes it a valuable document of World War II, and an insight into the experiences of the men who fought in that conflict.

The Complete Sessions edition of the film contains the entire 32-episode TV series based on the film. The series features Paul Burke as Colonel Joe Gallagher, who takes over the command of the 918th after General Savage is shot down over Germany. The TV series follows the same basic plot as the film, but its extended length allows for more character development and subplots.

The TV series also explores some of the ethical dilemmas faced by the US Air Force during World War II, such as the decision to bomb civilian targets. The series acknowledges the psychological toll that these decisions had on the men who carried them out, as well as the long-term consequences of these actions.

The TV series also features guest appearances by several notable actors, such as Robert Duvall, William Shatner, and Lee Majors. The performances are uniformly excellent, and the series maintains the same high production values as the film.

Overall, the 12 O'Clock High Complete Sessions is a must-see for fans of classic war films, and for anyone interested in the human cost of war. The film and TV series provide a compelling look at the experiences of the men who fought in World War II, and the challenges they faced on and off the battlefield. The film's themes of courage, leadership, and sacrifice are timeless, and its message of discipline and teamwork is just as relevant today as it was when the film was first released.