633 Squadron (1964)

Overview

633 Squadron is a 1964 British war film that dramatizes the perilous missions of an elite RAF fighter-bomber squadron during World War II. Loosely based on real RAF operations, the film follows a fictional campaign involving daring low-level attacks against Nazi fortifications in Norway, particularly a heavily guarded munitions plant vital to Germany’s war effort.

Best known for its spectacular de Havilland Mosquito flight sequences and stirring orchestral score, 633 Squadron became a staple of wartime cinema in the 1960s and inspired many future air combat films—including Star Wars, whose famous Death Star trench run was directly influenced by the final mission depicted here.

While occasionally limited by its character development and script, 633 Squadron is fondly remembered for its thrilling aerial photography, practical effects, and patriotic themes.

Plot Summary

Wing Commander Roy Grant (Cliff Robertson), an American pilot flying with the Royal Air Force, is placed in command of 633 Squadron—a unit composed of daring Mosquito pilots known for their precision and tenacity. Grant’s latest assignment is a near-suicidal mission: destroy a Nazi rocket fuel plant nestled in a fjord in occupied Norway.

However, conventional bombing won’t work. The only way to hit the target is by flying directly into the fjord at treetop level—navigating narrow valleys, enemy flak, and mountainous terrain—culminating in a precision strike on the factory built under a cliff.

To complicate matters, the mission requires a coordinated ground operation by the Norwegian Resistance to neutralize enemy defences. The Resistance is led by Erik Bergman (George Chakiris), whose sister Hilde (Maria Perschy) becomes emotionally involved with Grant.

As the squadron trains for the mission, tension builds. Pilots are lost, plans are compromised, and the human cost becomes increasingly evident. When the day comes, the final assault unfolds in a dramatic, climactic set piece that blends technical spectacle with wartime fatalism.

Themes and Interpretation

1. Heroism and Sacrifice

At its core, 633 Squadron pays tribute to the bravery of Allied pilots who flew hazardous missions with little hope of return. While not heavy-handed with sentimentality, the film portrays death and loss as an inevitable cost of war, particularly in the unglamorous slog of repeated training, planning, and attrition.

2. Duty vs. Emotion

Grant’s character—stoic and hardened—embodies the archetype of the war-weary leader forced to choose between personal connection and mission success. His budding relationship with Hilde adds emotional texture, but it’s ultimately overshadowed by his duty, reinforcing the harsh emotional detachment demanded of wartime commanders.

3. Technological Precision

The film treats the Mosquito bomber as more than just a machine—it’s a symbol of innovation, speed, and strategic precision. Unlike the heavy bombers of other war films, the Mosquito missions in 633 Squadron are sleek and surgical, reflecting a new type of warfare. The aircraft’s wooden frame and versatility make it a marvel of British ingenuity.

Direction and Style

Walter Grauman, an American TV director with military flying experience, helms the film with an eye for action and movement. The aerial sequences are the crown jewel of the production. These were filmed using real Mosquito aircraft and genuine terrain in Scotland and England, giving them an authenticity unmatched by CGI or model work of the time.

The use of wide-angle shots for sweeping vistas contrasts with claustrophobic cockpit interiors to emphasize the tension pilots faced flying through narrow valleys. While the ground-based drama occasionally lags or feels undercooked, the technical execution of the air combat more than compensates.

Music and Score

Composer Ron Goodwin’s rousing main theme is one of the most iconic war film scores of the era. Brassy, bold, and rhythmically charged, it sets the tone for the squadron's courage and mission. The score blends patriotic triumphalism with more sombre undertones, particularly in scenes of reflection and loss.

The music became so popular it was later repurposed in numerous military documentaries and air shows, further cementing its legacy.

Performances

Cliff Robertson (Roy Grant) brings American stoicism and quiet gravitas to the role. Though his performance is often emotionally reserved, this fits the character's role as a battle-hardened leader. His occasional emotional thaw (especially with Hilde) is handled with subtlety rather than melodrama.

George Chakiris (Erik Bergman) is fine in a role that doesn't give him much room to explore beyond earnest resistance fighter.

Maria Perschy (Hilde Bergman) brings a tender human touch to an otherwise male-dominated film. Her scenes with Robertson offer brief but poignant moments of respite.

Supporting Cast – The squadron pilots are sketched out with broad strokes, representing archetypes more than fully fleshed characters. This works within the constraints of the genre but limits emotional investment in their fates.

Criticisms

Thin Character Development: While visually impressive, 633 Squadron struggles to develop its characters beyond basic types. Viewers may find it difficult to form deep emotional connections with most of the crew, lessening the impact of their sacrifices.

Dialogue and Pacing: The film has moments of stilted dialogue and a sluggish middle act that focuses more on planning and political manoeuvring than personal stakes. The romance subplot feels undercooked and occasionally out of place.

Overt Nationalism: As with many war films of the time, 633 Squadron leans heavily into patriotic messaging. While this reflects the historical context, modern audiences might find the tonal simplicity lacking nuance compared to more contemporary war dramas.

Legacy and Influence

633 Squadron has had a long-lasting impact on both aviation cinema and popular culture:

Influence on Star Wars: George Lucas has explicitly cited the film as inspiration for the X-Wing assault on the Death Star trench in A New Hope (1977). The flight choreography and camera angles are directly lifted from the film’s fjord attack sequence.

Aviation Enthusiast Favourite: The film remains a staple for aircraft lovers due to its use of real Mosquitos and practical effects, making it one of the most realistic portrayals of WWII aerial combat.

Historical Curiosity: Though fictional, the film is based on similar real-life operations by RAF Mosquito squadrons, particularly low-level attacks in Norway and Germany. It indirectly popularized public interest in the de Havilland Mosquito and its role in precision bombing.

Conclusion

633 Squadron is a rousing and respectful war film that delivers thrilling aerial combat, a memorable score, and a sincere (if simple) narrative about courage, duty, and sacrifice. While it doesn’t match the character depth or moral ambiguity of later war films, its technical achievements and patriotic spirit continue to resonate with audiences.

It remains one of the key British war films of the 1960s, celebrated for its visuals, soundtrack, and influence. For those interested in classic war cinema, aviation history, or British WWII storytelling, 633 Squadron is essential viewing.