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Twelve O'Clock High

Play trailer Poster for Twelve O'Clock High 1949 2h 12m War Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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96% Tomatometer 25 Reviews 86% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
In 1942, an American Air Force unit stationed in England is plagued with morale problems until no-nonsense Brigadier General Frank Savage (Gregory Peck) assumes command. His tough leadership is initially resented by not only his pilots but his second-in-command (Hugh Marlowe), a West Point graduate and son of a general. But, with the help of a hotshot flying ace (Robert Patten) and a sympathetic administrator (Dean Jagger), the unit pulls together into a gung-ho fighting crew.
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Twelve O'Clock High

Twelve O'Clock High

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Critics Consensus

Twelve O'Clock High is a high-stakes, high-tension war drama powered by great, well-written characters.

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Critics Reviews

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Bob Thomas Associated Press Jul 25, 2019
It is one of the best treatments of World War II. but not without its defects. These include its length and some of the old war picture cliches. But the acting (especially Peck) and direction approach greatness. Go to Full Review Empire Magazine Feb 10, 2012
5/5
A truly remarkable film, that manages to excite and enthrall as well as offer deep, rounded characters. Go to Full Review Jonathan Rosenbaum Chicago Reader Feb 10, 2012
Sincere, square, and interminable. Go to Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy May 28, 2025
3.5/4
Peck’s performance is one of his finest, and it’s at the center of a hard-hitting motion picture that was routinely used as a training tool in military academies. Go to Full Review Dudley Early Austin American-Statesman Jun 19, 2020
A very satisfying motion picture, 12 O'Clock High does not quite get over that indefinable line which marks the beginning of greatness. Go to Full Review Tracy Moore Common Sense Media Feb 11, 2015
4/5
Gripping psychological war drama has more talk than action. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Chris B @Papa13070 Apr 17, 2026 I think that this is Gregory Peck's best World War II Picture, surpassing even The Guns of Navarone. The Acting is superb by Peck and the entire cast, but not overdone. The dynamics and chemistry between the actors is really what makes the film the masterpiece that it is. The Aerial Combat footage only adds to the quality of the picture. Dean Jagger, a marvelous, underrated Character actor, (won an oscar for this film.) shines as Peck's practical, but conscience-driven subordinate, and the film is seen in flashback through his eyes. Peck, always brilliant, plays his role with impeccable precision as the superior, with furious driving energy who grows to feel a tragic sense of compassion care for the men he continues to send on bombing missions. One of the finest films ever made. See more Pete W @RT56398213 Mar 24, 2026 An all-time classic WW2 film The authentic scenes and the examples of the burdens of war on officers and men alike. Gregory Peck gives a stirring performance. Must watch for fans of the genre. See more The C. @Contrarian Feb 6, 2026 Magnificent. This film was made very shortly after the end of the war when it was still fresh in everyone's minds and experience. It is easily Peck's best film. See more John C @RT86041280 Jan 21, 2025 This is my favorite of All Time War Movies and I have a LOT of them... A most excellent movie and for anyone who enjoys War Movies, this one is a requirement, especially if you like planes! See more Leaburn O @RT35452347 Apr 8, 2024 It's a fairly low key, very low action and overwrought War film. Peck plays a strong role but it's not particularly dramatic. They set the scene well but it keeps setting the scene and the story ends in a bit of a lame way. Watched on DVD. See more Connor S @RT33873007 Feb 10, 2024 This movie shows the extreme heroics of our greatest generation; but the lack of literally any kind of score makes this more of a drawn-out documentary than it should be. See more Read all reviews
Twelve O'Clock High

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Cast & Crew

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Henry King

Director

Gregory Peck

Gen. Frank Savage

Dean Jagger

Maj. Harvey Stovall

Gary Merrill

Col. Ernie Davenport

Hugh Marlowe

Lt. Col. Ben Gately

Millard Mitchell

Maj. Gen. Pat Pritchard

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Twelve O'Clock High

Twelve O'Clock High (1949) Twelve O'Clock High (1949) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis In 1942, an American Air Force unit stationed in England is plagued with morale problems until no-nonsense Brigadier General Frank Savage (Gregory Peck) assumes command. His tough leadership is initially resented by not only his pilots but his second-in-command (Hugh Marlowe), a West Point graduate and son of a general. But, with the help of a hotshot flying ace (Robert Patten) and a sympathetic administrator (Dean Jagger), the unit pulls together into a gung-ho fighting crew.
Director
Henry King
Producer
Darryl F Zanuck
Screenwriter
Sy Bartlett, Beirne Lay Jr.
Distributor
20th Century Fox
Production Co
Twentieth Century Fox
Genre
War, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 21, 1949, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 19, 2013
Runtime
2h 12m
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