Discussing 'The Dambusters' (1955) with Dr. Dan Ellin

Review It Yourself

Dr. Dan Ellin, Historian and Archivist from the International Bomber Command Centre, joins Sean to discuss The Dam Busters (1955).

Discussion Points:

-Dan discusses his love/hate relationship with the film and it's portrayal of Operation Chastise.

-The absence of major motion pictures about RAF Bomber Command.

-The importance of collective memory regarding the Second World War.

-The use of the Dam Busters march at 'Bomber' Harris's funeral.

-The enemies in the film: bureaucrats, Whitehall and red tape.

-The fantastic casting in the film.

-The incredible flying during the making of the film.

-Putting RAF Bomber Command into historical context.

-The lack of the raid on the Sorpe Dam in the film.

-The impact of the Official Secrets Act on the film.

-Sean does his best to translate very English aspects of the film for American listeners.

-The optics of history and the loss of nuance.

-The influence on this film on George Lucas when he was making Star Wars (1977).

-The things that Britain leans back on in times of adversity.

Raised Questions:

-Do people see RAF Bomber Command as either 'Dam Busters or Dresden'?

-Are the historical details faithfully intact?

-How important are myths to a country?

-Was it really difficult for Barnes Wallis to get the idea for the raid accepted?

-Why do the British love an underdog story?

-Did the Americans have better PR and spin?

-Would you love to see Peter Jackson's The Dam Busters?

-Does the film tell the story of what happened rather than what was meant to happen?

-Why is Guy Gibson portrayed a certain way in the film?

-Does the film lack nuance?

-Does the film serve as a good starting point for people who may not know the story of the Dam Busters raid?

Further Reading Recommendations:

-'Guy Gibson' by Richard Morris.

-'Dam Buster Barnes Wallis: An Engineers Life' by Richard Morris.

-'The Fire' (Original Title: Der Brand) by Jorg Friedrich.

-'The Strategic Air Offensive Against Germany' by Noble Frankland and Charles Webster.

-The Weirdstone of Brisingamen (1960) and Elidor (1965) by Alan Garner.

Film/Documentary Recommendations:

-They Shall Not Grow Old (2018).

-Dambusters Declassified (2010) with Martin Shaw.

-Inspector George Gently (2007-2017).

-Judge John Deed (2001-2007).

-The Guns of Navarone (1961).

-The Heroes of Telemark (1965).

-The Carling Black Label adverts.

Podcast Recommendations:

-History Rage.

-Never Mind The Dambusters.

Thanks for Listening!

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