Crashing the Water Barrier

Crashing the Water Barrier (1956)

*** (out of 4)

Oscar-winning documentary short about Donald Campbell's attempt to use an auto-racer to break the water barrier at Lake Meade, Nevada. At the start of the film we learn why breaking such a barrier could be so important and then we see various issues that come up that prevent them from even attempting. Once the boat, called Bluebird, is out in the water, more issues come up but finally Campbell is able to take off and reach speeds over 250mph. CRASHING THE WATER BARRIER is a pretty entertaining film that history buffs or fans of boats should enjoy. There's a lot of really good footage of what goes on behind-the-scenes getting everything set up, which should entertain many but there's also some wonderful cinematography that captures the boat going down the lake. The cinematography certainly helps keeps the viewer glued to what they're watching.