Mosquito Squadron

I watched this movie because of my personal interest in de Havilland Mosquito airplane. When this movie was made I guess there were enough operational Mosquitos to form a squadron for this movie. I've never seen this plane in color and up so close.

The movie holds together surprisingly well for a war time movie. The highlight of the movie is when the Mosquitoes appear on the screen. I'm glad that they made this movie that catches this plane in all its colorful glory. Until I saw this movie I didn't know that the Mosquito had a bomb bay.

If you're a war time movie or a de Haviland Mosquito fan, this movie is worth keeping in your collection.

This must rank as one of the worst of the 60s war movies.. Seemingly stitched together from stock footage of '633 Squadron' and 'Operation Crossbow', a poor attempt to cash in on the former's success. Unconvincing, hackneyed script - appallingly acted by actors who should have known better. Even the music attempts to 'ape' 'Battle of Britain'.. David Mc Callum is even allowed to keep his 'Ilya Kuryakin' haircut... fine for 1969, but not 1944! Its one saving grace; some original flying shots of that most beautiful aircraft, the De Haviland Mosquito.

As an enthusiast of this aircraft, I derive great joy from this film and have done since I was about 7 years old. It nurtured me enough to join the Mosquito Aircraft Assoc. of Australia. It might not be the best film ever made but as a young lad, I was inspired. That is a lot more than can be said for most films period.

This is the sort of film which belongs in the same category as old-fashioned boys war comics like Commando etc. Sure, its weak on characterisation, clichéd in its plot, with wooden acting and stereotype Germans but you don't watch a B-movie for characterisation, intricate plotting, great dialogue and so on. Rather, you just watch it for escapism and a bit of boys-own adventure fun. Viewed on those terms Mosquito Squadron holds its own. What lover of this comic style adventure genre can resist Charles Grey saying: "That's where they're hatching their new bird. What we want you to do is chuck a bomb in there, and addle their eggs for 'em." It is a little distracting sitting through the film and spotting all the shots lifted from 633 squadron, but nonetheless its a bit of fun for a quiet Sunday afternoon. Who can resist the sight of those glorious Mosquitos flying around.

The claim by the movie makers to be using real Messerschmitts is valid, as they are ME 108's. ME 108'S were often seen in War movies: Darryl F Zanuck's D Day being one prime example. ME 108's were a two seater trainer version capable of carrying weapons.

The fighter version ME109's seen exploding in the movie Mosquito Squadron are models. Real ME 109's being far too valuable not to mention non existent as there were NO German ME 109's airworthy back then, only Spanish versions. The Spanish versions had a slightly different nose due to different engine plant. The Spanish Messerschmitts 109's were used in the making of the movie The Battle of Britain.