Mosquito Squadron

This is not a quality film as far as directing, dialogue, or acting. However, it does have a decent plot-line and a lot of fine footage of the twin-engined British DeHavilland Mosquito light bomber in action. It is rare to see this aircraft in a war film and I therefore recommend that war movie buffs tape this one and keep it in their collection. The plot involves the precision bombing of a French chateau and underground German "V" rocket lab. David McCallum is, as usual, a very like-able character.

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.

I have watched this several times, purely because I had such a crush on David McCallum in the 1960s! It is his 70th birthday today (19 September 2003) and I suddenly feel very very old!!

I agree with other reviewers - some of the acting is dire, the script is poor, and the clothing and hairstyles are very 60s. Despite all that, I still find it quite watchable! Suzanne Neve is very sweet as Beth Scott, and David McCallum - well, I always liked Illya Kuryakin! For British viewers there are lots of familiar faces to spot among the cast - and isn't that half the fun of watching old movies on a wet weekend afternoon?!

Can't comment on the flying sequences or the planes, I'm afraid, because I don't know anything about them. I do think that if reviewers are going to criticise a film, though, they should at least get the names and facts right (yes, kilroy138, I'm talking about you!).

Not the best of WWII films, admittedly, but I don't think it deserves some of the other comments on this site. If it's on again on a quiet afternoon, curl up in front of the TV and give it a chance!

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.

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.