Twelve O'Clock High (1949) - Henry King 

Thank heaven for this film. I was beginning to feel that this adventure would yield no treasures. Henry King, from the school of competent directors delivers what could easily be another forgetable war film. In fact watching it, I can't exactly say what makes the film any different from that year's other "big" war films Battleground and Sands of Iwo Jima. Twelve O'clock was of the war subgenre of the air force. Peck delivers a strong performance as the commanding general Frank Savage, for which he picked up his fourth best actor nomination in the 40's. Dean Jagger plays the older lawyer by day Major who is prone to occasionally have a drink. Jagger scored his first and only nomination and win for supporting actor. Now Peck's character is likeable and no matter what disciplinary measures he takes, you know its for the good of his men. Perhaps it is this character that makes the film so exemplary. King was no stranger to Oscar nominees directing State Fair, In Old Chicago, Alexander's Ragtime Band, Song of Bernadette, and Wilson. This is arguably the best of that school.

*Twelve O'Clock High was nominated for best picture, best actor (Peck) and won for best sound and best supporting actor (Jagger).