The Way to the Stars ( Johnny in the Clouds ) Review

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(More customer reviews)To begin, THE WAY TO THE STARS (a/k/a JOHNNY IN THE CLOUDS, 1945) is one of director Anthony Asquith's finest works (another is THE WINSLOW BOY, see my review). Both these films were written by Terence Rattigan, and I can see no reason why either Asquith or Rattigan are mocked as much as they are.
Note: the title confusion is only a reference to a poem written by one of the characters. In truth, since the main title is both the U.S. and U.K. title, I don't know where the alternate title is supposed to fit!
THE WAY TO THE STARS is a surprising, moving and superbly acted work. It's the story of an RAF Airbase being overtaken by Americans during the war, circa 1942. The cast, headed by Michael Redgrave (Flight Lt. David Archdale) and Trevor Howard as Squadron Ldr. Howard, is absolutely top-notch. In fact, Asquith, who befriended Howard immediately, predicted rightly that Howard would be huge in film. Howard, of course, is legendary today.
Douglas Montgomery, a Connecticut native with a British-sounding lilt to his voice and heartbreaking good looks, plays Lt. Johnny Hollis, the American pilot whose life ends near the end of the film, as Flt. Lt. Archdale's ends at the beginning. Montgomery, who will look totally familiar, did few films and very little tv. He was a bit gay even at this time onscreen, which may account for his lack of future roles: his acting is like none I've ever seen. Cool, sweet, and sincere.
John Mills (GANDHI, BEAN) as Pilot Officer Peter Penrose almost steals the show if not for the presence of Montgomery. The quite stillness, the power, of Mills' performance here is not to be missed in all the history of cinema. Even now I watch Mills and declare I've never watched a Brit actor better than Mills.
Here we have a simply enjoyable tale about the brave pilots and service people fighting and winning WWII. There is no division between Brit and American; the charm of this film is the instant camaraderie formed between the two. With the endearing friendship formed between Hollis and Penrose, nothing is impossible--and it reflects the sadly broken friendship between Penrose and the deceased Archdale. As Penrose calmly walks off into the night at the end, having lost both his best friends but having gained a fiancée, one marvels at the power of human endurance...and of the British stiff upper lip.
The cinematography is ahead of its time; it wouldn't reach these heights until the 1950s. The music is unintrusive though not surprisingly a tad silly, considering the era. What astonishes me most is how modern all the guys are, yet so polite. Clearly this is another age, but it is one I remember well from my early childhood. The women are stunning and alluring, as it should be, with Rosamud John and Joyce Carey marvelously heading the 'fairer cast'. These are strong, determined women.
I cannot stress enough how important it is for families to enjoy cinema together. Such films are so rare today, but THE WAY TO THE STARS is one I cannot recommend highly enough. Get this for your collection, enjoy it over and over, and keep an eye on the fine acting.
This kind of stuff comes along only once in a human era.

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