“12 O’clock high” is a classic movie of the Hollywood Golden Era. This movie is shown as an example of leadership, courage and a real male friendship. It focuses exclusively on the principle of command and leadership and could be used as a tool for commanders.
In the beginning of the movie we see the problem of lack of discipline in the so-called “hard luck” bomber group that raids over Nazi Germany. Colonel Keith Davenport show us that his leadership style is aimed to save his men’s lives, but on the other hand, he is no capable of sending them to a really important and hard missions. It appears so, that Davenport trying to save his men, discriminate himself in the eyes of the top military management. On the opposite we see General Frank Savage, a friend of Colonel Davenport, who insists on a strict discipline. As he receives a command of the Davenport’s bomber group he starts from scratch and discipline is his major point. After the first mission we see that his method works and despite all problems with the group he deserves people’s respect. Having become a real leader with distinct rules he also shows real care of his people. Frank Savage is a real example of courage that is not dedicated to reach the goal by all costs but to encourage thousands and fill people’s hearts with confidence in their strength.
As for me, the most effective was the Frank Savage’s style. We can see the results of his work by the end of the movie. By his own example he encouraged not only other pilots and bomber groups but also ordinary people. As a result the mission is completed and the so-called “hard-luck” group became legendary.
Having watched this movie I’ve learned a lot about real courage of pilots of those heroic times. This movie inspires you to do your best in any sphere of your life, to improve your discipline and be ready to take responsibility in the hardest situations.
References
King H. (1949) Twelve O’Clock High. Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
