In conducting research on the film from other reviewer I noted with interest the debate over the word ‘nigger’ which was of course the name of Guy Gibsons dogs. For me the argument is fairly infantile. In the context of the 1940s the term "Nigger" did not have the connotation is has today. Leaving that aside anyone who wins the VC can call their dog whatever the hell they want and some of these forgetful liberals have missed the fact that these men fought and died to save the world from a Nazi dominated world. [Link] to Guy Gibsons VC citation. Whenever they pick up a rifle, stand a post and put their life on the line they can criticise a dogs name.
I would hate to think that such frivolous arguments would dissuade anyone from buying such a wonderful and gratifying film that honours all the participants, including many from the Commonwealth. Oh and a final rant, comparing the death of Nigger to the death of Bambi's Mum (which I have also read during research), is belittling the men who held this dog as a mascot. Guy Gibson firmly believed that had his crews found out about Nigger's death it would have been seen as bad luck and quite rightly so.
On a final note Eric Coates score was one of the best ever created for a British war movie. The use of the main theme and it underscores is well done and the moment where the young men gather for the final briefing still brings a lump to my throat.
