In 1943, two war correspondents in England attend the daily briefings on bombing raids against Nazi Germany. Nearly all the action unfolds inside the headquarters of Brigadier General K.C. Dennis, who commands an American bomber group. Dennis wants to keep pressing attacks on German industry despite heavy losses, while a visiting congressional delegation and tensions with his superiors complicate every decision he faces.

How it was made

Command Decision adapts the stage play of the same name by William Wister Haines, which opened on Broadway in October 1947 and ran for nearly a year, itself drawn from Haines's 1947 novel. MGM bought the rights at Clark Gable's urging, as he wanted a leading role. Sam Wood directed from a screenplay by George Froeschel and William R. Laidlaw, with a score by Miklós Rózsa. Much of the shooting stays within the headquarters set, reflecting the play's stage origins.

Reception and legacy

The film handles the emotional toll on commanders who order costly missions with a sober tone. Its stage success and Gable's star presence drew attention at the time. Reliable details on awards or contemporary critical response are not available, so any judgment of its wider impact should remain provisional.

Stills

Trailer

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Trivia

Gable in combat

Clark Gable flew five combat bombing missions from England as a waist gunner in B-17s. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal for his service.

A contract tied to the play

MGM paid a $100,000 down payment for the rights, rising to $300,000 if the novel was staged as a play by October 1947. The play opened on Broadway on October 1 of that year.

An actor who had been a bombardier

Cameron Mitchell, who plays bombardier Lt. Goldberg, had also served as a bombardier during the Second World War.

More films by Sam Wood

Gone with the Wind1939

For Whom the Bell Tolls1942

Goodbye, Mr. Chips1939

The Pride of the Yankees1942

A Night at the Opera1935

Kitty Foyle1940

Original Cinematopedia text based on Wikipedia (en) and Wikidata.