A very satisfying motion picture, 12 O'Clock High does not quite get over that indefinable line which marks the beginning of greatness.

| Jun 19, 2020

It is one of the best treatments of World War II. but not without its defects. These include its length and some of the old war picture cliches. But the acting (especially Peck) and direction approach greatness.

| Jul 25, 2019

... one of the first and arguably the greatest of the Hollywood films to examine the pressures of command and the psychological toll of making life and death decisions for men they come know and care for ...

| Feb 24, 2016

Gripping psychological war drama has more talk than action.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Feb 11, 2015

Peck is superb as the man out of his depth, while King's solid direction and some fine camerawork make Twelve O'Clock High one of the most compelling examples of the genre.

| Feb 10, 2012

A truly remarkable film, that manages to excite and enthrall as well as offer deep, rounded characters.

| Original Score: 5/5 | Feb 10, 2012

Sincere, square, and interminable.

| Feb 10, 2012

It's a rather uncharacteristic role for Gregory Peck, in that there's not a trace of cuddliness or Atticus Finch-esque nobility to Frank Savage. He's a man with a job that needs to get done, and everything in his existence is subservient to that goal.

| Original Score: 4.5/5 | Feb 21, 2011

Henry King's WWII drama is one of Hollywood's first and most honestly probing chronicles of the psychological anxieties and emotional pressures caused by high-command positions.

| Original Score: A- | Mar 14, 2009

As a drama, High deals soundly and interestingly with its situations.

| Oct 10, 2008

Solid WWII drama.

| Original Score: B | Jan 13, 2008

... one of the first and arguably the greatest of the Hollywood films to examine the pressures of command and psychological toll of making life and death decision...

| Jun 18, 2007

One of Peck's best performances.

Full Review | Feb 9, 2006

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Jan 14, 2005

One of the best post-WWII films; Peck is great.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Jan 2, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 21, 2004

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 4, 2004

Some stellar performances make this a minor war classic.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Oct 28, 2004

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | May 14, 2004

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Sep 5, 2003