The Thousand Plane Raid is a simple story set during World War II. The movie unveils how a U.S Air Force colonel convinces the Allies for a daylight bombing of Germany. Directed by Boris Sagal, the film features actors like Christopher George, Laraine Stephens, and J.D. Cannon. We will also take a look at some unique aspects about the production locations and interesting facts surrounding the making of this movie.
Where it Filmed?
The movie was filmed in various locations in California, including the Santa Maria Airport, Greystone Park & Mansion, and Samuel Goldwyn Studios. Santa Maria Airport served as one of the key filming venues. The beautiful, luxurious building of Greystone Park & Mansion was also used as a setting. Last but not least, scenes were shot at Samuel Goldwyn Studios, located in the heart of West Hollywood.
Cast Details
| Cast Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Christopher George | Col. Greg Brandon |
| Laraine Stephens | WAC Lt. Gabrielle Ames |
| J.D. Cannon | Gen. Cotten Palmer |
| Gary Marshal | Wing Cmdr. Taffy Howard |
| Michael Evans | Group Commander Leslie Hardwicke |
| Gavin MacLeod | Sgt. Kruger |
| Noam Pitlik | Lt. Jacoby |
| Ben Murphy | Lt. Archer |
| Bo Hopkins | Capt. Douglass |
| Tim McIntire | Lt. Quimby |
| Barry Atwater | Gen. Conway |
| Scott Thomas | Lt. Richman |
| John Carter | Middleton |
| James Gammon | Maj. Varga |
| Charles Dierkop | Railla |
| Henry Jaglom | Worchek |
| Phil Proctor | Turret Gunner |
| Lee Broker | Navigator (uncredited) |
| Horst Ebersberg | German Pilot (uncredited) |
| Cec Linder | U.S. Officer at Briefing (uncredited) |
| Mac McLaughlin | Waist Gunner (uncredited) |
| Carl Reindel | Bombardier (uncredited) |
| Wayne Sutherlin | Waist Gunner (uncredited) |
Trivia and Facts
- The movie was made in 1969 and has a length of 1h 33min.
- It was released on March 1, 1969, in Japan.
- Director Boris Sagal teamed up with writers Ralph Barker, Donald S. Sanford, and Robert Vincent Wright to bring this adventure movie to life.
- The cast includes Christopher George playing Colonel Greg Brandon, Laraine Stephens as WAC Lt. Gabrielle Ames, and J.D. Cannon as General Cotten Palmer, amongst others.
- The production was managed by Oakmont Productions and was distributed by United Artists internationally.
- The film was also known by other titles, such as “The 1000 Plane Raid” (United States), “La incursion de mil aviones” (Spain), and “O Ataque dos Mil Aviões” (Brazil).
- One unique fact about this movie: the belly landing sequence was borrowed from the film “Twelve O’ Clock High” and executed by Hollywood pilot Paul Mantz in June 1949 at the then-closed Ozark Army Airfield west of Dothan, Alabama.
Geo Location Details
- Location Name: Santa Maria Airport, Santa Maria, California, USA
- Latitude: 34.9008342
- Longitude: -120.4567298
- Place ID: ChIJbeG3g7YU7IARklaynCFuHGw
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: Santa Maria Airport, 3217 Terminal Dr, Santa Maria, CA 93455, USA
- Timezone: America/Los_Angeles
- Location Name: Greystone Park & Mansion – 905 Loma Vista Drive, Beverly Hills, California, USA
- Latitude: 34.0921783
- Longitude: -118.4012868
- Place ID: ChIJIUqTFCK8woARsq5ATs1V5dA
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: Greystone Mansion & Gardens: The Doheny Estate, 905 Loma Vista Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, USA
- Timezone: America/Los_Angeles
- Location Name: Samuel Goldwyn Studios – 7200 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, California, USA
- Latitude: 34.0906213
- Longitude: -118.3481971
- Place ID: ChIJGciLKda-woARqs2CsDKJqeE
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: 7200 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046, USA
- Timezone: America/Los_Angeles
