12 O'Clock High (TV Series) Here's to Courageous Cowards (1964) User Reviews

Two men...each facing a tough decision.

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 18 August 2021]

There are two plots within this episode and both have to do with men being forced to make important decisions. One is group leader Major Morse (Gerald O'Laughlin) who has flown 35 missions and his abilities seem compromised. It's not that he's hesitant or afraid...it's quite the opposite. He's gung ho and fearless...qualities that aren't necessarily good ones in this situation. The other is a Corporal (Brandon de Wilde) who was a conscientious objector who also would make a great aerial gunner. Both need to do SOMETHING they are loathe to do.

This is a pretty good episode of "12 O'Clock High"....not among the best but very solid and entertaining. Well worth your time.

Action and angst filled episode

[cbmd-37352 · 10/10 · 6 March 2023]

This is a strong story written by Al Ward, who wrote the initial episode, and he has a good grasp of both Savage and Stovall. The director was Don Medford, who directed nearly half the first seasons episodes, further strengthening the characters. Savage is hard up for crews, but he has an experienced pilot burning out and a potential gunner who hasn't figured out if he has reason enough to fight. He's a clerk in Stovalls office, and Savage warns him against any father/son action. I have to wonder if that line was a late addition to the dialogue, since Brandon deWilde did play Frank Overtons son, another mixed up kid, in an episode of The Virginian.

As usual, Stovall has insights and knowledge about both troubled men, but Savage isn't pleased with any of it.

The battle scenes area scary and exciting . This episode is a good example that this show is not about the war, but men having to deal with war.