1. George Peppard's American accent, it grates, I dislike cod German accents, (or any other language) in films and would prefer people speak in the actual language i.e. The Longest Day a film made around the same time. Other actors here have made the effort to at least sound German.2. Ursula Andress a completely superfluous addition to the story, 'We must have a love interest for the ladies', really? I think that is an insult to women that they only want to see a film if there is a love interest. Like a previous reviewer states most don't like war films so to add a love interest won't make them go and see it. So there are my reasons for deducting 2 stars otherwise this is a ten star film. The action sequences, especially the aerial battles are superb when you consider none of it is CGI. I saw this film in 1966 with my parents and I wanted to see it again immediately.To George Sickler I say you obviously totally missed the premise of the entire film. The Count wanted to use Stachel as propaganda showing that anyone of the lower classes could rise and be a hero/fighter ace. When he discovers that Stachel cheated to get the Blue Max he knows it would be damaging to the image of the other fighter aces. So rather than expose him he allowed the cheat to die a hero, wonderful PR whilst removing a lover from his wife at the same time.I am just watching it again on Sky Classics, wonderful stuff.

This is an interesting story revolving around the heavier-than-aircraft of World War I (about 100 years ago). But, this movie is really about more than just WW I pilots and aircraft. It is a drama about German classicism (during the period) and the difference between how the upper class and the lower class viewed their roles as war pilots. The movie opens in 1916 with Bruno Stachel (George Peppard) trapped in German trenches at the Western Front. We watch him as he marvels at the aircraft flying overhead, free to maneuver at will. After he is promoted and takes his pilot training, in 1918 he reports to the Air Corps only to find that he is not from the right social class: -------------------------------"His colleagues aren't happy with him, not only because he isn't an aristocrat like they are, but also because he's extremely ambitious. He will do anything to win him his country's most honored medal--The Blue Max. But to win The Blue Max, he'll have to shoot down 20 enemy aircraft, which will all have to be confirmed by his comrades, without getting killed himself. And while being hated by his fellow pilots, he's seen as the people's hero and perfect propaganda material, by the general, and as the ideal lust object, by the general's wife..."The Blue Max" shows very well how the pilots during WWI were almost always noblemen (I guess the most famous one of them all was Manfred Freiherr von Richthofen, better known as the Red Barron), who considered the concept of an honorable death at the hands of a "worthy" opponent still as one of the most important things during their fights. Even at the end of the war in 1918, while on the ground troops had been anonymously slaughtered by the thousands with machine guns and gas, they still considered chivalry as one of the highest goods."-- Philip Van der Veken from Tessenderlo, Belgium 13 May 2005.------------------------------ I think that some of the photography, here, is remarkable, but the story with it intrigue of people using people for their own selfish gains is also quite good. In other words, the movie works on several levels. This is one of those movies that has a great ending. So, if you get into it, don't leave your seat until the final fad out comes....

THE BLUE MAX - 1966 I took in this great-war film last night for the first time in at least 20-25 years. WOW! The film has plenty of action, incredible flying stunts, Ursula Andress in the buff, a good story and outstanding direction. Why can't they make stuff like this today? And the best part is that there was no, FLIPPING CGI effects! George Peppard is a grunt out of the blood and mud of the front lines. He has transferred to the German Imperial Air Service. He is looked on with disdain by the Prussian types who make up the majority of the pilots. Peppard has ambition, and a thirst for honors like the Pour Le Merite. (BLUE MAX)Peppard is ruthless in his pursuit of the award and is rather disliked by his squadron mates. One of the better squadron pilots, Jeremy Kemp takes great pleasure in putting Peppard in his place .There is a great sub plot with Peppard stepping out with the beautiful, Ursula Andress. Andress is the wife of Peppard's commanding General, James Mason. Needless to say, this action comes back to bite Peppard on a tender part of the anatomy.The cinematography is gorgeous with Douglas Slocombe handling the duties. His work includes films like the first three, INDIANA JONES films, THE LION IN WINTER, ROBBERY, THE Italian JOB and THE SAILOR WHO FELL FROM GRACE WITH THE SEA.The director of this fine piece was John Guillermin. His films included, THE TOWERING INFERNO, THE BRIDGE AT REMAGEN, SKYJACKED and DEATH ON THE NILE.A must see for fans of well-made war films.

Interesting War drama taken from German point of view , it deals with a young pilot named Stachel (George Peppard) in the air force of 1918, disliked as lower-class and unchivalrous , attempts ambitiously to earn the medal -The Blue Max- offered for 20 shooting down enemy planes . He reunites an aristocratic group of flying aces (Jeremy Kemp , Karl Michael Vogler) and emerges dispute , envy and hating . Most of the officer corps comes from Germany's high-class elite and Stachel feels out of place . His blind ambition leads him to claim a shooting down that is not his and when he confides in the gorgeous spouse (Ursula Andress) of a General (James Mason), conflicts are inevitable .Big-budget extended adventures produced by Elmo Williams about a maverick pilot and his partners undergoing risked feats on air and bombing on earth . Based on a novel by Jack Hunter and being well adapted by Franchina and Ben Barzman . Very good aerial actioner plenty action , steamy romance , drama , fantastic cloudy scenes and spectacular dogfighting . George Peppard shows professionalism as crack fighter pilot named Stachel , an ambitious youth assigned to dangerous missions . Top-notch support cast gives excellent performance as Jeremy Kemp as astute contender , Anton Diffring , Derren Nesbitt , Peter Woodthorpe , Loni Von Friedl and Carl Schell as Von Richthofen , the famous Red Baron . Rousing aerial scenes staged by Squire , being wonderfully photographed by Douglas Slocombe and marvelous musical score by the great Jerry Goldsmith are the chief assets of this spectacular film . This lavish airplane movie is professionally directed by John Guillermin , habitual of disaster films ( Skyjacked , King Kong , Kong lives ) , adventures ( Tarzan in India , Tarzan's greatest adventure , Sheena ) , Wartime ( Bridge of Remangen , Guns at Batasi , I was Monty's double ) and intrigue ( Death on the Nile , Shaft in Africa , The whole truth ) . John Guillermin usually worked with George Peppard in various films ( such as P.J , House of cards and Blue Max) and Peter Sellers (Never let go , Walz of the Toreadors) . 'Blue Max' is a rehash of the former airplane movie clichés in which the splendid casting stands out . Rating : Good and entertaining , it's a fairly watchable and breathtaking film and results to be a good treatment of WWI flying aces .