The Sound Barrier (1952)

6.7Approved118 minDirector: David Lean

1952 British film

The Sound Barrier is a 1952 British aviation drama film directed by David Lean. It is a fictional story about attempts by aircraft designers and test pilots to break the sound barrier. It was David Lean's third and final film with his wife Ann Todd but it was his first for Alexander Korda's London Films, following the break-up of Cineguild. The Sound Barrier stars Ralph Richardson, Ann Todd, John Justin and Nigel Patrick. It was known in the United States as Breaking Through the Sound Barrier and Breaking the Sound Barrier.

The Sound Barrier was a box-office success on first release but it has become one of the least-known of Lean's films. Following on In Which We Serve (1942), the film is another of Lean's ventures into a genre of film making where impressions of documentary film are created.

Plot summary adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

FAQ

What is The Sound Barrier about?
The Sound Barrier (1952) — Tony, a successful World War II fighter pilot, marries into the family of a wealthy oil magnate who also designs airplanes. The movie traces the company's attempt to break the sound barrier, as well as tensions between father and daughter. Los of footage of early-1950s jet aviati
Is The Sound Barrier based on a true story?
See the production background and source material details on the official Wikipedia article.
Is The Sound Barrier scary?
Content rating: Approved. See the reviews tab for parental guidance and tone notes.