O Clock Movie __top__ - Twelve

When people refer to the "twelve o'clock movie," they almost certainly mean Twelve O'Clock High (1949), a black-and-white war film that transcends its genre to become a timeless study of command, burnout, and moral responsibility. Directed by Henry King and starring Gregory Peck, the film remains a staple in military academies and business schools—not for its dogfights, but for its unflinching look at the human cost of leadership. The Story: From Soft to Steel Set in 1942-43, the film follows the U.S. Army Air Forces' 918th Bombardment Group, a B-17 Flying Fortress unit based in England. After suffering devastating losses and low morale, the group is nicknamed the "hard-luck" outfit. Brigadier General Frank Savage (Gregory Peck) is sent in to replace the beloved but emotionally exhausted Colonel Davenport.