The Bomb Run Sequence from Dr. Strangelove

This is the "bomb run" sequence from Dr. Strangelove. I do not own the copyright and this clip is for educational and analysis purposes only.

[@HiroNguy]

No substitute for having Darth Vader as your bombardier.

[@SovereignStatesman]

And rail-boss Taggart as your PLANE boss! Don't forget Kubrick: "OPEN THE BOMB-BAY DOORS, HAL!"

[@mickconnor7929]

God Bless James Earl Jones. May he 🙏

[@ghostwolf1435]

Love how Slim and James were completely playing this straight

[@112steinway]

You know a movie is scary when you have Darth Vader assisting in the ending of the planet.

[@RMSTitanicWSL]

112steinway One of James Earl Jones' most underrated roles.... a real shame.

[@BenjaminWirtz]

+RMSTitanicWSL I believe it is his first role.

[@michaelepp6212]

+Benny W If I'm not mistaken, Kubrick went to check out George C Scott in a Shakespeare play, in which Jones was also appearing.

[@sillyone52062]

RMSTitanicWSL JEJ had about four lines in the whole movie:-)

[@DonPeyote420]

The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force.

[@77hodag]

For an anti-war movie, Dr. Strangelove has some of the best, most realistic battle scenes ever filmed. All credit to Stanley Kubrick.

[@roguishpaladin]

I feel like this concept is almost the companion concept to the 'no fighting in the war room' concept. Perhaps that's why Kubrick wanted to get details correct - because it was an anti-war movie. If so, that's some impressive depth.

[@Patmofar]

Stanly Kubrick was a genius. There are lots of little gems hidden this cinematographic masterpiece such as the little known fact that the wonderful version of 'When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again' in the film was actually performed by a Soviet Red Army Choir. Nobody makes films of this calibre today, possibly no one ever will again.

[@johnbarnes5237]

@@Patmofar Maybe it's crazy, but when I saw this movie for the first time at about age 13, I wanted nothing other than to be a B-52 pilot!

[@pennyrobinson9772]

I understand that he was basically copying the style and feel of the actual newsreel footage that was coming back from Vietnam -- especially effective with those low point-of-view shots like right behind the machine gunner, etc.

[@mr.zondide2746]

Penny Robinson this was filmed inn1963, before combat news footage of Vietnam

[@SirAndacar]

One of the many incredible things about this movie was the way it could switch from serious to silly in an instant. Parts of the film were hilarious, but this scene, as well as the scene where the B52 crew is attacked by a missile, is dead serious. It's tense, exciting and dramatic. Despite all the insanity back home, it all boils down to these guys doing their duty.

[@zuulie1]

You are dead right. Kubrick always understood that while the politicians and generals may clowns and fools those with their boots on the ground or their asses in the air are always impressive. One sees that quite clearly in all of his films, particularly Dr. Strangelove and Paths of Glory.

[@nomadmarauder-dw9re]

And Full Metal Jacket​@@zuulie1

[@misterbojangles6205]

James Earl Jones sure ramped up the tension in this sequence, great job by him and Slim. What fantastic talent.

[@jrgmty7685]

Back when actors were not activist hacks

[@MrUtah1]

@@jrgmty7685 keep crying about it

[@edwinve4112]

@Mr Teleport1 Nah you're the one crying.

[@joe-nz4xz]

@@MrUtah1 Tell that to rich people pretending to be activists

[@kennethmiller7981]

As a former B-52 aircraft commander, the instrument panel is a little sparse but they did not have access to real B-52's at the time. While not totally accurate, it is a decent reflection of a mission. It is one of may favorite movies despite it not always being exact.

[@kennethmiller7981]

ponchodoc1 319 Bomb Wing

[@mattdonnell7305]

As I recall, Kubrick was eventually questioned by the FBI for how closely his mock-up of a B52 resembled the real thing. He was just making it up, but he probably got a little insider info,and that was also part of his reasoning for filming in the UK, so he wouldn't be interrupted or stopped for "security" reasons.

[@LordZontar]

Ken Adam, the set designer for this movie, probably extrapolated his B-52 cockpit and flight deck from the Boeing 707 and World War II bombers, following logically from that point. But what really gave USAF intelligence shitfits was the inclusion of the CRM-114 device. I read that there actually was such a device aboard B-52s and that it is designated CRM (no number). Likely that also was a logical extrapolation that a bomber's radio set would have a discriminator channel for coded radio messages, but it made the Air Force nervous just the same.

[@LordZontar]

Also, back in 1956, Paramount had come out with Strategic Air Command, the movie-length commercial for SAC starring Jimmy Stewart as a reserve air officer recalled to active duty. The film features the B-36 bomber and, although probably a fictional set, would also have given Ken Adam ideas for his Dr. Strangelove B-52 set.

[@JoeWere]

I am glad to hear/read that; I knew Kubrick will do it as realistic as possible.

[@izzonj]

I love the little details. On the nose of the bombs, there is the hand written, "Hi there!" and "Dear John", but as equally absurd official stenciling "Nuclear Warhead. Handle with Care".

[@joshuasturnfield7549]

😂 yes, and do not forget "Hug Me!" 😅

[@dsl32]

RIP James Eral Jones. His first movie ever. The story goes after he got the part George C Scott recommended this part for James Eral Jones. How George C Scott and James Eral Jones knew each other was from a play. Stanley Kubrick asked George C Scott if he could recommend anyone for this part and George recommended James Eral Jones. They both launched the career of this great man. RIP James Eral Jones

[@haupper]

Kong: Open the bomb bay doors, Hal. B-52: I'm sorry but I can't do that, Kong.

[@Kidapollos5910]

Haupper, I can't believe it, a year's gone by and no one has written "Dark Star!"

[@sartainja]

Well, fuck you Hal. I gotta open those doors if it hair-lips everybody on Bear Creek.

[@pennyrobinson9772]

@@Kidapollos5910 ♫ Benson, Arizona . . . ♪

[@ZilogBob]

Just what do you think you are doing, Dave?

[@barryandreev8333]

🤣🤣🤣.

[@jamesdrynan]

An amusing side note: Kubrick idolized Sellers, which is why he played three distinctively different roles. However, Kubrick also wanted Sellers to portray Major Kong. Peter apparently felt put upon, having four characters to play, so he faked an ankle injury to get out of acting the Kong role! That's why Kubrick cast Slim Pickens as the pilot. This came to be a great benefit for Pickens. He said he went from being " Hey, you! " on sets to " Mr. Pickens. " He also said, " After Dr. Strangelove, the roles, the dressing rooms and the checks all started gettin' bigger. " All thanks to Sellers' phantom injury!

[@reckless20]

according to wiki - the studio was the one to insist on playing him multiple roles. If he was truly "idolizing" him - he would've appeared in more of his movies, like what happened with Johny Depp - Tim Burton, or De Niro - Scorsese

[@montana_guy8001]

Great story- never knew that, but it sounds like Sellars.

[@Medicranger]

"NUCLEAR WARHEAD - HANDLE WITH CARE" thought that was funny when I saw that

[@renebousfield602]

There are little details in the movie that are just sublime. Like, "you can't fight in here, this is the war room!" and the air force slogan "peace is our profession" next to an eagle carrying a lightning bolt.

[@plugs313]

Actually, ''Peace is our profession'' was the motto of the Strategic air command (SAC)... No kidding...

[@griffgoldstein6378]

Another motto was Peace through Strength; Victory through Devastation.

[@kristinarain9098]

Jacob Conrad I saw a patch worn by crew of Spectre gunships that has the motto: Patience My Ass! I'm Gonna Kill Something!

[@griffgoldstein6378]

haha!

[@calenriggs8736]

You know the Ruskies done fucked up if Slim Pickens and Darth Vader is about to bomb you.

[@seantape6628]

Calen Riggs THIS. You WIN the Internet!

[@davidbrogan432]

😋🙋😎😅

[@misterbojangles6205]

Yeah man

[@clintgillespie8579]

But that's the whole thing about this movie. The Russians didn't do anything. General Jack Ripper went mad as a bloody march hare and attacked Russia for no reason.

[@SovereignStatesman]

Yep, they might give you to MONGO! The monster AND the planet. "If you nuke him you'll just make him MAD."

[@michaelcharlesthearchangel]

James Earl Jones started his career with iconic scenes and finished his life as an icon himself. Rest in the Force, great one.

[@JoshuaHeald]

RIP James Earl Jones.🎭

[@jaytowne8016]

Having done a lot of aircraft crew checklists in my life, I would say that the crew dynamic here is excellent, their technical advisors superb. They ripped through the final bomb run check with an orchestral staccato that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up.

[@Nikifuj908]

RIP James Earl Jones. This was the start to a legendary career 👨🏾‍🚀

[@felipecardoza5829]

Slim Pickens and James Earl Jones swapping lines: PRICELESS.

[@cugamer8862]

The genius of this scene comes in Kubrick capturing the methodical, pre-planed sequence towards armageddon. These men are preparing to deploy the world's most powerful weapons, no doubt killing thousands (and unbeknownst to them far more) yet they're simply following a script, a checklist for mass murder. It's not really their fault either, they're just going step-by-step, each of them just one more component in the death machine.

[@infogang3603]

In fairness by this point in the movie they were operating under the assumption the Soviets had launched a nuclear first strike as they had been scrambled, sent on an attack run and lost communication with command.

[@bambang303378]

Major Kong is qualified for Congressional medal of Honor after this mission.

[@RCAvhstape]

"promotions and citations, for each and every one of ya, regardless of race, color, or creed!"

[@jonathantan2469]

He'll have to collect it from the Brotherhood Of Steel.

[@WednesdayAddamsMW]

I doubt he'd earn the Medal of Honor, but I do see him earning a Silver Star.

[@forlornhope1116]

@@WednesdayAddamsMW avenging the western hemisphere at loss of his own life after enduring enemy fire and maintaining systems operational, even manually; after sustaining damage would indeed warrant the MoH. The point is there would be no America or world for that matter left to award him such.

[@Sir_Guardus]

@@forlornhope1116 I feel like this over hyped the power of nukes at this time, first they had to be carried by planes , second a majority of these would not be hydrogen bombs , third the government would probably be in a bunker

[@sillyone52062]

The role of Lt Lothar Zogg was James Earl Jones' first movie appearance. 60 years ago. RIP, Lt Lothar Zogg!

[@dtedfontenot]

How can someone not like this movie. It may be the greatest film satire in history.

[@ZilogBob]

In contrast to Fail Safe which lays it out as it would really be.

[@MrWii000]

And today...the last surviving cast member of Dr. Strangelove has passed away. RIP Mufasa

[@MrIncendiarydevice]

So sad

[@aleksandarvil5718]

May The Force Be With You, JEJ !! 😢😢😢

[@timkellyD2R]

This masterpiece is the very epitome of a dark comedy. And the cast, seemingly half of which was Peter Sellers, is just amazing.

[@stephenkyburz6529]

James Earl Jones will always have this Vader sound in his voice.

[@hawksrob1961]

"Target in sight - where in hell is Major Kong?!" Check lists are ALWAYS funny.

[@smartalek180]

The combo miniature Bible and Rooshian phrasebook is my favorite. Tho the lipsticks and nylons come close. Who knew our boys in blue had such... exotic tastes in attire?

[@WednesdayAddamsMW]

Shoot, a fella could have a good time in Vegas with all that stuff.

[@redenginner]

smartalek180 Fancy goods that where hard to come by in soviet territory,which would make good bribes if downed aircrews are caught by civilians.

[@forlornhope1116]

What about Major Kong?

[@thefrecklepuny]

I have read that the makers of this fine movie recreated the B-52 cockpit so accurately, that Boeing and the USAF were sure Kubrick had someone within Boeing or the Air Force passing him detailed info on the bomber. Esp. as the USAF refused to cooperate on the movie.

[@airforcemax]

+thefrecklepuny the U.S. Military still perform simultaneous Good and Evil - depending on your interpretation and your State of Mind - your SentiMents

[@elkabong6429]

thefrecklepuny Not only did they recreate the cockpit accurately, but the entire bomb-run sequence of commands was supposedly spot-on!

[@redenginner]

To be fair it made the USAF to either A. look extremely horny about ending the world or B.grossly incompetent

[@mikecoglione1308]

I had the chance to climb up into the cockpit of a B-52 about 10 years ago at the Air Force Armament Museum in Destin Florida. There was no ladder so I had to climb up the forward landing gear onto a platform, flip myself around to access the doorway leading to the lower cockpit. It's a two story compartment, the flight people up top, the weapons people on the bottom. Although I didn't have the chance to tour the bomb bay or the rear gunner area, I would say the re-creation of the crew compartment is completely accurate.

[@kaletovhangar]

Without "When Johny comes marching home", this movie still would have been great,but damn if it didn't make flight scenes 10 times more engaging.

[@LordZontar]

James Earl Jones' first movie role.

[@GabyGeorge1996]

LordZontar fun fact: the same actor (Toru Ohira) dubbed both George S. Scott's Patton and James Earl Jones's Darth Vader in the Japanese versions of their respective films

[@WednesdayAddamsMW]

My source says Darth Vader was in the Army.

[@WreedTrimmer]

Tony DiNozzo you mean empire

[@WednesdayAddamsMW]

No, sir. Lord Vader served in the United States Army.

[@PointyTailofSatan]

I suppose you all know that Kubrick tricked Pickens into thinking this was a serious movie? He tricked Scott too ("Act over the top for fun if you want. These are not the real takes.") LOL. Which makes their scenes 10x funnier.

[@GlobalWahrman]

Dear Pointy ... actually I did not know the part about Scott but it sure explains things. I forget the details of what happened with Pickens, but yes he was very unhappy when the truth was revealed.

[@krisvires]

I saw on an Interview with James Earl Jones, that Kubrik told all the actors who were playing the bomber crew that they were making a serious movie about Nuclear War. They never knew it was a comedy until after shooting was over. But I honestly think it helps the movie, I mean all the other characters are so absurd, the Bomber Crew are the only guys who act like they know what they are doing, and actually have some skill at doing it...

[@randy109]

Kristopher Vires Kubrick was an absolute genius! What a mind to create such masterpieces.

[@KevinSchwinkendorf]

Yes, I remember seeing this movie on TV when I was a kid (10-12 maybe?), and I thought it WAS a serious movie about "Nucular combat, toe-to-toe with the Rooskies!" The adult humor went right over my head! This is a classic!!

[@stillspooky]

It's a film.

[@mig25pd]

I love this film. And it always amazes me that in this final scene I am rooting for Major Kong and his crew even though we know what the consequences of a sucessful attack will be.

[@gkprivate433]

Terribly funny and sad at the same time. A tribute to the dedication of the airmen trying to do the job they were trained to do, believing it was the right thing to do

[@ZilogBob]

Makes me think of Fail Safe which came out as much the same time.

[@davidlium9338]

The novel Fail Safe, too!

[@jameskelly3604]

The surprising part is how they recreated the cockpit and bombardier's stations very accurately.

[@archimdx]

Today, James Earl Jones left us... godspeed!

[@commissarmanul]

Major Kong, the true American hero

[@Kikunis]

... trolled by Kubrick ROFL

[@Mjr._Kong]

Damned straight...!

[@clonecommanderfoggy682]

Thought that was GI Joe

[@SquareKiteGaming]

I could watch them flip toggles and press buttons all day long.

[@boulder89984]

SquareKite I have some of those same toggle switches. The second safety switches make that same unique sound. Took me 7 years to find them. Looked at over 5,000 pages of books and could not find them. One night at 2AM it came to me. They made the movie in England. The darn switches are British. Duh! Had 20 of them a month later. A buddy has a laser cutting place and with some wires and lights, bingo! I have my own Dr Strangelove panel array. Talk about steampunk on steroids. Fun to play with!

[@therealDWrules]

Dude! Nice toy.

[@BirdieRumia]

You should make a video of it! I'm sure there's lots of people who would be interested!

[@Mjr._Kong]

@@boulder89984 Are they Lucas Electronics by any chance?

[@boulder89984]

Major Kong They are made by Otehall.

[@mastercat7525]

RIP James Earl Jones this was your debut film and we shall all remember this.

[@djbside1965]

Rest In Power to the One and Only James Earl Jones (1931-2024). Thanks for a lifetime of excellence. You will be sadly missed, Good Sir.

[@plankcaller]

after the recent news of James Earl Jones passing had to come watch this scene. wouldn't be the same without him as subtle of a character he is to contrast Slim Pickens's role. RIP

[@SteveBrant55]

RIP James Earl Jones. You were part of one of the most tension-filled scenes I've ever seen.

[@herbertbielefelder341]

I've watched Dr.Strangelove at least 50 times. It's the best movie I've ever seen.

[@davidbrogan432]

😊😎🍿🍿📺

[@ZilogBob]

One of the best I have ever seen.

[@Warp75]

RIP James Earl Jones

[@kaymuldoon3575]

Rest in Peace James Earl Jones 💔

[@panoguy1]

When I went through AirForce Tech School I Ask about what would happen if the couldn't open the Bomb Bay Doors. They said that they would just drop the bomb on the door and it would just go right through the door. And before somebody Asks the bomb is designed not to arm itself until it self until its clear of the bomb bay so hitting the door woun't set it off.

[@kyokogodai-ir6hy]

Makes total sense, considering how much one would weigh.

[@miriamhoyt9062]

"NUCLEAR WARHEAD. HANDLE WITH CARE."

[@thetravinator934]

"...Damn, son." -Odin, after Major Kong's arrival in Valhalla

[@USMarineRifleman0311]

This is literally how the world sees us...and I have absolutely no problem with this depiction.

[@Kikunis]

In case you missed it, this is the BIGGEST political satire ever filmed, not some ultra-nationalistic, chauvinistic shit like First Blood. I guess you never watched this movie. Way too "communist", if you know what I mean ;) Suffice to say that the guy who orders this crazy attack is clearly a LUNATIC. Every single character in this movie understands that. They want to stop him LOL. In the 80s, these "lunatics" became the mega-heroes (Rambo etc. etc.)... Reactionaries love these lunatics, that's why they appeared like mushrooms in the 80s ;) Kubrick would have none of this reactionary drivel. In fact, above all, this movie ridicules to death the reactionaries. That, you missed it too.

[@harryandruschak2843]

Actually, most of the world is well aware that this film is BLACK COMEDY. The Russians receive a heavy dose of satire as much as the USA does. Did you not hear why Dr. Strangelove told everyone why the Doomsday Machine was N*O*T an effective deterrent?

[@davidk1061]

Love this movie and especially this sequence - as pointed out by others, the blending of satirical excess (I mean, using "when Johnny comes marching home again" as backdrop - could there BE any song more antithetical to the situation, albeit so compelling?) and deadly, albeit misguided, bomber pilot determination creates the moment that makes this movie unforgettable, much more so than the hilarious parody of political and military leaders. I first saw the movie (alone) when I was 9 or 10, and can recall being conflicted about rooting for the B-52 crew (too young or naïve to pick up on the satire at that age)! Thanks for posting!

[@seamuskennefick7692]

I think it's interesting that we're rooting for the Pentagon to stop the bomb run, but yet we root for Major Kong and his crew to drop their bomb? Or maybe I'm the only one who thinks this? Either way: hats off to Stanley Kubrick

[@theultimatereductionist7592]

I am rooting for everybody, in this movie.

[@juwanflockajuan1294]

That’s the power of Kubrick have you rooting for evil n going against good

[@PointReflex]

That's true, I was rooting for the President to stop the bombing, for the B-52 Captain to open the bomb doors and for the Reich-Scientist in the wheelchair to be able to walk again. Dr. Strangelove is a movie of acomplishes :D

[@brinsonharris9816]

I was rooting for the Russian ambassador to try one of those Jamaican cigars. They’re pretty good. And I was also rooting for the imperialist stooges as well as the commie stooges.

[@SamSpade2010]

Anybody engaged in a difficult or perilous task, you root for them. Like Norman Bates getting rid of the body.

[@Stacie45]

I have always loved "Nuclear warhead handle with care" 😂

[@terryjones5339]

High speed/low level flying is one of the most exciting things I have ever done. Miss it every day.

[@floydvaughn9666]

Cookin' chickens in the barnyard!

[@crazyman8472]

"Stay on the bomb run, boys; ah'm gonna get them doors open if it harelips ever'body on Bear Creek!" 😎

[@therealDWrules]

I'm glad somebody caught that gem!

[@smartalek180]

But what does that even mean? There's clearly something here going WAY over my head. At first, I thought it was a reference to genetic damage from too-close prolonged exposure to the radiation, but that just doesn't work...

[@JDLamps1]

The bomb doors would be open and slice their lips open...

[@JW...-oj5iw]

smartalek180 ... I think you have it with the radiation reference. He goes into the bomb bay to manually open the doors, which puts him in proximity to the nuclear material. He was likely making a joke about the radiation affecting his sperm cells. In the end, there was a more immediate effect on the schedule.

[@kyokogodai-ir6hy]

@@Mjr._Kong I always thought it meant giving everyone on Bear Creek a mustache. Thanks for the correction. My CRM-114 was working this time.

[@davidk6269]

One of the tensest scenes in all of film IMHO. Absolutely perfect in all respects.

[@kennardsloan1281]

the best movie ever hands down. ...

[@samuelmoulds1016]

Kennard Sloan I watch this movie every time I get DEPRESSED and my depression goes away!!!!!!!

[@johnsmith-vy7pw]

in my top 10

[@BurnFairy]

Don't you hate it when the world is almost saved just 'cause of one lousy jammed door?

[@MPKampersand]

Surely they could have just dropped it through the fucking door? Apparently that actually happened at one point. Nuclear bombs are surely heavy enough to tear through that shit like a tin can?

[@dharr123]

+MPKampersand But then we wouldn't have one of the most spectacular death scenes in the history of cinema.

[@MPKampersand]

dharr123 That's true.

[@patdohrety2940]

Apparently major Kong succeeded in hairlipping everybody on bear creek.

[@michaeldrago6999]

what a great first movie role for James Earl Jones - RIP Lieutenant Lothar Zogg

[@scottburger6427]

"I'm going to get them doors open if it hair lips everybody on bear creek". One of my top five favorite movies of all time!

[@GregoryWonderwheel]

Slim Pickens picked me up hitch-hiking in 1969 in Thousand Oaks CA and drove me to San Luis Obispo where his daughter was in a rodeo. He was driving a power blue Lincoln Continental with a saddle in the back seat. I asked him how this bomb scene was staged and he said they had him tied to the bomb hanging upside down to get the falling effect while the film of the approaching ground was projected on the ceiling.

[@reving19]

I knew a college professor who said he knew Slim Pickens personally. He said the way Pickens acted and spoke in "Strangelove" was about the same as he was in real life.

[@morriganravenchild6613]

A brilliant yet chilling movie - as much relevant now as the 1960's.

[@asimmunshi4830]

And still, now. In fact it’s sad how relevant it’ll likely be for the rest of our lifetimes.

[@ZilogBob]

Even more so now that Russia is threatening the use of nuclear weapons.

[@ADAMSIXTIES]

Happy 92nd to James Earl Jones!

[@paulanerruhrpott6188]

Major Kong has the best accent ever!

[@StellarBlue1]

"WELL BOYS, I reckon this is it: Nuclear combat toe to toe, with the Russkies!"

[@therealDWrules]

Kong pronounced it 'Rooskies". Important catch the linguistic difference.

[@martinkrato7237]

I hear nucular :D

[@daryllect6659]

@@martinkrato7237 I hear "nuke-ler"

[@ZilogBob]

@@daryllect6659 Me too. The genuine Marge Simpson pronunciation, just like all the "foilage" on the trees.

[@Kidapollos5910]

Former Missile Combat Crew, and I loved to use the "I've been to one world's fair a picnic and a rodeo and that's the STUPIDEST thing I ever hear come over a handset (set of earphones). It just fit so natural!

[@MrSstiel]

A powerful sequence.

[@robertgift]

Does not matter if the cockpit instrumentation was accurate or not. Nor the appearance of the CRM 114. They both look great and realistic! Major Kong did not wanto go down withe bomb. He reached for something to hang on. But if I find myself riding a nuclear bomb to its target, I'll be playin' rodeo cowboy.

[@oceanic8424]

This scene is incomplete without Pickens riding the bomb down to target.

[@fitton27]

'Nuclear warhead handle with care' Haha..

[@jakedankers]

Johnny ain't marching home this time

[@rdklarnet55]

Its the musical conversation the different voices have that is so wonderful.

[@kristinarain9098]

"Hi There! always LOVED that! ♡♡♡

[@Andronichus]

"Electronic, Barometric, Time, Impact". I guess these are the failsafes/triggers for the bomb?

[@TheresaZee]

Rest in Peace James Earl Jones 🎥🎭♥

[@ZilogBob]

The more I see this movie, the more I appreciate the attention to detail and the dark humor of Stanley Kubrick. It's brilliant on every level, like 2001 which followed it.

[@srofficial06]

One of my favorite lines from this movie occurs in this general portion of the picture although it is not in this clip James Earl Jones" The self -destruct button has just self destructed "

[@CrowTRobot-ni7zu]

About as useful as Daffy Duck’s disintegrating pistol!

[@PC4USE1]

This is the perfect "black comedy" and one of my all time favorites.Every actor is perfect for his/her role.

[@EternalTina]

Is there anything more scary in doomsday scenes like this than the endless throwing of switches?

[@Mjr._Kong]

And believe me, y'all don't want to get hare-lipped on Bear Creek.

[@rogerreaves5809]

James Earl Jones as Lt. Lothar Zogg.

[@GlobalWahrman]

Slim Pickens is certainly a genius. I think J. E. Jones is also very good in his far more limited role. They are all great.

[@richardbuxton3546]

In the next clip 4 minutes later - they've moved from 10 miles distant in this clip to 7 miles distant in the next - they fly 3 miles in 4 minutes - this makes the aircraft's speed in the order of 45 mph which is quite remarkable.

[@johcafra]

Even with treetop-level feathering, yeah, it's a stretch...but imagine the crew shots and bomb bay shots happening in parallel and it's a bit less of a stretch. That next clip made me jump out of my seat when I first viewed this flick as an impressionable youth...how in the heck would I know it was a satire when I didn't even know who Peter Sellers was? (Slim's brilliant.)

[@nasrath42]

tehre is reason why b-52 is called BUFF :)

[@XwpisONOMA]

Yes, that's why it is called a parody film.

[@brucedeakin]

Richard Buxton you're assuming that they are traveling to their target in a straight line...why would you assume such a thing?

[@richardbuxton3546]

***** No - well sort of no. If the times and distances are as presented as we see and if they're flying in an aircraft then they can not possibly be going in a straight line to the target else they'll stall and crash. I used to repair bomb sights for the RAF - bombers of that era typically line up some distance away from the target but no matter - my contribution was meant as a joke - I understand poetic licence in movie making and screenplays - I was trying to make you smile. What I assume is neither here nor there. And why should you bother assuming what I may or may not assume - in short - what has it got to do with you? As Χωρίς Όνομα says - it's a parody - not to be taken seriously.

[@levistrauss5378]

Every time I watch this movie it reminds me that ballistic missiles are considerably faster than the old bombers, and the war would be over before it even started.

[@Sir_Guardus]

I would like to introduce air defenses that can shoot down a icbm

[@steveallerton9124]

RIP 😢

[@macsdaddy3383]

The only one thing that would have made this scene more perfect would have been to see the maroon color of the A&M t-shirt peeking out from underneath the flightsuit that Slim Pickens character Maj. Kong was surely wearing.

[@LDixon007]

If the pilot's good, see, I mean if he's really sharp, he can barrel that baby in so low... oh you oughta see it sometime, it's a sight. A big plane like a '52... varrrooom! Its jet exhaust... frying chickens in the barnyard!

[@noahhesket2487]

“But has he got a chance!?” “HAS HE GOT A CHANCE!? HELL YEA- oh...”

[@ronaldmcdonald3965]

Yeah, I had a B-52 fly right over may while have lunch on a high mountain lake in the Sierra Nevada mountain of CA

[@ZilogBob]

Briliant line by George C Scott.

[@stephanielaurenbounds4958]

I think what happened was when one of the Soviet SAM’s exploded close to the B-52 it shorted out the electrical systems.

[@juliamertenatowne6278]

The finality of this check list and it's superb execution would scare anybody on the other side.

[@alanpolasky4062]

'Schucks, I didn't come all this way, just to dump this thing in the drink'.

[@TP-vu3tc]

Love the basic on and off switches. No computers.

[@wbwilhite]

Back in the day when Darth Vader was a bomber pilot for Dr. Strangelove.

[@satireisnotdead5804]

James Earl Jones was gifted a voice box of diamond by the gods.

[@ZenZaBill]

Maj. Kong: "Stay on the bomb run, boys. I'm gonna git them doors open if it hair-lips everybody on Bear Creek..." And sho' 'nuff, he did.

[@captainbackflash]

Use the force, Darth!

[@saemushailstorm3135]

SNAFU happen , & these guys are improvising , performing routines to fulfill mission NO MATTER WHAT - thats dedication to duty ; yall might not like or agree , but ~ ~ ~

[@badguy1481]

According to his history: "Dear John" was the name of Slim Picken's favorite horse. Some kind of screw up in the placement of the two replica's meant he rode the one of the left, instead of the one on the right.

[@Gsloth301]

"Stay on the bomb run, boys. I'm gonna get these doors open if it hairlips everyone on bear creek"

[@Bob-b7x6v]

RIP, Lt. Col Thog.

[@juliamertenatowne9521]

Excellent crew checklist discipline/dynamics.

[@paulredinger420]

If they dropped that bomb from the level they were over that river they'd of been vaporised in the same blast. Especially with an air burst.

[@edwardpate6128]

RIP James Earl Jones.

[@michaeldelz]

Co pilot is Shane Rimmer with his distinctive voice he played Scott Tracy in Thunderbirds.