Well, only slightly worse in that although this film misses the earlier film's scope and spectacle, it slims down the narrative substantially so that it goes down a little easier. Similarly to George Peppard, John Philip Law gives us an aloof performance of a German fighter ace rising up through the ranks, hitting most of the same notes including getting a medal from The Kaiser and bedding some classy rich woman as reward for his deeds.
Don Stroud gives us another of his mopey forlorn performances so characteristic of leading men of this era. We don't really ever come to like him unfortunately but that goes for Law too. Although I'd call this one of Roger Corman's more "respectable" films in that it doesn't exude any obvious incompetence, it does feel a little light and small considering there's supposed to be a whole World War going on. For those expecting any real insight into the true story of The Red Baron, look elsewhere as this film doesn't feel particularly accurate or well-researched. Surprisingly, it does contain dozens of vintage planes and a couple cool base attack scenes. That's probably where all the money went.
Don Stroud gives us another of his mopey forlorn performances so characteristic of leading men of this era. We don't really ever come to like him unfortunately but that goes for Law too. Although I'd call this one of Roger Corman's more "respectable" films in that it doesn't exude any obvious incompetence, it does feel a little light and small considering there's supposed to be a whole World War going on. For those expecting any real insight into the true story of The Red Baron, look elsewhere as this film doesn't feel particularly accurate or well-researched. Surprisingly, it does contain dozens of vintage planes and a couple cool base attack scenes. That's probably where all the money went.