The Sound Barrier

1952 · directed by David Lean

Rating

72/100

Hit

no

A young RAF pilot tests his father-in-law’s prototype supersonic aircraft to the limit, at a time of intense development in the field of aviation, just as commercial jet airliners are about to enter service.

The Sound Barrier (1952), directed by David Lean, rates 72/100. See how its director, cast and crew rate across their careers.

Cast

• Ralph Richardson
• Ann Todd
• Nigel Patrick
• John Justin
• Dinah Sheridan
• Joseph Tomelty
• Denholm Elliott
• Jack Allen
• Ralph Michael
• Leslie Phillips

Crew

• Jack Hildyard — Director of Photography
• Geoffrey Foot — Editor
• Malcolm Arnold — Original Music Composer
• Terence Rattigan — Writer

More from David Lean

1. Lawrence of Arabia (1962) — 99/100 · hit
2. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) — 97/100 · hit
3. Doctor Zhivago (1965) — 86/100 · hit
4. Brief Encounter (1945) — 84/100 · hit
5. Oliver Twist (1948) — 83/100 · hit
6. Great Expectations (1946) — 83/100 · hit

How these numbers work: Methodology