The Sound Barrier 1952

Bosley Crowther, New York Times: This must be said about this picture: it soars far above its clumsy tag and it comes pretty close to being the most exalting of contemporary films. Read more

J. R. Jones, Chicago Reader: Public excitement over jet travel helped make David Lean's 1952 British feature a big hit, though its science doesn't wash and its majestic aerial sequences are uneasily wedded to a starchy familial drama. Read more

David Denby, New Yorker: The aerodynamic issues in the movie may now be antiquated, but the excitement and beauty of early jet aviation are still irresistible. Read more

Geoff Andrew, Time Out: Unfortunately, Terence Rattigan's script, while solidly structured, never probes beyond the basic conceit that an obsession which works towards the glory of mankind in general may wreak havoc on private lives. Read more

Variety Staff, Variety: Technically, artistically and emotionally, this is a topflight British offering. Read more