Being interested in aviation and in particular, airships, I’ve always enjoyed the old-fashioned but exciting World War I adventure Zeppelin (1971). This is an international production: filmed in Britain by Belgian director Etienne Perier, regarding a German dirigible sent on a top-secret raid over Scotland!
Condensed, the film’s plot concerns a Bavarian-born British soldier (Michael York) who is contacted by the Germans about spying for them during World War I. Soon York is in Germany, assigned to aid the designer of the latest zeppelin (Marius Goring) and his beautiful young wife (Elke Sommer), who is a top scientist in her own right. The zeppelin is to be given a test flight and York is forced on board, along with the two scientists. They are unaware that the test flight is a cover for a far more sinister mission, one which takes them to Scotland and involves a great historical document.
While the film’s top-secret zeppelin mission is not based in historical fact, it makes for fascinating conjecture, as well as a very exciting climax. The first half is much slower, taking the time to establish its story, characters and primary theme, the question of where duty lies, particularly when one’s loyalties are divided.
The dramatics aren’t great — although Elke Sommer makes a surprisingly convincing scientist — but Perier realizes that the real star of the show is the zeppelin. Numbered LZ-36, the German-built zeppelin is presented reverently, even lovingly. Its trek across the North Sea from Germany to Scotland is dramatic and occasionally harrowing. The cinematography is excellent, much of it taking place inside the zeppelin’s hull, looking down as it soars, lands, refuels and attacks. Roy Budd’s music score is evocative, especially his military-style opening theme as LZ-36 emerges from the clouds like an aerial phantom.
Perier also smartly keeps the film’s focus on the story and its action. It would be typical for York and Sommer to develop a romantic relationship (the ad certainly hints that it occurs), but it actually does not. Love would get in the way of war.
Airships have rarely been seen to such advantage in motion pictures; Zeppelin rates a recommendation just for its portrayal of this wonder of the skies.
My rating: ✰ ✰ ✰. (8:2).