The Blue Max is a 1966 war drama film directed by John Guillermin and starring George Peppard, James Mason, and Ursula Andress. It is set in 1918 at the height of World War I and follows the story of Bruno Stachel, a young German fighter pilot who is determined to win the prestigious medal, the Blue Max, awarded for 20 kills.
Stachel hails from a lower-class background, and despite his talent as a pilot, he faces discrimination from the upper-class officers of his squadron. He finds a powerful ally in the form of Willi von Klugermann, a wealthy and influential officer who sees potential in Stachel and sponsors his bid for the Blue Max.
As Stachel's kill count rises, so does his ambition and ruthlessness, and he begins to push boundaries and take risky actions that threaten his fellow pilots. He also becomes involved in a love triangle with von Klugermann's wife, Countess Kaeti, and a beautiful nurse named Liesl.
The tensions and rivalries within the German air force escalate as Stachel's success threatens the established order, and he is forced to confront the consequences of his pursuit of glory.
The Blue Max features impressive aerial sequences shot with actual planes from World War I, as well as strong performances from the cast. It received mixed reviews upon its release but has since gained a following and is considered a classic of the war film genre.