MovieChat Forums > The Flight of the Phoenix (1965) Discussion > 'Crow' AKA 'Ratbags'

'Crow' AKA 'Ratbags'

posted 12 years ago by csimpkins53
10 replies | jump to latest

The character of Crow (portrayed by Ian Bannen) is a complete a**hole! Why didn't one of the other characters in the movie break his freakin nose? I HATE this guy!

[–] lawrence142002 12 years ago

Crow's purpose in the film is comic relief. Everyone is under stress and that's how Crow released his fears and frustration. He wasn't really a bad guy or even really all that mean-spirited. Also, unlike Watson who was a coward and who stole water, Crow worked hard with the group and never caused any dissent. Actually, I feel he's a really misunderstood character by a lot of people.

Dr. Cynic Has Spoken

[–] Fingaroo 12 years ago

I thought it was Dorfmann who stole the water. Did Watson steal some too?

[–] rlippman-2 8 years ago

Just finished watching it for the first time. I'm a modeller and rc pilot and this was recommended to me by a friend. Great movie. Anyway, it seemed to me that Watson was stealing water, and was quite relieved when Dorfman admitted taking extra water, as it covered fit him.

[–] IsleOfDogs 11 years ago

Agreed!

If he was intended to be comic relief, he failed miserably. I've seldom seen a movie character I disliked more!

[–] Zando777 10 years ago

Nominated for an Oscar.

[–] porfle 8 years ago

I think Crow is awesome. He's funny, and is actually a good guy when it counts.

[–] lorenzb-2 7 years ago

I thought he was funny. He came up with some good lines and he wasn't a slacker. Although he would get on your nerves after awhile.

[–] SidekickinWhiteFury 7 years ago

I don't believe there is any evidence of Watson stealing water.
Dorfmann took the water because he was busy working while everyone was resting and rationalized that he needed it more than they did.

[–] Etherdave (162) 3 years ago

He certainly is a maddening character, but flawlessly played by Ian Bannen, who was nominated for an Oscar for the performance. Unfortunately there's no guarantee a guy like Ratbags won't show up at an aviation disaster near you. But as pointed out by the other posters, he carries his weight, and if you watch him during the start-up of the engine, he's plenty serious.

[–] strntz (10830) 3 years ago

I didn't mind him at all. The only guy I didn't like was Watson, and even then, I didn't hate him.