Film 'Pressure' tells story of D-Day weather forecast

The decision to launch the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944, rather than the originally planned date of June 5, hinged on a tense 72hour forecast from a Scottish meteorologist whose warnings were initially unwelcome. That largely overlooked chapter of World War II history is the focus of “Pressure,” a film arriving in theaters May 29, on the eve of the operation’s 82nd anniversary.

Adapted from David Haig’s stage play, the film centers on Group Capt. James Stagg, the chief meteorologist who had to inform Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower and Allied leadership that catastrophic weather loomed over the planned June 5 launch. The invasion would ultimately deploy nearly 160,000 Allied troops across Normandy, and a one-day delay carried enormous strategic risk. Stagg’s recommendation, delivered with uncertainty, convinced Eisenhower to postpone.

Director Anthony Maras assembled Brendan Fraser to play Eisenhower and Andrew Scott to portray Stagg. Fraser said he initially resisted the role, not seeing himself as the historic figure. “I thought Eisenhower was this, you know, stern, staunch, something on coin,” he said. After reading and listening to extensive material, Fraser said his...