Battle of Britain (1969)

In 1940, the British Royal Air Force fights a desperate battle to prevent the Luftwaffe from gaining air superiority over the English Channel as a prelude to a possible Axis invasion of the UK.

Director:

Guy Hamilton

Writers:

James Kennaway (screenplay), Wilfred Greatorex (screenplay)

Stars:

Michael Caine, Trevor Howard, Harry Andrews

Nominated for 1 BAFTA Film Award. Another 1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Harry Andrews	...	Senior Civil Servant
Michael Caine	...	Squadron Leader Canfield
Trevor Howard	...	Air Vice Marshal Keith Park
Curd Jürgens	...	Baron von Richter (as Curt Jurgens)
Ian McShane	...	Sgt. Pilot Andy
Kenneth More	...	Group Capt. Baker
Laurence Olivier	...	Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding
Nigel Patrick	...	Group Capt. Hope
Christopher Plummer	...	Squadron Leader Colin Harvey
Michael Redgrave	...	Air Vice Marshal Evill
Ralph Richardson	...	Sir David Kelly - British Minister to Switzerland
Robert Shaw	...	Squadron Leader Skipper
Patrick Wymark	...	Air Vice Marshal Trafford Leigh-Mallory
Susannah York	...	Section Officer Maggie Harvey
Michael Bates	...	Warrant Officer Warwick

Storyline

Historical reenactment of the air war in the early days of World War Two for control of the skies over Britain as the new Luftwaffe and the Royal Air Force determine whether or not an invasion can take place.

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Plot Keywords:

raf | luftwaffe | pilot | royal air force | bomber | 

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Genres:

Action | Drama | History | War

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Certificate:

G

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English German Polish French

Release Date:

24 October 1969 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Battle of Britain

Filming Locations:

Old War Office Building, Whitehall, Westminster, London, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$17,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Spitfire Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

132 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (35 mm prints) 70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints) (French release)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In addition to the camera plane, the production also made use of a helicopter. No gimball mounts in those days, just people like camera operator John Jordan who hung under the helicopter in a parachute harness. He died before the film was released, in May 1969.

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Goofs

Shortly before the plotting room is bombed we see an RAF serviceman standing near the window, he ducks down long before the bomb hits.

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Quotes

Sgt. Pilot Andy: [Novice pilot Simon has made a very bad landing] You can teach...
Pilot Officer Archie: [joins in] ... *monkeys* to fly better than that!

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Connections

Featured in Al Murray's Great British War Movies (2014)

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Soundtracks

Battle in the Air
Composed by William Walton (as Sir William Walton O.M.)
Conducted by Malcolm Arnold

User Reviews

Holds Up Well

I recently reviewed this film after having not seen it since it was new. Being a 31 year military veteran I have a somewhat different frame of reference for watching films such as this. I look for things in a film many civilians never will. I don't think this one has ever been shown on TV in the US, at least not within a couple of decades, so it's certainly not overplayed here. Luckily, the tape I accessed was in excellent condition so it was crisp and new in appearance. It is still a very excellent film depicting one of Britain's most harrowing times and the unwavering heroism of those who fought so desperately to secure their victory. The film didn't enjoy many fine reviews when it was new as it was compared, as most war films are, to the plethora of fiction produced by the movie industry and REAL history usually comes off looking mundane by comparison. I have found this a similar oddity for many excellent films of war. This is one film that more than adequately stands the test of time and I would absolutely love to see a wide-screen DVD version of it offered. Although it helps to have an understanding of war in general, and in particular the second world war and the actual battle of britain, one can be ignorant of those facts and still come away well entertained. It is a wonderfully produced film, acted with talent and grace by a cast of performers who are now legendary. The sets, costumes and musical score are wonderful and perfectly compliment the cinematography. If I can find a copy I am going to add it to my library.