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The First Of The Few
(1942)
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This fictionalized biopic tells the story of R.J. Mitchell (Leslie Howard), the British aviator who developed the Spitfire--an ace fighter plane, and Geoffrey Crisp (David Niven, who was granted military leave to star in the film), his daring test pilot who tells the tale in flashback. After winning numerous accolades for his achievements in designing monoplanes, Mitchell is convinced that he must design a new type of fighter plane after Hitler's ascend to power--the result was the titular craft that helped Britain defend its skies. Sadly, director/star Howard was killed after being shot down by German forces while returning home from a diplomatic mission prior to the film's release. Incidentally, SPITFIRE was viewed as a great boost to Britain's morale during wartime. |
Offered contracts and any number of enticing star roles after Gone with the Wind, Leslie Howard chose to leave Hollywood and return to England to make films designed to boost wartime morale. Here, he directs and stars as visionary aircraft designer RJ Mitchell, the father of the Spitfire. The fine cast includes Rosamund John as his wife and David Niven as the test pilot, while William Walton's score sums up an entire era of flying pictures. It was Howard's final screen performance: his plane was shot down in 1943 on a mission that immediately became shrouded in mystery — one that has never been explained.
Halliwell's Film Guide
Low-key but impressive biopic with firm acting and good dialogue scenes. Production values slightly shaky.
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