Making the movie "The Battle of Britain"

THIS IS ABOUT THE MAKING OF THE MOVIE, NOT THE BATTLE! It is based on Leonard Mosely's book about the making of the 1969 movie "Battle of Britain". Using behind the scenes images it tells some interesting facts about the making of one of the best and most historically accurate movies about military aviation and air warfare in history. I need to stipulate 2 things and make 2 corrections.
Stipulation 1: I use the term British when referring to pilots in the RAF. There were Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, South Africans, Americans, Czechs, Poles, Frenchmen and others flying in the RAF but I usually simply just refer to them as British pilots when I do refer to the battle.
Stipulation
2: the pilots in the movie were mostly British, Spanish, American and Canadian although there were likely others as well.
Corrections:
1: The movie was eventually profitable but not on its initial release. It was the video rental market that eventually moved it in to profitability and over the decades it has generated a handsome return, However, on its initial worldwide distribution it grossed a bit less than the $13,000,000 production budget. It only made about two million dollars in England yet it was the number 1 film in the United Kingdom for a total of 14 weeks between September 1969 - February 1970. Many believe it was the anti-war climate of the late 60s/early 70s that hurt the films earnings.
2: Connie Edwards said in an AOPA interview that it was a Mk. 9 Spitfire that he had to belly land due to a fire. He also said the Brits told him that he was faux shot down 72 times in it.
Copyright MGM
Music from the Battle of Britain soundtrack.

[@michaelwilliams3232]

When I was a 14yo growing up in Dartford Kent I witnessed the fly over of something like 30 to 40 aircraft in formation at roughly 2000 feet, heading into London. Mum, who grew up during the war was absolutely terrified and fled back inside the house. What sticks in my memory is the drone of the engines which grew louder and louder as they approached. They were filming the scene where the Germans switched their bombing to civilian targets and were following the Thames river to the East End. I can pick out in the frames exactly where I was that day. For that reason this film has special meaning to me.

[@maxsmodels]

That must have been awesome

[@makeadifference6165]

Thank you for responding! God Bless

[@andyfredericks6205]

I saw them too! I was nine and my friend and I heard that same sound just as you describe,looking up we couldn't believe it but being boys in the sixties we knew what those aircraft were and as soon as the film came our parents,who lived through the real thing,took us to see it.I even had that book.We're lucky here in Kent these days,we get our Spitfire almost daily! Great video.Thankyou.

[@peterwilliams4842]

A similar thing happened happened to me. One Saturday I was with my dad in the back garden, we lived near shooters hill, when a Heinkel 111 flanked by two Me 109's flew over. My dad looked and I saw the colour drain from his face as it instantly took him back to the dark days of 1940.

[@YDDES]

psychedelic_time traveler-86 They probably fell into the sea. You never se them actually flying over land, dropping bombs.

[@darkredvan]

The best warbird film ever. No CGI, no fooling around with computers. Just actual, real, honest flying. Great scenes, great flying. They did it just right, at the right time. The one scene I like the best in the whole movie is right at the beginning, Battle of France. When the Hurricanes leave the airfield, the „lame ducks“ are going to be torched. Now the very low flying 109‘s strafing the airfield. This is incredibly good flying! I have watched this scene maybe 50 times. And to know it is no CGI, just good old stick and rudder competence. Wow!

[@billbonnington7916]

there were actually radio controlled aircraft (the Stuka's I believe were all RC), and some "extra" aircraft were dubbed into some scenes (some Hurricanes were superimposed for instance), but it doesn't take away from the quality of this film - I agree, the best WWII flying pic by some margin.

[@wrightrandy]

One of the 109 pilots was a friend of my dad's and fellow CAF member Gerald Martin. Gerald was a crop duster from Texas and although I can't be sure, chances were that he was the lowest of the low 109s in that scene. He also flew Corsairs during the Baa Baa BlackSheep filming.

[@darkredvan]

@@wrightrandy He also flew the two-seat Buchon for filming.

[@Grossman2868]

It still blows my mind after all these years at how low the Me 109's are in that scene. Imagine what it must have been like actually being there. I can honestly say I grew up with this movie as an aircraft nut as a kid ( I was 16 when it hit the theatres) and have watched it 100's of times.

[@MrRnipperBrockleBroadcasting]

@@billbonnington7916 you are quite correct, at least one of the r/c Stuka models was still around in 1995 at a model aircraft museum in Nottingham

[@delavalmilker]

"REAL aircraft flying in REAL formations in a REAL sky". That pretty much sums-up why this movie is a classic. And why today's WWII movies can't hold a candle to this one.

[@Yaris510]

Here, here - although, to be fair, Christopher Nolan's 'Dunkirk' (2017) employed the same tactic as was used in Hamilton's masterpiece from 1969; i.e. the use of large-scale, very accurate models - notably of German bombers (e.g. the scene in which 'Fortis 1' - played by Tom Hardy - shoots down a Heinkel 111)

[@flybobbie1449]

@@Yaris510 If i gave BoB a10, i would give Dunkirk 5.

[@markarament6776]

@@flybobbie1449 You are very generous, sir. I gave Dunkirk 2.

[@flybobbie1449]

@@markarament6776 Got to admit very disappointed in Dunkirk, lack of troops on the beach for a start and silly flying sequences. I was rather generous at giving it 5.

[@billyleroy2465]

@@flybobbie1449 id give Dunkirk a 2

[@billmmckelvie5188]

A few things just to bring to your attention a lot of the people who played the part of the residents after the German bombing of London, were actual survivors of the blitz. Some had PTSD and had to walk off the set as they had horrific flashbacks of the war. After acquiring all the aircraft for the filming, it was the 33rd largest 'air force' in the world! This film also sowed the seed for me to join the RAF seven years later.

[@modeltraingeek6544]

Then you are a true gent thank you 🫡 sir

[@graemejwsmith]

1989 London to Hamburg Tall Ships Race. Last night in port - big fireworks display. Most of the older folks on the streets were distinctly uncomfortable or left to go inside. Too many memories of the RAF raids that firebombed Hamburg. (NOT being an apologist here - just making an observation about PTSD).

[@davidholmgren659]

My old man and I watched this movie during my wedding reception at our house...my wife was furious but we watched it anyway. My father was a P-38 pilot and I have always lived and breathed airplanes...a great movie and a masterpiece of flying cinematography.

[@Liddledriver]

My dad worked for MGM and I got to go to the premiere of the movie. As a young lad who was a WWII warplane addict even back then I was enthralled and still watch the movie from time to time. My five kids grew up with it and even my daughter can tell the difference between a Spit and Hurricane and we're all yanks! Thanks for the post mate. Cheers

[@hertzair1186]

Battle of Britain and Das Boot ....two of the best film portrayals of WW2 in my opinion...especially in consideration of the years they were made. Edit: I would also include Tora Tora Tora …it escaped me at the moment

[@alfredomarquez9777]

Absolutely true! My father was a Navy Officer sent to London as the Naval Attachè of the Embassy of Mexico in London from mid 1940 to 1945. In addition to taking me to the Battle of Britain movie in 1970, he also took me to see "Das Boot" when they ran it in Mexico City in 1982, and being at that time a Vice Admiral, and having been in London, France, Morocco (for the Casablanca Conference) during the entire war, he was very favorably impressed by the german film. Needless to say, we also went to see Tora-Tora-Tora, and "Midway" too. He would rank BoB first, closely followed by TTT and Das Boot. The one film we never saw, was the Sinking of the Bismark, and that was a pity, because He lived the sinking from the Admiralty HQ in London, so he knew all about that.

[@donuthole7236]

So was The Train with Burt Lancaster

[@stephencarey5074]

My mother enjoyed the film - she was ATS during the war - with her only comment during Ms York's underwear exposé "Those aren't WW2 era knickers!"

[@MarkHarrison733]

They were all boring films.

[@graemejwsmith]

And the opening beach sequence in Saving Private Ryan.

[@waynester71]

Brilliant.. one of my all time favourite films

[@markarament6776]

Simply THE BEST!!

[@hamishanderson6738]

Great music too!

[@ecirpnai1]

This has got to be one of the best films ever and the good news is that a few of the planes from the film can still be seen at airshows in the UK. I have seen them fly a few times at Duxford and when you see about 15 Spitfires & Hurricanes take to the air, in a scrambled take off from Duxford its an amazing sight.

[@nanooseguy327]

Thanks for that recap of what has always been my favorite movie ever. I am a retired 777 Captain and my Dad flew Typhoons with 175 Squadron RAF. He was too young for the BoB.

[@envitech02]

The flying scenes were so authentic, flown with real vintage aircraft and the acting was so phenomenal!! Rest in Peace RS Tuck and A. Galland and to all those who made this possible! May both of you continue your dogfighting adventures in heaven!

[@oldautos251]

Take a good look, there aircraft are powered by rolls royce engines, they are post WW2

[@samburkes7552]

@@oldautos251 Certainly..There were hardly if any Daimler-Benz or Junkers Jumo engines available for the re-fitting of these great aircraft. R.R. Merlins were much more plentiful in 68-69, when they were producing/filming this great movie..Must say, a Messerschmitt Bf-109E looks rather off with that cowling/exhaust/ scoop configuration!! They did the best they could, which i think personally was damn good for their $8 Million budget!!

[@timorvet1]

First saw it back in 1969 in Australia, at the Penrith drive-in. As a six year old the planes were the best part, and over the years, I've dissected and analysed the film picking on its strengths, and weakness. When it came to TV in the 1970's, I was very disappointed when they cut those early scenes in France, of the Hurricanes being attacked and burning. Also the English sub-titles for the German speaking actors didn't quite make sense, and in later years that problem was rectified. Its one of those films, where all those years later, new information and stories keep coming to light, to keep one of the best aviation films of our time alive.

[@Jo_Wardy]

I first saw it on TV in the early 2010s then everytime it's been on tv I watched it. I was also an airforce cadet during 2015 - 2019. So I loved all the airforce films.

[@waynester71]

And of course, Kenneth More who played Group Captain Baker also played Douglas Bader in the film Reach for the Sky..

[@vintagebrew1057]

I met Bader on the early 80's and im reminded of an interview he gave in the 70's. When asked why he got involved he gave the questioner a withering look and replied "They were dropping bombs on My People and I wasnt bloody having that!" It has always stayed with me.....sums up what these wonderful people did for us.

[@markarament6776]

Thank you for the info.

[@Mwraf]

Never made me giddy as a school boy more than they had Douglas Bader the ace of aces on this.

[@mwhyte1979]

Speaking personally as a retired USAF member who is also a big movie fan I've got to say that this is my absolute most favorite film of all time. Also speaking as a retired Aircraft Maintainer I would have loved to have been a grounds crewman on any of these aircrafts.

[@pascalchauvet822]

Oh yes indeed, I think what makes the Spitfire so special is that it was developed in almost total disregard of production and tooling costs, whereas the Bf109 was deliberately simplified for rapid series production from the outset. Be it as it may, this gave the Spitfire ist unique thoroughbred apperance and flying characteristics, universaly loved by all the pilots who ever flew her. The Hurricane, on the other hand, had a unique fuselage frame construction consisting of a myriad of joints and bolts, tehereby presenting a challenge from a today's restauration standpoint but thus enabling Hurricanes to be more easily repaired, even fitting together two damaged aircraft into a single one if necessary.

[@mwhyte1979]

@@pascalchauvet822 I get what your saying about the Spitfire. It is definitely one of the most beautiful aircraft of all time and one of the most capable of its time. Strangely enough though I have an unusual soft spot for the Hurricane. While it's not as glamorous and fast and agile as the Spit I've always thought the Hurricane was the one that could take a beating and would still get up and throw itself back into the fight. Perhaps it's just the maintainer in me.

[@pascalchauvet822]

@@mwhyte1979 Yes strangely as a Kid I felt the same. The Hurricane is arguably the the more "British" of the two, being a curious mix of old and new technology, the prototype actually flying with a wing of traditional mixed construction with fabric covered surfaces. Thankfully an entirely new stessed-skin Wing was later adopted instead, but the steel tube fuselage was more or less passed o to the Typhoon and eve Tempest. Speaking of wings, did you notice the very low dihedral of its wings compared to the Spit and 109?

[@mwhyte1979]

@@pascalchauvet822 don't really know about the dehedral of the wing though I like that looking at the Hurricane you can see it's direct lineagefrom the earlier biplane while the Spit was most definitly a departure from what had come before. Comparing the Spit to the BF109, its always seems to me that the Spit was not just a great fighter but I also kinda think of it as also work of art. The 109 on the other hand has always seem like a more functional design kinda on the same level as the Hurricane. Still I've got to say that all the airframe from that era have a certain elegance about them.

[@mwhyte1979]

@@pascalchauvet822 course even as an American I'm forced to make allowances for all rules. A good example is the Republic P-47. It's a brute of an airframe and proves that you can put enough of a engine on a boulder and get it to fly. Course it also came with eight 50 caliber machine guns and you could attach enough rockets to it to make a small country to surrender. Still in many ways the aircrafts of that era was something special.

[@PenzancePete]

Thank heavens that this was made by the British.

[@denishoulan1491]

As a school boy in 1968 living in North Kent, I thought it was great having all these WW2 aircraft flying around. . One afternoon at school we were supposed to play cricket but with all the planes flying about, our teacher gave up on our game and he joined us watching all the aircraft. Kids booed Germans and cheered the RAF. We as a family, went to see the film when it came out.

[@filupe01]

I picked up the Mosely book for $1 at a garage sale this Easter - best $1 dollar I've ever spent! Some very interesting anecdotes - by coincidence, the B-25 camera plane is now being restored not far from me.

[@makeadifference6165]

make sure and see the B-25 fly!!

[@vstar7196]

Interesting photo of Bader pushing Dowding’s wheelchair around on the set. It was Leigh-Mallory with Bader’s support that sunk Dowding after the battle in 1941. Dowding and Park were unceremoniously dumped and Leigh-Mallory took over Dowding’s post. Fortunately history has been a lot kinder to both Dowding and Park.

[@maxsmodels]

sadly yes. time softens old injuries

[@johnholt890]

Absolutely whilst incredibly brave and a brilliant leader Bader was by accounts not very likeable. Leigh Mallory also does not come out of things terribly well.

[@hadial-saadoon2114]

Leigh-Mallory was shuttled off to a command in Asia in 1944 and was killed in a crash while in transit. He didn't leave much of a legacy at all.

[@colinthomas5462]

Yes agreed, thought the same as you, with images of Bader and Dowding.

[@markbell9135]

just a masterpiece of film making. I hope they never try to remake it, they won’t be able to top this version no way! My favourite war film of all time.

[@tonyhonour665]

I agree completely; don’t get me started on The Dam Busters either.

[@cecielhelder5923]

There will come day where they can cgi this movie to the point where it’ll look as real as the real thing. Some of the mass bomber and fighter formations are clearly composite scenes. Layered together to form larger formations and could use a cgi redo. Some of the flight simulation games like Wart Thunder already look very realistic and have been used in movies. The acting could be done by actors the actual age of the pilots that fought. Average pilot age during the Battle was 20. Most actors were 10-20 years older than the pilots they portrayed. Michael Caine, 35 at the time, thought he was too young for the role of Squadron Leader. Only to be told by veterans he was 10 years too old. Still the greatest WW2 aerial combat movie ever made. From both the historical and flight scene perspective. If there’s ever a remake they’ll need to watch out not to overdo it like the dive bomb scenes in the Battle of Midway or pretty much all combat scenes from Pear Harbor. Fine balance between Hollywood and realism.

[@alfredomarquez9777]

For me, it is THE greatest movie ever done on WW-II! My late father was a Lieutenant Commander and the Naval Attachè of the Embassy of Mexico in London during the entire european war. He took me to the cinema premiere exhibition, and fully explained how the Battle went. When the movie shows the British War Room where the aerial defense was coordinated, he exclaimed: "By God!, just look how well they reproduced that room!" ( Because he was present at that room during the Battle, thirty years before we went to the cinema!) He liked the film so much, that we returned twice, to see it a total of three times back in 1970.

[@johnholt890]

The room was accurate as it was the one used at Duxford and is still preserved and open to the public today? They also used Dowdings actual office and desk !

[@donaldparlettjr3295]

As a family in aviation I remember as a 7 year old going to the theater to see this movie. Still my favorite today. Now I'm a ww2 living historian crewing on a B-25 Mitchell bomber. Yeah, I bleed av-gas an oil.

[@maxsmodels]

Donald Parlett jr Sweeeeeet.

[@kevinbrown6261]

Thankyou so much for doing this - my father was just a child growing up in the South Coast of England during WW2 and he brought me up to appreciate the history of the war - The Battle of Britain was probably the first war movie I ever saw having been born in 1963 and I have enjoyed it as a historical dramatised record many times since. Your making of video has answered many questions I have had over the decades so thanks once again for that. 🙏🏼🌈👍

[@mmcbey1401]

As a teenage Air Cadet I got tickets for one of the premiers. I'll never forget that night. It was and still is a great film. Well done maxmodels for using original music from the film.

[@mollyfilms]

Fun fact.. that wasn’t the original music, the original music was changed very close to the end of product room. Was a huge issue and another story.

[@Roblambertbooks]

In the video you say about Susana York meeting people who were actually in the Battle, one she met was my father who was there for the MOD and his anecdotes of the time. As a special thank you they name the first flying officer to be lost after him, Lambert.

[@aldunlop4622]

I’m so glad there were passionate producers who went to the level they did to ensure this extremely important movie got made.

[@Grossman2868]

Still have my copy of Mosely's book some 52 years later. First saw the movie with my family, the second with the Air Cadets the third with a date. Have owned the VHS version and currently have the DVD.

[@yl9154]

A movie that should not be forgotten. Thank you.

[@benbovard9579]

You simply can't replicate this today, no matter how good the CGI is. There is no feeling like the real feel.

[@flybobbie1449]

Yes look at the stupid dynamics of cgi aircraft. Why do they mess it up.

[@sean_d]

Have to agree most CGI air combat is disappointing (Fly Boys, Red Tails) but I want to recommend Dark Blue World about Czech pilots who flew with the RAF. That film used CGI to reproduce the couple of working planes they had and also took scenes from the Battle Of Britain movie discussed in this video but added gun effects with CGI. The overall effect was very good.

[@mickydee3819]

Absolutely wonderful video, I still get a tear in my eye when the opening scenes unfold. Saw this on release with my father who was ex RAF. Thank you.

[@randytaylor1258]

Terrific video, Max -- it's good to have you back! The siundvseemed a little quiet to me but the photo montage more than makes up for it. It's hard to emphasize what a landmark production Battle of Britain was. Bravo!

[@macdodd]

I was in the Air Training Corps in 1969 at the age of 20 when we went to our local cinema to see the film on its release. Little did I know then while we sat there in AWE & WONDER at the scenes that just 4 years later I would be walking in the footsteps of not only these actors & crew but of the Airmen & Women who were stationed at Duxford. I spent a year there for a year in 1973. Was dismayed to see where they had blown up the hanger as it was an original from when the airfield was built. All the buildings were almost as freshly painted as they had been for the movie. My wife & I wandered through the hangers several times & were there when a Canadian C130 arrived carrying a Spitfire for what was at the time The East Anglia Aeronautical Museum. We were also present at the Arrival of S Sugar MK 3 Shackleton arriving in from Kinloss where strange as it may seem I was also stationed when the aircraft was being restored to flying condition, little did I know back in 1971/2 that I'd be seeing it in 1973 at Duxford. Our stay there will always be in my memory as will the film The Battle of Britain. I have watched it many more 5times since & can't help feeling nostalgic. Also in 1973 was probably the best air display I have ever seen as there were aircraft from all over the world probably at the time one of the largest collections of WWII aircraft in one place. My dad was in the RAF during the War but lucky for him not on the flying side, he was one of the unsung heroes of ground staff. Thanks for this video it's been a pleasure watching it. I think I might just have to go watch the movie again.

[@robertlyon2926]

Thanks for the video . Way back when I was a student pilot one of my instructors had flown in the battle of Britain and was still an active pilot . He was invited to do some of the fling for the movie but was living in Canada and could not get the time away , it was truly fun taking dual with him as he was always pulling into firing position behind other students and going on about deflection shooting . Very fond memories of a very long career.

[@burningb2439]

Best in depth Doc or information I have ever seen on this film The Battle of Britain is one of my top War films in the 70's and flung me into Models , but a great vid Max.

[@stephenmiller9124]

The Battle of Britain movie remains my favorite movie of all time. I was 19 years old when the film came out. As a boy, my favorite hobby was building 1/48th scale models of WWII aircraft. I also read every autobiographical pilot accounts I could get my hands on. Many years ago I purchased the VCR copy of this movie. I hope I can get a BluRay version some time. Your story behind the video was terrific! I now need the find the book you used as reference. I have enjoyed every one of your historical stories of the model manufacturing companies. This video was even more informative and entertaining. Thank you Captain Max!

[@richardmarshall4322]

I was brought up on this film, first visiting Duxford in '75 when i was 8. Great film. Many of the aircraft in the film still fly in UK today, including the Buchons and the 2 seater

[@donuthole7236]

One of the best war movies made. I remember seeing in in the theater upon release and a young boy and was very inspiring. Thanks for taking the time making this video which is historic on it's own

[@logotrikes]

That was brilliant, dude. I've seen the movie many years ago when it came out, and was always impressed by the aerial footage, but assumed it was mostly models. No wonder it looked so fugging realistic. Because it was... . Two of my heros; Galland and Bader. Oh, and Kenneth More for doing such a brilliant job portraying Douglas Bader... I came out in 1947, a bit too late for the war, but my childhood in Hull was replete with reminders of the Luftwaffe's redesign of the city for many years afterwards....

[@dazako]

Thanks for this. For any warbird aviation fan this film simply has no rival. A few extra facts : The Spanish aircraft used were actually powered by Rolls Royce Merlins at that time being superior engines to the original Hispano-Suiza. The Buchon 109's were slightly modified to look more period correct with tail struts etc and several are still flying today. 1 featured recently in 2017's Dunkirk film. Spitfires were also physically modified to have some consistency on film despite their being different versions. Scenes with Hurricane formations were actually Hurricanes in front with Buchons behind to fill the numbers. So few Hurricanes were available and the Buchon stood in from a distance. There was a Percival Proctor aircraft modified to resemble a Stuka for flying scenes but it was unstable in flight and as you said the use of model aircraft became more practical. The last airworthy Casa 111 sadly crashed in the 1980's but there is footage on youtube showing the aircraft in great detail inside and out. The Battle of Britain museum at Hawkinge airfield in Kent has several static prop aircraft and varied movie items as filming was also done there. It's a fantastic place to visit having both movie and historic ties to the BoB. Recent news (2017) says Ridley Scott will direct a remake.

[@taproom113]

Thanx for the 'extra facts' ... always good to know. ^v^

[@michaelmazowiecki9195]

Scott would butcheri it given his propensity to be very loose with factual history.

[@HarrelSantis]

Thank you for this. Well done and I learned much about one of my favorite films of all time.

[@Poz100]

My dad said this movie always gave him goosebumps. He was fifteen years old during the Battle of Britain and saw the actual dogfights over London from the ground.

[@drjthornley]

I will HAVE to watch this film again. I enjoyed the video enormously , thank you.

[@user-hr1cp7wd3p]

Thank you for your insightful inspired appraisal. As an Air Training Corps Cadet at 16 I was fund raising for Wings Week outside our local cinema our reward was a viewing of the film for free. With certain inaccuracies at the time it’s easy to criticise as an observer now,over 50 years later and having visited Duxford and watched the flying displays it sheds new light and greater appreciation on a project impossible to repeat

[@pasithea123]

Can’t believe I only just found this - what a gem of a KZbin video! well done! As a 9 year old, I witnessed (and will never forget) a lone spitfire flying over Epping forest where we used to live on its was to duxford. My uncle who was in the RAF flying lightnings took me to see the film at the cinema. Many years later and my adult self was privileged to visit (the private at the time) RAF Bentley Priory and step out into the garden like Dowding did and see virtually the same view as in the movie. My favourite line: Sqd leader Canfield (Michael Caine) - “how much longer do you want us to wait ops? We either sit here or blow up, which do you want?”

[@greenmonsterprod]

Just watched the movie again today. Very well made, and I agree with the favorable comparison with the also-well made "Tora Tora Tora".

[@johnc2438]

"The Battle of Britain" and "Tora! Tora! Tora!" are two of my favorite war movies, too. No CGI imaginary planes in either movie. Not WWII stock footage either. I'm a U.S. Navy veteran (retired), and my first assignment was to a Navy transport squadron (VR-21) at Naval Air Station Barbers Point on Oahu. While there, I was able to watch, right on the flight line, some of the flying sequences for the movie "Tora! Tora! Tora!": B-17s coming and going, mock-ups of Japanese naval aircraft flying about (American WWII era trainers standing in for Zeros), unused old hangars on the station being blown up, and period cars being shot up and burned on the other side of the station while we were going about our workday routine! We even watched a B-17 come in for an emergency landing when it could not lower one of its under-wing landing gear. This wasn't a "planned" stunt but an actual malfunction; the pilot circled the field several times while they prepared the runway -- and and the film people got cameras out and rolling. Everyone, including me, ran out of the squadron hangar to watch. Some grabbed cameras and took photos (I still have mine). We also had a visit from a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force anti-submarine warfare squadron. Japanese pilots and crewmembers gawked and posed in front of "Zero" fighters during their training visit. Exciting time.

[@davegoldsmith4020]

I was at school when this film was made one day we heard a large formation of aircraft flying down the east coast by Lowestoft. it turned out to be aircraft of the film a mixed formation of German and British. I saw the film with my father who served in the RAF during WW2. By then I had already decided to join the RAF, which I did in 1970, in 1972 I arrived at RAF Coltishall and found myself posted to the Battle of Britain flight, now the BBMF. Three years after watching the film I was working on some of the very same aircraft, including the then only two flying Hurricanes in the World, I could not believe how lucky I was. The best flying sequences in a film ever.

[@bozzbee13]

The musical score from the film was also superb.

[@pastorrich7436]

I LOVE your film reviews! Excellent writing and presentation. This particular one could use a bit more volume as the recording levels are low but well worth cranking up to be heard! Well done and thank you!!

[@philnashbroker5460]

Thanks for a great video. Loved the insight. The book you refer to is definitely worth tracking down.

[@timorvet1]

I have a first edition copy myself that I picked up some years ago not realizing that it was about the film and not the battle.....I treat it with the upmost respect. Plus I have the soundtrack on CD as seen at the start of the Doco. This soundtrack contains all the Sir William Walton suites not included in the final film.

[@johnbrown7858]

My dad took my brother and I to see this film in it's original release. I was very impressed. Today I have the DVD. One other thing besides a great story, and great cast, were the optics used to film the movie. This film has a sharp, and clean look to it. Today I am in the process of trying to build a diorama in 1/72 scale to depict this epic battle. What a movie!

[@makeadifference6165]

Keep history and this movie( the Battle) alive! God Bless!

[@alexlandherr]

It’s impressive that a period film lands such important people as the ones whom did the real deal.

[@petertwiggable]

I was a schoolboy in Fowlmere when this was being filmed. An unforgetable time of my life, especially when a school trip to Duxford was organised at short notice when they were not filming one day. Pics of me in a 111, dad in a 109 and mum with a squadron of 109s in the background

[@kasperspangejensen5496]

Did your school help funding the film ?

[@orwellboy1958]

I too was a school boy at the time, my parents took me to Duxford to see the movie set, my strongest memory is of the chateau, it looked magnificent from the front but just scaffolding from the back.

[@briand4000]

Truly wonderful! Still one of the best examples of cinema to be found anywhere. I've watched it dozens of times and sometimes just feel the need to hear some Spits, Hurries and 109's...and into the DVD player it goes!

[@juliocesarpereira4325]

'The Battle of Britain' is a favorite movie of mine. I watched it on TV for the first time in 1975, dubbed into Portuguese here in Brasil. Since then, I've watched many times over. Great job, sir. Thanks!

[@HonoredGeneral]

Nicely done, Max! Thank You for this.

[@beachcomberbob3496]

Thanks for making this video. It's been a film that's stayed with me all my life, ever since we traded the bubble gum cards in the playground at school as kids. I still watch it on a regular basis. The cinematography, considering it's pre CGI, is absolutely awesome. For the new kids, go and watch this. This is how to make a blockbuster movie!

[@icecoffee1361]

Really enjoyed watching your doc on the Battle of Britain thank you, one the greatest world war 2 movies. Great cast and NO CGI hats off to them for this masterpiece.

[@dethkultbadger]

Don’t forget they also showed 1 of the polish squadrons and included a list of all nationals who fought in the battle with the r.a.f and the losses of these brave men,of both sides

[@seandobson499]

303 Polish Squadron was the highest scoring squadron in the R.A.F.

[@pliedtka]

@@seandobson499 As a Pole living in Canada, I kind of feel for their commander 'Kentowski' - I bet he was a bit lost within bunch of Polaks speaking unpronounceable words.

[@davidgathercole2940]

Brilliant video. I wish there were more like this. Thank you, I really enjoyed watching

[@Vosper385]

I grew up in Hawkinge and always recall taking bits and pieces I'd found at the airfield to primary school there, once they called EOD because I found a rusty pistol that was still loaded! At the launch of the film in the local cinema (what is now Boots) some one had made a brilliant diorama of Hawkinge airfield and my mum who worked there got me to see the film as many times as I wanted, I got scared when I saw the tomato sauce being squirted in to Heinkel's gunner's eyes. Later I found out that my friend's dad sold a car to the film who then blew it up in the STUKA/RADAR station scene, they then gave the car back to him!

[@maxsmodels]

awesome

[@melmoore6885]

My mates dad was a cameraman on this fantastic film and we went to nearly all the locations, and even flew in the twinseat spit and 109, memories that can never be replaced.

[@Kabul81]

Great back story to a logistical production undertaking!😳 CGI does not do movies like this justice!🤔 Jman👀

[@keywestkyn9250]

Very well done. Thank you.

[@michaeledwards427]

Always loved this film as did my late father, who was born in 1935, who we sadly lost Feb 2022. He told me that during the early years of the war he witnessed an me109 flying down his street shooting at a boy of about 10. Fortunately the pilot missed. He also told me about playing on bomb sites, plus he and his friends (and more so the older boys) on finding the best bits of shrapnel to take into school (as long as the teachers didn't spot what they were doing!!!!)

[@MrSteveod21]

Thank you so much for this wonderful document on the making of the legendary film. I watched this as a teenager already hooked on the battle and was mesmerised enough to see it 3 times! I knew only a few of the facts behind the production before a watched your video, just a bit about the '109s' and '111s' and didn't know that actual aces had a hand in the production! To see Dowding too was special, albeit a little sad knowing how shabbily he and Park were treated later. I think too it was this movie that kicked off my obsession with Susannah York, another plus!

[@maxsmodels]

I need to stipulate that the movie was eventually profitable but not on its initial release. It was the video rental market that eventually moved it in to profitability and over the decades it has generated a handsome return, However, on its initial worldwide distribution it grossed less tan the $13,000,000 production budget. It only made about two million dollars in England yet it was the number 1 film in the United Kingdom for a total of 14 weeks between September 1969 - February 1970.

[@garfieldsmith332]

The film has a great score by Ron Goodwin. William Walton wrote the original score and it was rejected and Goodwin was asked to do a new score. Laurence Olivier was a good friend of Walton and asked that his name be removed from the credits. the compromise was Goodwin's' score and they kept Walton's Battle In The Air track.

[@sylvaleader]

If you get the DVD version you can play the film with William Walton's original score.

[@garfieldsmith332]

@@sylvaleader I have the LP, CD, DVD and the CD re-issue which contains both scores.

[@starpirat]

Finally this movie is on youtube. A classic piece of docudrama that should be seen by everyone as its story telling is timeless and the quality will never be surpassed. The making of the movie is just as important and its story of how the movie came together is as equally important.

[@stephenburgess5109]

This is the first film i went to see with my Uncle as a nine year old and still my favorite film.

[@l.d.venator5060]

Same here except I went with my Father, we sat about five rows back and it blew my mind. All these years later it is still a lasting memory of my Father and still one of my favourite films.

[@alfredomarquez9777]

@@l.d.venator5060 Me too. My father took me to the premiere in 70mm in 1970 in Mexico City. We returned two more times to see it again and again before they stopped showing it. And it brings me back to the extense, serious and detailed explanations that my dear father gave me each time just after each viewing, then going to a cafe outside the cinema to throughly analyze the film and the Battle. He lived through the entire war in europe, as he was the Naval Attachè of the Embassy of Mexico in London, and he lived the Battle at the War Room where the defense coordination was done. My father passed away in 1991, but I still remember him daily.

[@l.d.venator5060]

@@alfredomarquez9777 Your Father had an interesting life! It is fascinating the memories that stay with us and I think we are very lucky to have them, my Fathers love of history and aircraft has been passed on to me I'm pleased to say.

[@alfredomarquez9777]

@@l.d.venator5060 About that love of aircraft. Even when my father was a graduated Navy Officer, of what was called something like "General Corps" or Main Corp, what is a "Deck Officer", trained to command military ships, he became surprised by the change from the Battleship as THE naval weapon par excellence, to the Aircraft Carrier, and the amazing power that the airplane represented, having studied many Aeronaval combats and battles, and having suffered himself at the "Blitz", so he became enamored of the naval air power. He was honored to be present at the war room where the Battle of Britain defence was coordinated, and loved the way that the British people endured the Blitz and later the V1 and V2 bombs falling helplessly on London! He lost good friends too. When in 1969 I was finishing secondary school, he asked me what career was I wondering to follow. Much to his dismay, he learnd that I was leaning much more to aviation than to a career in the Navy... He quickly pointed out that he was not wealthy enough to pay me an aviation studies, because those have been traditionally too expensive in Mexico, but I had a suggestion: Why don't you let me go to the Navy Pilots school in Veracruz (at that time the school was based at the old "Las Bajadas" airport. He said I was crazy, as the Mexican Navy at that time was poorly equipped and flying old and too worn down aircraft. I tried to say that what the school lacked in equipment, it was abundant in "tradition"; he said: "Go ahead, tradition won't help at all to keep that relics airborne... but it is your butt". I completed 3-three month periods and did soloed the Maule MX7 trainer, but when I returned afyer a short vacation to continue the next phase, I was sent to the Medical Examination, where the surgeon detected 0.125 Diopter of Myopia (a minuscule amount, but...) in my left eye, and that ended my short career at aviation. I stayed away from aviation for many years, until the local government sent all general aviation, aviation schools and others out of Mexico City airport. Schools had to go to nearby cities, people studying went scarce, and at a last minute they dropped the cost, so I went to Cuernavaca, and got a private pilot licence, and flew for several years on a co-owned Cessna on weekends, at one time as far from Cuernavaca as Calgary Alberta, after going to Oshkosh EAA reunion. In 2014 I lost hearing in my right ear, affected my equilibrium for some time and made me forget about flying alone again. Later on, the two owners of the Cessna-182 sold it, and today I only fly from time to time with an instructor, in good meteorological conditions and no longer by night.

[@l.d.venator5060]

@@alfredomarquez9777 It's a shame your medical issues prevented you from attaining your dream, but at least you have managed to become a pilot, even if not in the way you would have wished.Your father most certainly did live through extra ordinary times, my father also lost friends and was PBI which stands for 'Poor Bloody Infantry' in British military parlance, so I have no idea how his love affair with aircraft started. Except to say that he became an engineer after the war in the automotive industry and had an interest in most things mechanical. I can remember clearly being taken to airshows up and down the country as a boy and saw many memorable aircraft, some rarely or no longer flown these days. That's something I still do now as well as visiting aviation museums, fortunately my wife is also very interested so i have complete freedom!

[@drbob7282]

Nicely put together - thanks

[@g.h.9117]

Excellent presentation! This movie and my father and a Luftwaffe pilot neighbor guided me thru my USAFA and USAF pilot career.... thats how powerfully created a movie can be... thanks for the story of one of the greatest movies ever created! Horrido!

[@patrickmoan6709]

I much appreciated the effort that went into this explanation of an important film

[@thethirdman225]

Interesting. I have that book and have been reading about the Battle for about 50 years. I saw the movie as an 11 year-old, knowing next to nothing about it, except that it was a war movie and 11 year-old boys tended to like those things. I met Adolf Galland in 1974 when he came to Australia. He gave me a photograph - the famous one of him in his Luftwaffe General's uniform and signed it in my presence. It's still at my parent's home. I'll have to find it one day, unless my brother has nicked it. Ironically, I never met any of _'the Few'._ As an adult I have spent a lot of time touring Battle of Britain airfields from Hawkinge (used in the movie) to Tangmere and Duxford and spent many hours in the exhibition halls at Hendon and the IWM. But I have also spent my working life in film and television. There a lots of people to highlight in the making of this movie but for me, two stand out: Freddie Young, the Director of Photography and Johnny Jordan, the one-legged cameraman who looked after all the aerial sequences and who was killed in an accident the following year. Freddie Young was almost certainly Britain's finest cinematographer and known for films like _'Dr Zhivago'_ and the utterly-brilliant _'Lawrence of Arabia'._ Also worth mentioning is Ron Goodwin who wrote the unforgettable movie score and Sir William Walton, who made it a reality. It is still used on Battle of Britain Day to this day. As I get older I find it harder to watch. The tension, the death and destruction, the personal loss and the loss of so many young lives, irrespective of who they were.

[@51WCDodge]

The spitfire on the plinth is a fibre glass gate gaurdian at Biggin Hill kent. For many , decades , a real Spitfire and Hurricane were outside St Georges Remeberance Chappel at Biggin. Around the 1990-s a decision was made that the real aircraft were to valuable to leave and eventually rot, so the replicas were put in place. The Spanish Aircraft staged through Jersey Channel Island's. A lot of us bunked off school that day, cycled up to the airport to see the aircraft. As a side note: From 1940 t0 1945 the Channel Island's were Occupied by the Germans. In 1968 a large ex Lufftwaffe Wooden Hangar was still in existence and use. Very apt for servicing.

[@meertenwelleman6249]

What a great documentary. The Battle of Britain was one of the first movies I saw in cinema. I was 14 at the time so I was allowed into the cinema, the famous Tuschinski Theatre in Amsterdam, accompanied by my uncle Max. The movie has stayed with me my entire life.

[@TH3PLA1NP1L0T]

When you edit your videos, could you up the volume before publishing the final product? Because I can't hear a lot unless the speakers are on full volume. Thanks! I really like your contents

[@maxsmodels]

Fair concern. I am still learning the audio stuff.

[@kbtred51]

@@maxsmodels Enjoyed your tale but the audio, yikes needed 11.

[@poneill65]

Thanks for this! This movie warped my fragile young mind. It was the first movie I saw as a child and, to this day, I cannot see/hear a Spitfire (Hurricane/Lancaster/Mosquito) flyby without full body shivers! (Although that may be more to do with the Spit being the most beautiful machine man has ever created and the Merlin being the most beautiful engine sound ever created.)

[@Lumbar87]

I loved WWII aircraft as a child (and still do!), and seeing this movie back in 1969 was a big influence. It's been playing on MGM lately, so I watched it again, which led me to your interesting and insightful video - very well done, thx! BTW, those aircraft spirited away back to the U.S. ended up at the Connie Edwards Ranch, about 65 miles from where I live. I'd heard rumors over the years that a bunch of WWII fighters were stored at a private airstrip near Big Spring, but never gave it much thought until the auction of the Edwards' planes hit the news back in 2015. Being a private pilot, I sought out the ranch location by air and, sure enough, there were some big barn-looking hangars with random aircraft parts strewn about outside and a runway. I was like, "I'll be damn, it's true - and they were right under my nose all this time!" I probably flew over that area several times over the years, but never noticed the ranch and the runway.

[@maxsmodels]

They sold to a European interest for about $20 million or so goes the word on the interweb. Connie was going to restore them with his son but the young man sadly dies. I guess his heart just wasn't in it after that. From what I can gather, when Mr. Edwards decided to sell them he waited for the right buyer who not only had the cash but also the ability to do these artifacts justice. As my wife said, it wasn't just a purchase...it was an adoption.

[@markfrench8892]

Thank you for making an accurate documentary of this movie. Other docs I've seen had numerous mistakes. "Tally Ho"

[@mrrolandlawrence]

wow amazing behind the scenes!

[@garydraper3310]

Excellent work. Growing up in the UK in the 60’s I was obsessed by the Battle of Britain film at the age of ten as I was by model aircraft of WW2. It’s still an amazing film and this insight just makes me want to watch it again.

[@stevearita3267]

I found this very interesting and thank you very much for doing this. I saw the movie when I was just a kid and while I enjoyed it, I certainly didn't appreciate what went into making it. I do now. I watch clips of the movie on KZbin and always though, man...this movie was easy to make back then, but your video explains it really wasn't that easy. I love that most all of the shots were real planes (save for the model stukas), doesn't happen in film making today. Thank you again for making this video!

[@Thornus_______]

everytime I hear that theme It's just electrifying I have bought the soundtrack on vinyl proud to have it in my collection

[@johnmorris7815]

That was fabulous, a lot I didn’t know about one of my favourite movies. As a pilot myself I’ve always loved the flying scenes in this verses much later and obviously CGI films, also I appreciated the lengths they went to to make it technically accurate Mk9 rather than Mk1a/2 aside.

[@stewartw.9151]

Brilliant! Still the best movie ever on the BoB, by far and thanks for the behind the scenes look! But one point - the Buchons and the He 111s all had Merlin engines. About 10 years before the movie in 1958 or so, I recall seeing 3 111s and 2 Buchons parked on the airfield at Nimes in Southern France, whilst on a family holiday and driving to Spain. They were Spanish aircraft and I have often wondered what they were doing there and on a civilian airfield.

[@maxsmodels]

probably just visiting

[@ernestpaul2484]

Phone being answered in the RAF Film Liaison Office: "What do you mean the whole hanger?" On Set Representative: "Well, you see Sir, there was a bit of a mash-up in the wording of the demolition permit it seems." Director: "Cut! That's a wrap. No need to do another take after that one. Oh and be a good fellow and put that fire out if you would."

[@maxsmodels]

pretty much how it went

[@jackwills7092]

I heard that Duxford allowed it to be blown up but later on bitterly regretted it bc it had a large number of aircraft outside And no hanger to put them in that's why it has lifted up a number of aircraft up hanging from the ceiling in North hanger to make room for them When I was their many years ago I saw them pushing a He111 out of a back hanger I believe this is now in Hawkinge

[@Laura-wc5xt]

I was lucky enough in 1978 to get a ride in the port gunners position in the B 25 camera plane here in Florida. My good friend Tom Reilly had got it in flying condition in New Jersey and brought it back to the new owners, what a thrill, and boy was it loud......ythanks for a great video.....PAUL

[@mandyfox9376]

A true childhood classic ❤ takes me back to the 80s staying at my grandparents house ❤

[@mrmanch204]

I remember going to the cinema aged 12 to watch this masterpiece. At the time it was no surprise at the quality of every aspect of the film, because that was a time of great skill by the film making professionals, think of the quality of the bond films etc. It was also only just 25 years since the end of the global experience of war for the civilian people of many countries, having directly experienced the cruel horror of conflict at first hand. As such, recollections as well as a desire to portray events accurately would have been a real priority, as you comment. Really enjoyed your video, great presentation. Thank you.

[@51WCDodge]

Youre not the only one! Mind you I live near Biggin Hill, the unmistakeable sound of a Merlin, Pavlov reaction 'Look up' 😁

[@mrmanch204]

@@51WCDodge ...yeah.. perhaps we shouldn't get so filled with romanticised emotions.. but you just can't stop 'em, 😂😂

[@mikegeorge7824]

Excellant video of one of my favourite movies of all time. I learned a lot from this video...top job, well done.

[@swingingharnessofdoom8260]

Fantastic! One of my favorite movies for years.

[@inglesconalan5360]

A great video, thanks for making and posting it.

[@neilstyles7239]

A great review video, although it omits the filming at the former RAF Hawkinge in Kent - the only WW2 airfield where the pilots could actually see the French coast on take off. My house is built on that former airfield, about 500 yds from the Battle of Britain museum, and I have the pleasure of twin seater Spitfires flying over my house almost daily in the summer months giving ‘joy rides’, sometimes in pairs - it’s great!

[@sterlingmoose9335]

One of the best war films ever. My father-in-law did security on the set at North Weald.

[@1014kerry]

thank you captain MAX! A GREAT REVIEW! I saw the movie 13 times in the cinema in 1969, I loved the film, i watched it with my Mother who lived in Surrey England in the war, and saw the battles overhead and told me stories about it, it made me grow up to be a historian and modeler of mostly world war 2 aircraft, many of the types i build being BRITISH AND GERMAN, , i have to admit i find the BF/ME 109 one of the most beautiful aircraft ever produced, and think the HE 111 is really something, the movie showed it so well as you see the realistic interior shots, it also impressed me how the movie really showed airman in combat as it had the bomber crews fighting for their lives against the RAF 8 gun fighters,it showed universal bravery very realistically . i hope you do more videos like this one. i have the book you quote, very good one, but as the German pilots in the movie was Major FOHEN , SUPPOSE TO BE HELMET WICK? GREAT WORK!

[@maxsmodels]

correct, Falke was Galland.

[@makeadifference6165]

God Bless and thank you for caring!

[@harryjarvis3143]

certainly my best war movies. you did a great job in getting it right. which is a good thing.

[@steveosborne2297]

When it was being filmed I was recovering from an operation in Saint Margarets Hospital in Epping which is about a mile or two from North Weald air drome . Because of the fine weather I ended up doing physiotherapy outside lying on my back looking up into the sky as all the fighters were practising dogfighting . Strangely enough the “Messerschmits” seemed to think it was great fun to come down and pretend to strafe us . I can also remember the lead Heinkel was painted bright red , I don’t know if that was so that they could all align themselves on it .

[@travist7777]

What a terrific video about a terrific movie about a terrific battle! Really, really well done, sir! Thanks so much. Cheers!

[@carlbyronrodgers]

Very informative .Thank you.

[@makeadifference6165]

agree

[@dessieb123]

fantastic video, many thanks for this.

[@larrybomber83]

Loved the movie when it first came out. I read about WWII since I was 8. Loved the air war most. I have this movie on VHS, recorded on VHS, and DVD. The scenes with the music makes my hair stand up. Great video, Thank You for bringing this information to life.