Customer Reviews

Spitfire [VHS]

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

For Aircraft buff's and those interested in the life of Mr.Mitchell;who designed the WW2 Spitfire. Shows early on developement of racing aircraft,and Mr.Mitchell's selfless sacrafice to develope a plane to counter the German threat;along with cooperation of "Rolls Royce" to develope the "Merlin",engine neccessairy for it at almost no cost;they too ,saw the threat of the German Me109.(note;this same engine built under license by Packard ;made the P-51 Mustang what it was).It is also a touching story,and very good rendition of what took place, in a generally unknown behind the scenes drama that helped save England in the Battle of Britian.Herman Gohring,when asked by Hitler;what is holding up the the launching of the invassion floatilla,(reffered to the Air supeamacy), was told the Sptitfire was supperior and could not be beaten ,in essance.One of David Nivens best performances. Rarely seen outside of England.

This is the archetypal war film. Part propaganda, part biopic, the story centres on the life of the Spitfire inventor, R.J.Mitchell. The version I had bore an introduction from his son which corrected some of the factual inaccuracies, but which also back up the spirit of the film and its good-natured portrayal of the inventor. Leslie Howard excels as actor,
director, and producer here, showing at the same time the vulnerability and obstinacy of a brave and clever man. Alongside Howard, Niven is a marvel, as always, playing a slightly caddish version of his usual English gentleman.

The film benefits from a decent if unremarkable score by William Walton. Stock film from real Battle Of Britain Spitfire flights lends verisimilitude, but the footage is unnecessarily scratched and dirty, bearing in mind the film was near contemporary.

"Mitch" was apparently suffering from cancer at the time he developed the Spitfire, yet this is skirted around and the word 'cancer' is never used, he is just told coyly that he might not have long to live unless he stops working. The script is typical of its time, mixing some gung-ho patriotism with some sentiment, but it has not aged badly compared to some films made
during the war.

Although the necessity for wartime propaganda allowed Leslie Howard to use artistic license, particularly in respect of the reference to Seagulls, the development and funding of the Spitfire, the test pilots (of which there seemed to be only one "David Niven") and R.J. Mitchell as a man, this element does not reduce the quality of the movie. Rather, it enhances the entertainment value which otherwise may have resulted in a standard documentary.

I was particularly impressed by the fact that parts of the movie were filmed on active RAF airfields. This was unique for its time and apparently due to good old Winston Churchill's strong support for the making of the movie.

As a huge yet novice Spitfire enthusiast, this movie left me with a warm glow and almost convinced me that the Hurricane never existed!

Irrespective of what may have transpired, R.J. Mitchell developed one of the worlds finest aircraft and Leslie Howard did a fine job in directing and producing this movie!

Very interesting account of R.J.Mitchell's determined persuit of forward-thinking aviation designs. Ties the development of the Spitfire through seaplane racing competitions (Schnider Cup). Highlights include seaplanes, spitfires, and understated British charisma. You'll love having this in your library.

Moving tribute to a little known creative genius - R.J.Mitchell - who designed airplanes which have retained their artistic appeal to this day.

Biographies I have read of R.J. Mitchell, however, portray him as a non-romantic character - a sterotypical engineer/designer. Rather than fawn over the "Spitfire" moniker given his last design by the War Department, he is reputed to have said "... that's just the type of bloody silly name they would give it ...".

Also,in the film, Leslie Howard's character gushes over the Rolls Royce V12 Merlin engine as the progeny of Merlin the magician. In fact, it was RR's habit in those days to name engines after birds of prey i.e Griffon.

Anyway, these slight imperfections aside, I'm sure there are others I've missed, this film provides well deserved testimony to the accomplishments and determination of a forgotten hero who did not live to see his airplane perform in battle.

Spitfire provides not only an excellent semi-true story but also a good technical background of the creation and completion of the legendary Spitfire. A plane that would go on to play a crucial role in WWII.

This movie is a must for any aviation diehard.

This is the archetypal war film. Part propaganda, part biopic, the story centres on the life of the Spitfire inventor, R.J.Mitchell. The version I had bore an introduction from his son which corrected some of the factual inaccuracies, but which also back up the spirit of the film and its good-natured portrayal of the inventor. Leslie Howard excels as actor, director, and producer here, showing at the same time the vulnerability and obstinacy of a brave and clever man. Alongside Howard, Niven is a marvel, as always, playing a slightly caddish version of his usual English gentleman character.

The film benefits from a decent if unremarkable score by William Walton. Stock film from real Battle Of Britain Spitfire flights lends verisimilitude, but the footage is unnecessarily scratched and dirty, bearing in mind the film was near contemporary.

"Mitch" was apparently suffering from cancer at the time he developed the Spitfire, yet this is skirted around and the word 'cancer' is never used, he is just told coyly that he might not have long to live unless he stops working. The script is typical of its time, mixing some gung-ho patriotism with some sentiment, but it has not aged badly compared to some films made
during the war.

Had a copy of this movie originally on DVD. Unfortunately, someone wanted my DVD more than I did. Am at least thankful to have obtained a VHS copy.
This is a movie about an aircraft designed by one man and which enabled the British to "hold off" the Nazi Luftwaffe during World War 2. It is excellently acted by actor Leslie Howard. This British Spitfire ultimately became the model for the American Mustang fighter aircraft. A true story and a must see war movie.