Tomh From United States of America, joined May 1999, 960 posts, RR: 3 Posted (10 years 3 months 2 weeks 1 day 11 hours ago) and read 2190 times:
I saw this movie on TV in the USA once a long time ago. It was undoubtedly made in the UK as the story involved the activities of a RAF Reserve Vampire unit. Or maybe the filmed aircraft were from a unit of this type. I don't think it was a documentary, but an actual silver screen effort, though (memory again!) it was likely in B&W. There was lots of good footage of the little DeHavilland jets zooming around. I would love to see it again, but I expect getting hold of a copy will be difficult.
H'mm, I don't remember any domestic scenes or females in this film. Maybe it was a documentary! Oh, yeah-I can't remember the name of it either.
Speaking of RAF Reserve. I think the infamous White Paper of 1957 put them out of business, at least as far as operating combat squadrons was concerned. Am I correct? Nowadays I think there are RAF Reserve units flying aircraft again. When did this rebirth take place?
GDB From United Kingdom, joined May 2001, 12701 posts, RR: 80 Reply 1, posted (10 years 3 months 2 weeks 15 hours ago) and read 2030 times:
There was a plan to form a reserve unit flying Wessex helicopters in a home defence role during the cold war the mid 1980's I think, but it never happened.
Some UK airline pilots are Reserve aircrew, but within full time units, mostly transport/tankers.
FltDispatch From United States of America, joined Feb 2003, 5 posts, RR: 2 Reply 3, posted (10 years 3 months 1 week 2 days 7 hours ago) and read 1939 times:
Tomh,
You may be referring to the movie "High Flight", a 1957 film about cadets training to become RAF pilots. It is in color, and follows several cadets through Percival Provosts, Vampires, and eventually to Hawker Hunters. Lots of excellent aerial photography of each type, with the all too frequent weak characters and rather lame story line; in other words, it doesn't approach the quality of "Piece of Cake", but it is worth seeing. Stars include Ray Milland.
I happen to have taped it on VHS when I caught it late one night several years ago, and it might be possible to make a decent copy from it, if you are interested.
2912n From United States of America, joined Oct 2001, 2013 posts, RR: 9 Reply 4, posted (10 years 3 months 1 week 2 days 6 hours ago) and read 1935 times:
Sadly it seems to be unavailable....this from Blockbuster..
Cast: Ray Milland, Bernard Lee, Kenneth Haigh (more)
Director: John Gilling
Categories: Adventure, Drama
Running Time: 89 minutes
Synopsis
In this drama, the commanding officer of a British Royal Air Force flight training school must deal with an ornery, irresponsible cadet. The lad reminds the officer of himself when he was young. It also reminds him that his own youthful arrogance and foolishness caused the death of the new recruit's father. The young man only settles down when the C.O. saves him during maneuvers. The boy is injured during the flight which gives him serious pause for thought. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
Tomh From United States of America, joined May 1999, 960 posts, RR: 3 Reply 5, posted (10 years 3 months 1 week 1 day 17 hours ago) and read 1931 times:
Dispatch,
I think that's it!!!!! Let me try to find it, but as 2912n has pointed out, it may be difficult. In which case I'll get back to you about a copy.
Now what's this movie "Piece of Cake"? I donb't think I'm familiar with it at all, but you say it is good?
2912n From United States of America, joined Oct 2001, 2013 posts, RR: 9 Reply 6, posted (10 years 3 months 1 week 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 1910 times:
Piece of Cake appeared in the US on PBS as part of Masterpiece Theatre in 1990 (I think) Here is the synopsis-
Description
For the twelve young Royal Air Force pilots of Hornet Squadron, September 1939 is the moment they have been waiting for. Flying their well-crafted Spitfires in perfect formation, they are ready for action. Yet they are off to France to face an enemy better trained, better armed and better experienced than they are.
I taped it when it was on but that was 2 moves ago.... As I remember it was pretty good with some great Spitfire shots.
FltDispatch From United States of America, joined Feb 2003, 5 posts, RR: 2 Reply 7, posted (10 years 3 months 6 days 9 hours ago) and read 1892 times:
"Piece of Cake" is a British miniseries made about 1990, and follows the experiences of a squadron of young Spitfire pilots through the Battle of France and later the early part of the Battle of Britain. It is several hours long, and in my opinion, is far superior to typical Hollywood-style fare, with
excellent aerial scenes (only a few borrowed from "Battle of Britain") and very good development of characters, giving a much more complete sense of the time and the conflicts and comraderie of diverse personalities in a wartime situation.
I obtained a copy from "The Armchair Dogfighter" (Thanks, Mom!), and it is still available for about $80 (six tape set). Good stuff.
Tomh From United States of America, joined May 1999, 960 posts, RR: 3 Reply 8, posted (10 years 3 months 5 days 17 hours ago) and read 1903 times:
Thanks for the info and responses. While I'm looking for these titles, anyone know where I can find "All I've Got is Time" or "All You've Got is Time". It is a Canadian biography of band leader Artie Shaw that was done about 15 years ago. Ever since I published a shot of P-51 Warbird "Beguine", I've been trying to find it, but so far can't find it anywhere on the net.
Tomh
OK, I know some of you won't know what the devil I'm talking about, but to the white-fringed cognescenti, it all makes sense. Patience, kids.
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