Pilotes de haut-vol

I was interested to read this comment, as I was serving in the Royal Air Force on the Squadron where the film, or a good part of it was made. The squadron was Treble One, 111 (F) Squadron, then stationed not far from London at North Weald. I think Americans would refer to it as a 'Pursuit' Squadron. Treble One was then in the process of, or had been recently selected as the Royal Air Force Fighter Command Aerobatics Display Team, which became known as the Black Arrows. We often displayed at Air Shows along with The American Air Force team known as The Sky Blazers. Poor weather conditions during the making of the film made it necessary for some of the filming to be done elsewhere. I remember seeing the film and would love to be able to get a copy of it. I do agree however that the story line was typical of British films for that era with its undertones of Cold War, and the readiness state of the RAF in particular. I think that the flying sequences were generally good, though some were done in the hangar using a backdrop of blue sky and clouds. It would be hard to imagine the lead role being played by any other than the quintessential British gentleman, Ray Milland. I would sure love to see the film again and own a copy, if only for retention in the Squadron Association archives. The Squadron is now based in Scotland flying the Tornado Mk3. They would be tickled pink to see the Hunter sequences as also would our 'Boss' from those days Roger L. Topp, who retired from the RAF as an Air Commodore with the Air Force Cross and TWO bars. He now lives in retirement in Norfolk, UK. If you learn where I can get a copy of the film either on VHS or DVD please let me know ASAP. Many thanks.

The files of the English military is teeming with war stories. Some are true, some not, but most often based on the experiences of the men who created their impressive history. This movie is called " High Flight " and stars Ray Milland as Wing Commander Rudge. It tells the story of an experienced W.W.II, commander who is now a flight school instructor. His task is to train young men to fly combat missions against the enemy. The job is made more difficult when Anthony Winchester (Kenneth Haigh) a superior, but quite arrogant and reckless cadet insists on trying the school's patience. Bernard Lee and Anthony Newley make for surprising roles. The movie is interesting enough with the cadet's school year is seen in stages. Milland is at his best in this movie. ****

I just watched this film for the first time on cable channel TCM (US). I had never heard of it.

The presence of Ray Milland is a plus, and I found Anthony Newley quite amusing though the runaway toy flying saucer scene is perhaps just too goofy.

Any effort to develop the story or characters is somewhat half-hearted. What little plot there is seems to exist mainly to fill time between the flying sequences. But what great sequences they are! The formation flying is impressive, the aerial photography very well done, helped along by some beautiful writing by the film composer, and the planes are just great to look at.

Over on this side of the pond we haven't had much chance to see these British aircraft. I don't know if there was any jet in the 1950's more beautiful then the Hawker Hunter. This plane is featured in the latter stages of the film. At the end, Ray Milland guides a wounded plane down to a belly landing. On the way, there is impressive camera work that follows these two planes bounce along in the air, just above the countryside.

Can anybody tell me if this is the film that Anthony Newley fly,s a model flying saucer into the officers mess while on a pilots course at RAF Cranwell?.I must have seen this film in the early 60,s and the aircraft used would bring back many memories of watching 111sgn practising for the next season as the RAF display team. I am sure that any Pilot/Aircrew that went through RAF Cranwell in the 50/60,s would find this film of interest. I am also very interested in obtaining a copy in any format either the B/W or colour version.

The film was made by Warwick Film productions and directed by John Gilling.

I saw this movie when it was released in Paris. I was 16 and after watching the movie a whole afternoon, at that time in Paris you could enter a theater and stay as long as you wished, I wanted to become a pilot. Circumstances made it that I've never been one...

I think Robert J. Maxwell here is very unjust with this movie. Just try to put yourself in the situation of movie making of the late 50s. The movie was shot in Cinemascope and released either in color or B&W as stated here. Cinemascope required a huge equipment especially lighting as at the time the sensitiveness of 35mm film was not very high if you wished to have the best definition possible. The camera used were also heavy and not easy to move, just like television cameras at that time.

You cant compare the conditions of shoot in those days with the extraordinary conditions we have today with light cameras, CGI and all the computer devices at the disposal of the movie teams today.

It's a pity on youtube that the movie has been cropped to fit the 16:9 ratio. It's a betrayal of all the work of the Director of photography as well as of the director. This kind of adjustments should not be tolerated.