The Flying Fool

No this isn't the British version of the Singing Fool.As Henry Kendall admits in his autobiography he was not first choice for the lead,Leslie Howard was,as his blue eyes didn't photograph well.The plot is extremely archaic and the film is statically photographed with long scenes of explanatory dialogue shot in medium closeup with no editing.However there are some fascinating scenes taken at Croydon Aerodrome and in the air.We see Kendall actually managing to board an aircraft whilst it is taxing for takeoff!He is running alongside the plane till the steward opens the door to admit him.We see inside an 1930s airliner.passengers have to be weighed before they board.In the climax Kendall is flying his own plane and he is also has a camera in the plane which he operates to film his reactions.He is chasing the villain who is in a Bentley on the Dover Road.There is a diversion in the road the villain has to turn right and about 100 yards on he goes flying over the cliff on to the rocks below.they actually used a Benrtley for this with a dummy inside.