High Flight

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 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.

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.

I was, in fact, at RAF College Cranwell in the early sixties as a cadet and yes, we all saw the film. Your points about Tony Newley are, if I can remember back that far, correct and it was meant to be taking place at the College although I believe much of the filming went on at a Norfolk or Suffolk fighter base such as Middle St George or Waterbeach. Initial flying training was done on Piston Provosts then going onto Vampires or Meteors dependent a lot on height (if long legged it was hard clearing the cockpit if ejecting in Vamps). We did our training on Jet Provosts 3 and 4's as the syllabus changed from being flying intensive to academic intensive. Kenneth Haigh was also in it. Wouldn't mind seeing it again either.

My father was one of the cadets in the film as he was an RAF pilot with No1 and then No2 Squadrons. I am not sure what squadron he was in when the film was made (maybe still at Cranwell), but I remember the orange LP of the soundtrack with a picture of my dad on the back.

He also served as a liaison office with the USAF in the 60's in MacDill AFB in Tampa

I now live in Australia but went to his 70th last week at which many of his old squadron colleagues attended.

Does anyone have a copy of the film? Would love to get it for him.

Blane Coulcher