The film uses archive footage of landing exercises carried out in 1943 and 1944. The giant two-wheeled device that is powered by rockets was called a Panjandrum. It was ten feet tall and the central hub was filled with explosives to be used against obstacles and defenses on the landing beaches. As can be seen here it never quite went in a straight line as there was no way to control or steer it after the rockets were fired. This experimental weapon was a spectacular failure and was never used in combat.
The Avro Lancaster bomber used for this film was the only airworthy example in Great Britain at the time. As of 2024 there are only two flyable Lancasters in the world - the other one being in Canada.
The film is referenced in the series 1 closer (episode 10) of "Hazell", a 1978 television series starring Nicholas Ball - "introduced" in Overlord. Private eye James Hazell pauses during his search around Soho for a missing girl. Behind him, full frame, is a poster for Overlord.
Part of the archival air footage in the film shows Worthing pier in West Sussex, England as it was during the war.
This film is part of the Criterion Collection, spine #382.