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IMDbPro

La Bataille d'Angleterre

Original title: Battle of Britain
  • 1969
  • Tous publics
  • 2h 12m
IMDb RATING
6.9/10
26K
YOUR RATING
Laurence Olivier, Michael Caine, Christopher Plummer, Robert Shaw, Trevor Howard, Harry Andrews, Curd Jürgens, Ian McShane, Kenneth More, Nigel Patrick, Michael Redgrave, Ralph Richardson, Patrick Wymark, and Susannah York in La Bataille d'Angleterre (1969)
In 1940, the British Royal Air Force fights a desperate battle to prevent the Luftwaffe from gaining air superiority over the English Channel as a prelude to a possible Axis invasion of the U.K.
Play trailer4:34
2 Videos
99+ Photos
Historical EpicPeriod DramaWar EpicActionDramaHistoryWar

In 1940, the British Royal Air Force fights a desperate battle to prevent the Luftwaffe from gaining air superiority over the English Channel as a prelude to a possible Axis invasion of the ... Read allIn 1940, the British Royal Air Force fights a desperate battle to prevent the Luftwaffe from gaining air superiority over the English Channel as a prelude to a possible Axis invasion of the U.K.In 1940, the British Royal Air Force fights a desperate battle to prevent the Luftwaffe from gaining air superiority over the English Channel as a prelude to a possible Axis invasion of the U.K.

  • Director
    • Guy Hamilton
  • Writers
    • James Kennaway
    • Wilfred Greatorex
    • Derek Dempster
  • Stars
    • Michael Caine
    • Trevor Howard
    • Harry Andrews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.9/10
    26K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Guy Hamilton
    • Writers
      • James Kennaway
      • Wilfred Greatorex
      • Derek Dempster
    • Stars
      • Michael Caine
      • Trevor Howard
      • Harry Andrews
    • 201User reviews
    • 31Critic reviews
    • 44Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 1 BAFTA Award
      • 1 win & 1 nomination total

    Videos2

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 4:34
    Official Trailer
    Trailer
    Trailer 3:41
    Trailer
    Trailer
    Trailer 3:41
    Trailer

    Photos276

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    Top cast99+

    Edit
    Michael Caine
    Michael Caine
    • Squadron Leader Canfield
    Trevor Howard
    Trevor Howard
    • Air Vice Marshal Keith Park
    Harry Andrews
    Harry Andrews
    • Senior Civil Servant
    Curd Jürgens
    Curd Jürgens
    • Baron von Richter
    • (as Curt Jurgens)
    Ian McShane
    Ian McShane
    • Sgt. Pilot Andy
    Kenneth More
    Kenneth More
    • Group Capt. Baker
    Laurence Olivier
    Laurence Olivier
    • Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding
    Nigel Patrick
    Nigel Patrick
    • Group Capt. Hope
    Christopher Plummer
    Christopher Plummer
    • Squadron Leader Colin Harvey
    Michael Redgrave
    Michael Redgrave
    • Air Vice Marshal Evill
    Ralph Richardson
    Ralph Richardson
    • Sir David Kelly - British Minister to Switzerland
    Robert Shaw
    Robert Shaw
    • Squadron Leader Skipper
    Patrick Wymark
    Patrick Wymark
    • Air Vice Marshal Trafford Leigh-Mallory
    Susannah York
    Susannah York
    • Section Officer Maggie Harvey
    Michael Bates
    Michael Bates
    • Warrant Officer Warwick
    Robert Flemyng
    Robert Flemyng
    • Wing Cmdr. Willoughby
    Isla Blair
    Isla Blair
    • Mrs. Andy
    Barry Foster
    Barry Foster
    • Squadron Leader Edwards
    • Director
      • Guy Hamilton
    • Writers
      • James Kennaway
      • Wilfred Greatorex
      • Derek Dempster
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews201

    6.925.8K
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    Featured reviews

    9bjones

    Holds Up Well

    I recently reviewed this film after having not seen it since it was new. Being a 31 year military veteran I have a somewhat different frame of reference for watching films such as this. I look for things in a film many civilians never will. I don't think this one has ever been shown on TV in the US, at least not within a couple of decades, so it's certainly not overplayed here. Luckily, the tape I accessed was in excellent condition so it was crisp and new in appearance. It is still a very excellent film depicting one of Britain's most harrowing times and the unwavering heroism of those who fought so desperately to secure their victory. The film didn't enjoy many fine reviews when it was new as it was compared, as most war films are, to the plethora of fiction produced by the movie industry and REAL history usually comes off looking mundane by comparison. I have found this a similar oddity for many excellent films of war. This is one film that more than adequately stands the test of time and I would absolutely love to see a wide-screen DVD version of it offered. Although it helps to have an understanding of war in general, and in particular the second world war and the actual battle of britain, one can be ignorant of those facts and still come away well entertained. It is a wonderfully produced film, acted with talent and grace by a cast of performers who are now legendary. The sets, costumes and musical score are wonderful and perfectly compliment the cinematography. If I can find a copy I am going to add it to my library.
    7bkoganbing

    Saving Their Blessed Isle

    Battle of Britain which depicts same owes a lot of its inspiration not only to The Longest Day, but to The Magic Box. In that film Robert Donat played William Friese-Greene who many in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth claim to be the real inventor of motion pictures. It was a biographical film in which as many stars of British cinema that were available got to play even bit parts.

    Here as many stars as could be gotten under one roof paid tribute to the valiant fighting heart of the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force which did nothing less than save civilization itself in their defense of their 'blessed isle.' Such folks as Christopher Plummer, Michael Caine, and Robert Shaw portrayed RAF squadron commanders who had to be mobilized at an instant notice to face the German Luftwaffe which outnumbered the Royal Air Force 4 to 1. As Laurence Olivier put it just to stay even our young men will have to shoot down their young men at a rate of 4 to 1.

    Olivier plays the guy ultimately responsible for the success of the RAF as Fighter Command chief Air Marshal Hugh R. Dowding. Olivier did very well in capturing the essence of character that was Dowding who was a brooding pessimistic sort not given to wild claims of bravado. That in itself did not near and endear him to his Prime Minister who liked a great show of spunk from his military commanders. Dowding was also into spiritualism and after retiring in 1942 claimed contact with the spirits of dead RAF men from the other side.

    Dowding had to referee between dueling Air Vice Marshals Keith Park and Trafford Leigh-Mallory played by Trevor Howard and Patrick Wymark. Leigh-Mallory wanted a more offensive type strategy and Park was for husbanding what resources the RAF had. Good arguments were put forth by both men. Dowding came down eventually on Park's side though after Dowding was retired by Churchill, Leigh-Mallory got his way. By that time through Lend-Lease, Britain had enough planes to do what Leigh-Mallory envisioned. The conflict between these guys was a great deal nastier than portrayed here. But Olivier, Howard, and Wymark give you some insight into the character of each.

    My favorite bit in Battle of Britain is not any of the aerial combat sequences which are spectacularly done, nor is it the conflict in the higher command. It's a scene that takes place in Geneva where the ministers from Great Britain and Germany meet. The German minister is not a Nazi party hack, but a career diplomat. Yet he's real full of himself when he tells Ralph Richardson that you British might just as well surrender because we got the resources to take you out right now.

    Classical actor that Ralph Richardson was, his reply was in the spirit of John Wayne when he tells them if you think you can, you're welcome to try, just don't make with the mouth. Minister David Kelly was echoing the bulldog defiance of his prime minister who was stiffening the backbone of his people for the long haul.

    One thing I wish had been showed in Battle of Britain. There was reference to Buckingham Palace being bombed and it did get hit a few times over the course of the next five years. King George VI and his family stayed there, they certainly could have left for the relatively safer areas where Sandringham, Windsor, and Frogmore were. But they chose to stay as well. Not enough is ever spoken about the King and the other royals in that period. They too were an inspiration to their subjects. I wish that the Royals had been portrayed here, it might give some insight to non-Commonwealth people about why the Monarchy is held in such respect despite recent antics by some of its members.

    Of course the Germans took Ralph Richardson's invitation to step up and get the job done and they failed. Thanks to some 600 RAF pilots which included volunteers from other commonwealth countries, from exiles from such places as Poland and Czechoslovakia and even from the USA, Great Britain kept control of its skies and a planned invasion never took place. Although aerial attacks took place over the United Kingdom for the length of the war, the threat of invasion was officially over when Hitler turned his attention east and southeast.

    Battle of Britain is a wonderful tribute to the 20th century's noble 600.
    inspt71-1

    UNDER RATED!!!

    This is one of the most underrated films ever. Battle of Britain is a great movie about the glorius British Royal Air Force in their famous halt to a German invasion and their ability to stop the Germans from Bombing the cities out of existance. Some of the special effects are kind of cheesy but they didn't have Industrial Light and Magic. I'm very impressed about the Cinematography by Freddie Young. Why didn't he receive an Oscar nomination? The aerial photography was excellent. One complaint I will make about the DVD version is that the Main Credits have been changed, The music was credited to Sir William Walton in the DVD. On the VHS, Ron Goodwin composed the score, I don't know why they changed this on the DVD. They also changed the music at the end credits of the movie which I thought wasn't appropriate for some reason. Other than that, this is a great movie with a great cast.
    fg52home

    What this film is really about, and some trivia.

    This film was an attempt to deal with the crucial events of 1940, when Britain might have been invaded and oppressed by Nazi Germany. Had this succeeded then subsequent history might well have been very different, a Europe subjugated by the dark evil of that regime.

    As a straight historical account this film fails rather badly. Most of the characters are artificial, created for the Stars and stars involved. Dowding and Park, historically absolutely crucial, never develop properly - a pity. Goering is cartoonised, but at least reflects his total failure to conduct a strategic assault on the UK.

    The flying sequences are, mostly, superb. It was a huge achievement to bring together the aircraft used. As an enthusiast I can pick massive holes in those used. None of the 'German' aircraft have correct engines - they were post-war Spanish Air Force stand ins. And that's before we start on the late war mark Spitfires etc. But who cares? The point is the conflict in the air. It is not close enough to 'real' aerial combat - 10 seconds of terror in 60 mins of boredom. But that is the nature of the cinema medium.

    The distraction of Suzanne York (BTW she's not trying to get divorced!) in full 40's u/wear was very exciting when I was 16. At 52 I suppose it still gives me the odd moment!

    And look for the hanger being 'bombed' behind Suzanne York and Kenneth More, it really WAS blown up at Duxford - boy, were they cross!

    The revisionist historians like to claim that the (actual) Battle of Britain was not that important. That the Germans couldn't have crossed the Channel anyway because of the Royal Navy (probably, but not necessarily so. With air supremacy JU87s would have massacred RN vessels). That the Germans already had eyes on Russia and really wanted to ignore GB as a sideline, possible and a fatal mistake. That the Germans lost the battle, rather than the RAF won it (no statistical basis for this, the Luftwaffe smashed itself against the RAF).

    But the Battle WAS fought, and won by the RAF.

    Which is why I believe this film is worth a viewing.

    Especially the Walton scored sequence, where the Luftwaffe's bombers are hacked down by the Hurricanes and Spitfires of the RAF. An impressively moving sequence of the horror of war in the air. To which the music adds enormously.

    I place this film well ahead of the 1990's Memphis Belle travesty in depicting the reality of war. It is certainly on a par with 12 O'Clock High.
    magellan333

    Very good.

    Never knew this movie existed until I happened upon it at the local video store. I decided to give it a chance. This movie can be compared to "Tora! Tora! Tora!" in that it gives one the factual perspective of the Battle of Britain and not some love story or "shoot'em up" action adventure set around the Battle of Britain. It is the absence of such elements that makes some viewers not enjoy this kind of film. However, if you are interested in seeing history played out on the screen, or are a history buff like me, you will enjoy this movie. The characters are not deep or complex and there is little character development, but in a movie like this, it is not necessary. There is a pretty useless subplot involving a man and his wife, but other than that, this film is not to be missed by those who enjoy WWII history.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Sir Michael Caine initially thought he was too young to play a squadron leader. However, veterans of the battle told him he was actually too old for the part.
    • Goofs
      When ACM Hugh Dowding and the Air Minister are discussing relative aircraft numbers, the minister states, "We have radar." The term radar was not used in Britain in 1940. The term RDF was used. The term radar was invented by the US Navy in 1940 and held as secret until later in the war.
    • Quotes

      Baron von Richter: David, we are not asking for anything. Europe is ours, we can walk into Britain whenever we like.

      Sir David Kelly: If you think we're going to gamble on Herr Hitler's guarantees, you're making a grave mistake. All those years in England seems to have left you none the wiser. We're not easily frightened. Also we know how hard it is for an army to cross the Channel. The last little Corporal who tried came a cropper. So don't threaten or dictate to us until you're marching up Whitehall... and even then we won't listen.

    • Alternate versions
      Some TV prints of the film retain the Transamerica/UA production logo, which is now frequently edited out of other UA films of that period.
    • Connections
      Edited into La bataille de Midway (1976)
    • Soundtracks
      Battle in the Air
      Composed by William Walton (as Sir William Walton O.M.)

      Conducted by Malcolm Arnold

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • September 17, 1969 (France)
    • Countries of origin
      • United Kingdom
      • United States
      • France
      • Spain
    • Languages
      • English
      • German
      • Polish
      • French
    • Also known as
      • La batalla de Inglaterra
    • Filming locations
      • The Jackdaw Pub, Denton, Barham, Kent, England, UK(Nr Hawkinge)
    • Production company
      • Spitfire Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

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    • Budget
      • $17,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross worldwide
      • $2,723
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      2 hours 12 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

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    Laurence Olivier, Michael Caine, Christopher Plummer, Robert Shaw, Trevor Howard, Harry Andrews, Curd Jürgens, Ian McShane, Kenneth More, Nigel Patrick, Michael Redgrave, Ralph Richardson, Patrick Wymark, and Susannah York in La Bataille d'Angleterre (1969)
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