Some of the comments in the other reviews for this movie are laughable. One buffoon, decrying its failure to remake the Battle of Britain movie even thinks Wellum is a fictional character and that it was an actor playing the part of a fictional old fellow looking back.
This is an excellent production all round. Because Geoff Wellum was involved in the production, I would think its a pretty accurate version of events. It shows a side of the Battle of Britain that is glossed over in other movies: the constant stress, fear and grief that the pilots suffered.
Wellum was only 18 when posted to 92 Squadron. He had never even flown a Spitfire. He had to ask his ground crew chief to show him how to start the engine for his first flight! Yet he could have been sent up to fight immediately, had his squadron leader not made sure he was kept off ops until he at least racked up a few hours of flying time.
All the cast put in excellent performances. The aircraft are a joy. The flying scenes are much better than others allege, too, although this is about the PEOPLE more than the aircraft. It is thoroughly worth watching.
This is an excellent production all round. Because Geoff Wellum was involved in the production, I would think its a pretty accurate version of events. It shows a side of the Battle of Britain that is glossed over in other movies: the constant stress, fear and grief that the pilots suffered.
Wellum was only 18 when posted to 92 Squadron. He had never even flown a Spitfire. He had to ask his ground crew chief to show him how to start the engine for his first flight! Yet he could have been sent up to fight immediately, had his squadron leader not made sure he was kept off ops until he at least racked up a few hours of flying time.
All the cast put in excellent performances. The aircraft are a joy. The flying scenes are much better than others allege, too, although this is about the PEOPLE more than the aircraft. It is thoroughly worth watching.