Best & Worst Mil Aviation Film and Why
Strategic Air Command
I remember being entranced by the sequence in the B36D prior to the crash on the icecap
"Captain! Fire on the left hand side engine"
"OK, Feather no3 pull the fire extinguisher, 1%2 to 100%, 4&5 to max power, 6,7 and 8 to max power, 9&10 to 100%" Cue blur of hands from the right hand seat and the F/E. Magic stuff!
Mind you I'm not sure I'd have enjoyed being in SAC in those days.
The Ancient Mariner
"Captain! Fire on the left hand side engine"
"OK, Feather no3 pull the fire extinguisher, 1%2 to 100%, 4&5 to max power, 6,7 and 8 to max power, 9&10 to 100%" Cue blur of hands from the right hand seat and the F/E. Magic stuff!
Mind you I'm not sure I'd have enjoyed being in SAC in those days.
The Ancient Mariner
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B36
I remember as a boy reading that all the gun turrets on the B36 were retractable, and having visions of the captain ordering "Run out the Guns" as the Migs rose to meet the mighty fleet of atomic bombers....
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As an aside to the thread,Scots actor James McAvoy is in talks to star in the new $US100 million ($NZ131 milion) Dam Busters film.
The Scottish actor, who is tipped for an Oscar for his role as Robbie Turner in Atonement, has met director Christian Rivers and producers David Frost and Peter Jackson.
The 28-year-old will play Wing Commander Guy Gibson who led the 617 Squadron dropping three bouncing bombs in Germany during the World War 2.He actually looks a bit like a young Gibson
The film, which may also star Ian McKellen as scientist Barnes Wallis, will be shot in Wellington, using replica Lancaster bombers built in China.The moulds for the Lancaster were made in Weta Workshops in Wellington, and shipped to China where apparently 10 replicas are being made.Some filming will be done at Scampton.
Stephen Fry, who wrote the screenplay, wouldn't confirm James was in the cast, but said: "He would certainly be the kind of person one would naturally think of. Gibson was young and glamorous and fresh-faced. It would be stupid not to look at an actor like James McAvoy."
It's not easy finding out anything going on in Wellington, because security is tight, and Peter Jackson isn't talking!
The Scottish actor, who is tipped for an Oscar for his role as Robbie Turner in Atonement, has met director Christian Rivers and producers David Frost and Peter Jackson.
The 28-year-old will play Wing Commander Guy Gibson who led the 617 Squadron dropping three bouncing bombs in Germany during the World War 2.He actually looks a bit like a young Gibson
The film, which may also star Ian McKellen as scientist Barnes Wallis, will be shot in Wellington, using replica Lancaster bombers built in China.The moulds for the Lancaster were made in Weta Workshops in Wellington, and shipped to China where apparently 10 replicas are being made.Some filming will be done at Scampton.
Stephen Fry, who wrote the screenplay, wouldn't confirm James was in the cast, but said: "He would certainly be the kind of person one would naturally think of. Gibson was young and glamorous and fresh-faced. It would be stupid not to look at an actor like James McAvoy."
It's not easy finding out anything going on in Wellington, because security is tight, and Peter Jackson isn't talking!
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Not military aviation and you can call me a right soppy ponce but Always is probably my favourite aviation film.
Topgun would have been pretty pants without the soundtrack, gay drama or not as soon as Danger Zone starts blaring out in the first scene the hairs on the back of my neck still go into overdrive.
If they screw up the forthcoming Dambusters film then someone should be shot.
No really, I mean it!
I cannot for the life of me understand why no-one has attempted to make a film about Leonard Cheshire's life. 617, VC, Mossies, atomic bomb, Pacific Islands, Cheshire homes, Lordship etc. Has there been a better bloke in christendom over the last century or more?
Topgun would have been pretty pants without the soundtrack, gay drama or not as soon as Danger Zone starts blaring out in the first scene the hairs on the back of my neck still go into overdrive.
If they screw up the forthcoming Dambusters film then someone should be shot.
No really, I mean it!
I cannot for the life of me understand why no-one has attempted to make a film about Leonard Cheshire's life. 617, VC, Mossies, atomic bomb, Pacific Islands, Cheshire homes, Lordship etc. Has there been a better bloke in christendom over the last century or more?
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Someone way back on about page 2 referred to "The Bridges at Toko Ri" (spelling may be off) and one of the reasons was Grace Kelly in a swimsuit.
Now, my memory is very ancient but I think the film caused quite a commotion on its release because of the scene where the said Ms Kelly and her screen husband, Mr Holden were supposedly swimming in the nude.
Anyway, it is a great film, probably not the best aviation/war film but certainly in the top quarter.
Now, my memory is very ancient but I think the film caused quite a commotion on its release because of the scene where the said Ms Kelly and her screen husband, Mr Holden were supposedly swimming in the nude.
Anyway, it is a great film, probably not the best aviation/war film but certainly in the top quarter.
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Not in order - I'd watch any of them in the first two categories if on:
Best:
12 o' Clock High
The Battle of Britain
The Great Escape (it's a stretch but since they were Allied airmen, I'm counting it. Marvelous book as well.)
Honorable Mentions:
The Bridges at Toko-ri
The Dambusters
Airplane! (The comedy. I believe folks are writing "Airplane" when they mean "Airport")
Worst:
Any Iron Eagle (only saw the first, but imagine the sequels just get worse)
Never saw/never will:
Pearl Harbor
Best:
12 o' Clock High
The Battle of Britain
The Great Escape (it's a stretch but since they were Allied airmen, I'm counting it. Marvelous book as well.)
Honorable Mentions:
The Bridges at Toko-ri
The Dambusters
Airplane! (The comedy. I believe folks are writing "Airplane" when they mean "Airport")
Worst:
Any Iron Eagle (only saw the first, but imagine the sequels just get worse)
Never saw/never will:
Pearl Harbor
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Best- Those magnificent men, BoB, 633,Top Gun(for the flying) 12 squadron(I'll have 'to the Unknown Man' played at my funeral
)
Worst- Top Gun(for the gayness), Pearl H, oh and that unutterably sh1te Howard Hughes Bio a few years ago- can't remember the name, (or have wiped it from my memory). The only film where I've got up walked out 3/4 way through...I tried to give it a chance, really I did
)Worst- Top Gun(for the gayness), Pearl H, oh and that unutterably sh1te Howard Hughes Bio a few years ago- can't remember the name, (or have wiped it from my memory). The only film where I've got up walked out 3/4 way through...I tried to give it a chance, really I did
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Gainsey
I have a feeling we crossed paths in previous lives / careers -
anyway ' The Simpsons ' dealt with H.H. very well with the 'Spruce Moose' -hope you saw that one !
Andy
I have a feeling we crossed paths in previous lives / careers -
anyway ' The Simpsons ' dealt with H.H. very well with the 'Spruce Moose' -hope you saw that one !
Andy
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How about Catch The Pigeon?
http://www.hotink.com/wacky/dastrdly/
Some of the CGI is a bit dated now.....
My mate reckons Cloud Dancer, about aeros, but I've never seen it.
One Six Right is also very good:
http://www.onesixright.com/
MS
http://www.hotink.com/wacky/dastrdly/
Some of the CGI is a bit dated now.....
My mate reckons Cloud Dancer, about aeros, but I've never seen it.
One Six Right is also very good:
http://www.onesixright.com/
MS
PLovett
Re: The Bridges at Toko Ri
My ancient memory is that the controversy with the censor was because Holden and Kelly performed the first screen kiss. In bed!
Always a good watch though.
CG
Re: The Bridges at Toko Ri
Now, my memory is very ancient but I think the film caused quite a commotion on its release because of the scene where the said Ms Kelly and her screen husband, Mr Holden were supposedly swimming in the nude
Always a good watch though.
CG
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Watched "The Blue Max" this afternoon for the first time in years, still as good as ever. George Peppard was actually doing the flying in some scenes which has to be fairly unique for an actor in a aviation film.
Then onto "Pushing Tin" which as an ex Air Trafficker is always good for a laugh. If only for the quote from the TRACON controller .. "You can land a million planes safely but have one little mid-air and you'll never hear the end of it" .. and of course Angelina Jolie's raspberry ripples ..
Although the opening scene of the airliners tracking in past the twin towers put a chill down the back.
Then onto "Pushing Tin" which as an ex Air Trafficker is always good for a laugh. If only for the quote from the TRACON controller .. "You can land a million planes safely but have one little mid-air and you'll never hear the end of it" .. and of course Angelina Jolie's raspberry ripples ..
Although the opening scene of the airliners tracking in past the twin towers put a chill down the back.
>>>>>>>>Both probably wouldn't translate well to film, but I'd love to see someone make an attempt to make a film of Len Deighton's (fictional) 'Bomber', ...............<<<<<<<
Try the BBC Radio adaptation of the story available on CD.
Originally done in 'real time' from 2.30 to midnight, it is a chilling semi-documentary
Try the BBC Radio adaptation of the story available on CD.
Originally done in 'real time' from 2.30 to midnight, it is a chilling semi-documentary
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Gainsey, how many seaplane hours have you got? Do you know how to do a glassy water landing? Stick to the facts. I need alight for my fag, Any one seen my zippo?
oK OK I bit, but you are wrong. I supose you think aircraft recover to ships as well and the term "Deck Landing" makes you go all faint.
PS. I love, "Angles One Five". "Target for tonight" is an outstanding movie. It was used for leadership discussions during my time at BRNC. On the subject of "Battle of Britain". Get the recent DVD and listen to it with the original William Walton score. Truely magnificent.
PPS. Any one remember a kid's drama called the "Aeronauts" On tv circa 1970? French and dubed into english. Lots of Mirages, etc. I am sure it must have been awful, but I loved it.
PPPS! Listened to the original "Bomber" broadcast on a Sunday night drive to Pompey. You are so right about the sound. with the 4 speaker system in the car it did sound (and almost felt) like I was being shot at.
oK OK I bit, but you are wrong. I supose you think aircraft recover to ships as well and the term "Deck Landing" makes you go all faint.
PS. I love, "Angles One Five". "Target for tonight" is an outstanding movie. It was used for leadership discussions during my time at BRNC. On the subject of "Battle of Britain". Get the recent DVD and listen to it with the original William Walton score. Truely magnificent.
PPS. Any one remember a kid's drama called the "Aeronauts" On tv circa 1970? French and dubed into english. Lots of Mirages, etc. I am sure it must have been awful, but I loved it.
PPPS! Listened to the original "Bomber" broadcast on a Sunday night drive to Pompey. You are so right about the sound. with the 4 speaker system in the car it did sound (and almost felt) like I was being shot at.
Last edited by doubledolphins; 1st Dec 2007 at 20:07.
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AERONAUTS
The Mirage fighter aircraft series is featured in the popular French comics Tanguy and Laverdure, primarily authored by Jean-Michel Charlier and illustrated by a few different but named illustrators. The two protagonist, Michel Tanguy and Ernest Laverdure, are two fighter pilots in the French Air Force and member of the elite White Stork Squadron (escadrille des cigognes).
In the beginning of their story, they start as two student pilots flying T-33s, it is not until their fourth adventure when they finally sit in the cockpit of a Mirage IIIC. Later on their fighters are upgraded to Mirage IIIE's and the last adventure saw them flying Mirage 2000s. Tanguy and Laverdure's adventure preceded Top Gun by at least one generation. Their adventures are full of political intrigues, espionage, and the romance of aviation. Until today, there is no English translation of their adventures, the aspiring English reader has to learn French to read the originial French comics. However, the comic has been translated into other languages, such as Indonesian.
The stories were made into the 1967-1969 French TV series Les Chevaliers du Ciel, starring Jacques Santi as "Lt Tanguy" and Christian Marin as "Lt Laverdure". The series was made by ORTF and a version of the show dubbed into English and titled The Aeronauts was shown in the UK by the BBC and in Canada on the CBC in the early 1970s.
The Mirage fighter aircraft series is featured in the popular French comics Tanguy and Laverdure, primarily authored by Jean-Michel Charlier and illustrated by a few different but named illustrators. The two protagonist, Michel Tanguy and Ernest Laverdure, are two fighter pilots in the French Air Force and member of the elite White Stork Squadron (escadrille des cigognes).
In the beginning of their story, they start as two student pilots flying T-33s, it is not until their fourth adventure when they finally sit in the cockpit of a Mirage IIIC. Later on their fighters are upgraded to Mirage IIIE's and the last adventure saw them flying Mirage 2000s. Tanguy and Laverdure's adventure preceded Top Gun by at least one generation. Their adventures are full of political intrigues, espionage, and the romance of aviation. Until today, there is no English translation of their adventures, the aspiring English reader has to learn French to read the originial French comics. However, the comic has been translated into other languages, such as Indonesian.
The stories were made into the 1967-1969 French TV series Les Chevaliers du Ciel, starring Jacques Santi as "Lt Tanguy" and Christian Marin as "Lt Laverdure". The series was made by ORTF and a version of the show dubbed into English and titled The Aeronauts was shown in the UK by the BBC and in Canada on the CBC in the early 1970s.
"OK, Feather no3 pull the fire extinguisher, 1%2 to 100%, 4&5 to max power, 6,7 and 8 to max power, 9&10 to 100%" Cue blur of hands from the right hand seat and the F/E. Magic stuff!
And think of the check-list and engine start sequence - six of these massive prop jobs plus four jets to get turning and burning before they're up-up and away.
