NR | 1h 30m | Adventure, Biography, Drama | 1942
It’s hard to imagine that Britain’s existence was almost obliterated just over 80 years ago. During the early years of World War II, Hitler was on a calculated rampage and used the might of the German military to steamroll most of continental Europe, also known as the Western Front.
By 1940, a year into World War II, Great Britain stood as the last major power in Europe, having avoided swift defeat largely due to its isolated location. However, Hitler’s forces initiated a massive air campaign to cripple Britain’s Royal Air Force (RAF). The success of this campaign was crucial for Germany’s Operation Sea Lion, which involved amphibious assaults to establish a foothold on British soil for further land combat.
The Battle of Britain, a pivotal moment in history, saw Britain’s RAF defy the odds and repel the onslaught of the Luftwaffe, Hitler’s air force. Central to this defense was the Supermarine Spitfire, a marvel of engineering introduced just years before the battle.
The film “Spitfire,” originally titled “The First of the Few,” offers a gripping portrayal of the aircraft’s origins and its creator, R.J. Mitchell, a visionary aircraft designer and unwavering patriot. Mitchell’s brilliance and the Spitfire’s prowess played a crucial role in Britain’s eventual victory over the Luftwaffe and the preservation of its freedom.
The film was produced in 1942, during the height of the war, and is a heartfelt tribute to Mitchell, who sadly had passed away from cancer in 1937. The film is directed by fellow Brit patriot Leslie Howard, who also plays Mitchell.
The narrative unfolds in September of 1940, a few months into the Battle of Britain. David Niven portrays Geoffrey Crisp, an RAF officer and squadron commander of a Spitfire unit, who greets exhausted pilots returning to their airfield.
As the Spitfire planes soar overhead, the pilots express admiration for the aircraft and curiosity about Mitchell, unaware of his passing. Crisp seizes the opportunity to recount Mitchell’s life story to the young aviators, highlighting his profound impact on Britain’s wartime history.
The film flashes back to 1922. R.J. Mitchell is enjoying a leisurely day on the British coast with his wife, Diana (Rosamund John). As he observes flocks of seabirds through binoculars, his mind teems with ideas for planes that surpass any seen before, driven by his determination to design aircraft that mimic birds’ agility.
In the earlier parts of the movie, Mitchell is portrayed as a dedicated visionary whose life revolves around airplanes and their construction. His immediate ambition is to secure victory for Britain in the Schneider International Seaplane Race, viewing this achievement as the culmination of his work.
Crisp soon visits Mitchell’s design offices and gains an audience with his old friend Mitchell. Crisp shares his struggles as a World War I pilot who has fallen on hard times, prompting Mitchell to pledge assistance once his company achieves greater success.
Despite facing initial government apathy and mounting health problems, Mitchell becomes determined to build the plane he always dreamed of, recognizing the threat posed by German rearmament plans and world domination ambitions. Despite warnings from doctors about the consequences of overworking, Mitchell continues to work. Eventually, he receives the news that the government has accepted his design for an aircraft—the Spitfire.
Despite the serious subject matter, the film is infused with humor, much of it delivered by Niven in his inimitable style. Niven’s cheerful insouciance adds levity to the film, particularly in scenes involving his interactions with Howard and John.
Howard’s directorial prowess is evident throughout this fine film. Not only does he skillfully guide his excellent actors along, but he also displays a keen understanding of subtlety. His films have always exuded a measured pace that elicits powerful emotions from viewers—a testament to his trademark English style.
Tragically, “Spitfire” marked Leslie Howard’s final on-screen performance. In 1943, he met his untimely demise when the plane he was traveling in from Portugal to England was shot down by German fighters over the Bay of Biscay, off the coast of Western France. Despite this untimely loss, Howard’s legacy as both an actor and filmmaker endures, immortalized in outstanding productions like “Spitfire.”
