The Battle of Britain in British Cinema

In this video Dilip explores the chronology of the Battle of Britain in British Cinema, looking at such films as ‘The Lion Has Wings’, ‘First of The Few’, ‘Angel's One Five’ and, of course, ‘Battle of Britain’, concluding with the BBC2 docudrama ‘First Light’…

[erikwade]

My father took me to see the premiere of 'The Battle Of Britain' at the Fox Theater in San Diego when I was a kid. I still remember that evening very well and like other enthusiasts I still watch the movie every August. YouTube has some great flying footage that didn't make it into the movie, some of which was used in "Dark Blue World". Jerry Bruckheimer's beautifully filmed, action packed absolute dumpster fire called "Pearl Harbor" also features a Spitfire worth watching, namely... Kate Beckinsale. ;)

[rckeith]

I was 13 when I saw the Battle of Britain and living in Zambia. My overriding memory was the cheers from the Zambians every time a Spitfire or Hurricane was shot down. I was quite shocked . Zambia had only had independence since October 1964 so I suppose there was still resentment against us Brits. Luckily we left in 1970 back to the UK. I was lucky enough to get a cockpit visit on a Vickers VC-10. Almost as beautiful as a Spitfire 😊

[Postpunk-cxph]

Very informative as always! I like Angels One Five as it happens but I can see your point on the class system. I’ll have to rewatch Flemish Farm as my only memory is the ropey models, but I’m probably being overly harsh!

[SMAZVidoes]

This episode has been a great source of knowledge for me. As expected the BoB film is my all time favorite movie. I also went to see it on the big screen in Karachi being 5 years old and I was also spell bounded. This film started my love affair with WW2 aviation. I still watch it a few times every year and listen to the soundtrack all the time. Also, I watched The First of Few a months ago. Thank you for the great work.

[prv]

Another wonderful informative video and inspired to check out some that I haven’t seen for a while

[neilconlon]

Great video post and as always really informative thank you

[patmckeane]

Welcome another video thanks Dilip, aye war films comics models commando comics

[walterkronkitesleftshoe]

MORE excellent work, Dilip. You're EXACTLY what is needed online right now with regards to the ongoing revisionist comments and perceptions about the battle of Britain in YT (and online in general). The continual push to denigrate and diminish all aspects of the UK in today's world carries on apace online, and it sometimes feels lonely to be one of the few voices trying to inject some objectivity into the conversation, which I do fairly frequently on here. Your work is a HUGELY valuable resource for those amongst us who, while we acknowledge the international help we had during the battle, fight on against those pushing the perception that it was a battle won "mostly by foreigners".

I'm not an expert with YT but you need to somehow "bend" their stupid corporate "algorithm" to your own benefit as work of your quality deserves MASSIVELY more views when compared to much of the third rate "historical" rubbish on here that receives a far greater amount of traffic than your own.

[gregbolitho]

G'day Dilip, yeh no probs m8! Know where you goin, the old adage attached to most, movies is, "Never Let The Truth Get iIn The Way Of A Good Story" Every one of them were rippa stories and stuff. Thanks m8, done well! Keep up the good work Eh!

[johnstartin-taylor]

I would be very interested in an in-depth review of the TV Dramas Piece of Cake and how it is viewed with regards to realism. Many rate it as an excellent portrayal of life in Fighter Command, if a little dramatised to woo the viewers ?

[patmckeane]

Rumour was Mel gibson was going to remake dambusters dont know what happened still meant to occur but doubt it now

[philll]

Film maker ie Hollywood Film makers are their to make aim it at a specific patriotic crowd and then tell the story albeit aimed at the heart and emotion to make and a great classic Hollywood movie. If you read anymore into it than that you will never be satisfied with the answer.