The First Of The Few 1942 David Niven Interview

Filmed during the dark days of 1942, this is the immortal story of the Spitfire which had helped to win the Battle of Britain the previous year. Leslie Howard stars as R.J. Mitchell, the inventor of the Spitfire, whose aircraft designs were turned down for funding by Whitehall because they were too revolutionary. A chance meeting with Messerschmitt in the early 1930's gives Mitchell the inspiration to build Britain's fastest and deadliest fighter plane. But first he must find a devil-may-care pilot to risk his life on the test flights. Salvation comes in the form of Geoffrey Crisp (David Niven), an out of work veteran fighter pilot from the First World War. Together they build the aircraft that so many will owe their lives to. However, as Mitchell strives to perfect his fighter plane, he is rocked by the news that he has only one-year to live unless he stops working. His stark choice is to save himself or save his country.

Starring
Leslie Howard
David Niven
Rosamund John

Director
Leslie Howard

[franl]

I saw a DVD on sale called "Spitfire" - with Leslie Howard and David Niven. I thought, this has to be The First of The Few, so I bought it. The DVD case had "Spitfire", the DVD label had "Spitfire", and when I played the film, the opening credit said "Spitfire".
Obviously a film made for Americans who don't appreciate the poetry of the proper title, or its origins from a Churchill speech. "It's about Spitfires, let's call it Spitfire". Shee.

[lemorab]

This interview is not from 1942 and the film "The First of the Few" is never mentioned.

[stuartquinn-harvie]

The Battle of Britain was fought in 1940. Not 1941.

[josephhandford]

The Battle of Britain was not fought in 1941!!! It was fought from 10 July 1940 – 31 October 1940. At no point is that 1941. Less than 4 months and not 12. Before correcting anyone make sure your facts are correct. It helps if you hail from the country that you're talking about.