The First Of The Few cover art

The First Of The Few Details

1942 Certificate U
  • Rated:
  • 70
  • from 442 members

This fictionalized biopic tells the story of R.J. Mitchell (Leslie Howard), the British aviator who developed the Spitfire--an ace fighter plane, and Geoffrey Crisp (David Niven, who was granted military leave to star in the film), his daring test pilot who tells the tale in flashback. After winning numerous accolades for his .. Read more

Starring David Niven, Leslie Howard, Rosamund John, Anne Firth
Director Leslie Howard
Genres Drama

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The First Of The Few cover art

The First Of The Few

This fictionalized biopic tells the story of R.J. Mitchell (Leslie Howard), the British aviator who developed the Spitfire--an ace fighter plane, and Geoffrey Crisp (David Niven, who was granted military leave to star in the film), his daring test pilot who tells the tale in flashback. After winning numerous accolades for his achievements in designing monoplanes, Mitchell is convinced that he must design a new type of fighter plane after Hitler's ascend to power--the result was the titular craft that helped Britain defend its skies. Sadly, director/star Howard was killed after being shot down by German forces while returning home from a diplomatic mission prior to the film's release. Incidentally, SPITFIRE was viewed as a great boost to Britain's morale during wartime.

Starring David Niven, Leslie Howard, Rosamund John, Anne Firth, Roland Culver, Derrick De Marney, J.H. Roberts
Director Leslie Howard
Studio ODYSSEY VIDEO
Certificate Certificate U
Genres Drama
Language DVD: English
Released DVD: 14 Oct 2002
Production year: 1942
Format DVD

  • Critics' reviews (3) of The First Of The Few

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  • 3 stars out of 5

    Offered contracts and any number of enticing star roles after Gone with the Wind, Leslie Howard chose to leave Hollywood and return to England to make films designed to boost wartime morale. Here, he directs and stars as visionary aircraft designer RJ Mitchell, the father of the Spitfire. The fine cast includes Rosamund John as his wife and David Niven as the test pilot, while William Walton's score sums up an entire era of flying pictures. It was Howard's final screen performance: his plane was shot down in 1943 on a mission that immediately became shrouded in mystery — one that has never been explained.

    • Radio Times
    • Posted 29 Jan 2006

  • Detailed and assured chronicle of RJ Mitchell's trials and triumphs in designing and building the Spitfire, the fighter... read more on Time Out

    • Time Out
    • Posted 04 Nov 2008

  • Most helpful member's review of The First Of The Few

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  • 3 out of 3 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 4 stars

    Greatly improved sound quality

    Four stars just for the sound of that wonderful Merlin engine. The improvement of the DVD sound quality over an old VHS I owned is amazing.

  • Most recent members' review of The First Of The Few

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  • 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 3 stars

    A fine movie biography about the designer of the World War II Spitfire. Strong performances are given by Mr. Howard and David Niven. Although it seems dated particularly with the black and white film, it is none the less worth your time to rent out this movie. Leslie Howard was killed in an airplane crash shortly after finishing this film

      • Ken#14 from WEST BROMWICH
      • Posted 02 Aug 2004 07:58

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Rating breakdown

442 Member ratings
  • 100
67
  • 90
37
  • 80
99
  • 70
82
  • 60
73
  • 50
38
  • 40
18
  • 30
12
  • 20
10
  • 10
6

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      • This fictionalized biopic tells the story of R.J. Mitchell (Leslie Howard), the British aviator who developed the Spitfire--an ace fighter plane, and Geoffrey Crisp (David Niven, who was granted ...