The First Of The Few
1942
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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Critics' reviews (3)
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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.
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Detailed and assured chronicle of RJ Mitchell's trials and triumphs in designing and building the Spitfire, the fighter... read more on Time Out
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Low-key but impressive biopic with firm acting and good dialogue scenes. Production values slightly shaky.
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Most helpful members' reviews (3)
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3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
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.
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3 out of 4 people found this review helpful
The very best of all the war films
The First of the Few even though this film it is dated, it remains the very best of all the war films, it tells the story of the 1920's aircraft designer R.J. Mitchell and the birth of the greatest airplane to be ever made, look folks with out the Spitfire where would Britain be today?
This is a classic war film, with some great acting from Leslie Howard and David Niven. -
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
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
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Most recent members' reviews (2)
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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
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
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First of the Few
Great bit of propaganda,Leslie Howard and David Niven in stiff upper lip wartime yarn.Great to see the film of the Spitires and love the end line from David Niven,it's a classic!Very sad too and especially as there's hardly any of them left now.
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3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
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.
-
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful
The very best of all the war films
The First of the Few even though this film it is dated, it remains the very best of all the war films, it tells the story of the 1920's aircraft designer R.J. Mitchell and the birth of the greatest airplane to be ever made, look folks with out the Spitfire where would Britain be today?
This is a classic war film, with some great acting from Leslie Howard and David Niven. -
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
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
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Gung ho!
The true story of the life and inventions of R J Mitchell .The design of the Supermarine Spitfire is the basis of this Boys Own,stiff upper lip
story. Made in the days when there were plenty of the actual planes around it is
a good ,very well acted movie but keep hold of the hankies for the end. Recommended. -
Dated but worth a watch
The story of the Spitfire, told really as a story, certainly dated but watchable, just.
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A SENSE OF PRIDE
Biopic of R J Mitchell who deserves so much more recognition for what he achieved for this country.
A brilliant and courageous man. Makes you feel a sense of pride for what this country once stood for. David Niven and Leslie Howard are excellent in this very good if dated film. Worth seeing -
First of the Few
Great bit of propaganda,Leslie Howard and David Niven in stiff upper lip wartime yarn.Great to see the film of the Spitires and love the end line from David Niven,it's a classic!Very sad too and especially as there's hardly any of them left now.
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Critics' reviews (3)
-
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.
-
Detailed and assured chronicle of RJ Mitchell's trials and triumphs in designing and building the Spitfire, the fighter... read more on Time Out
-
Low-key but impressive biopic with firm acting and good dialogue scenes. Production values slightly shaky.
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- The First Of The Few
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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 ... -
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