BEHIND THE SCENES

2nd Unit Director David Bracknell (right) plans an aerial sequence with aerial cameraman
Skeets Kelly (left) and Wing Commander George Elliot (second from right).

German technical advisor Adolf Galland and British technical advisor Robert Stanford Tuck converse while
on a hunting trip during a lull in the film's production. Both men were wing commanders and top aces within
their respective air forces during the war.

Aircraft replicas are seen being built in a 'factory' at Pinewood Studios. Some replicas stood in as
background aircraft in airfield scenes, while others were destroyed by explosions in the simulated
bomb attacks during the film.

A North American B-25 Mitchell medium bomber was used as the camera platform to film the aerial
sequences in the movie. Here the B-25 is seen being escorted by Spitfires.

The B-25 was known as the "Psychedelic Monster" due to its bright fluorescent paint scheme meant to make
it easily distinguishable from the other aircraft during the filming of the aerial scenes.

The air aces of 1940 with Lord Dowding visiting the film set. From left to right: Al Deere, Tom Gleave, Robert
Stanford Tuck (seated), Boleslaw Drobinski, Douglas Bader, Ludwik Martell, Johnnie Kent, Peter Townsend,
Lord Dowding (in wheelchair).

A replica Spitfire is seen on a jig. When simulating flight, the pilot was moved in the cockpit
(instead of moving the aircraft). This type of pilot was known as a 'Noddy'.

A two-seater Spitfire (seen here flanked by two other Spits) was used in addition
to the B-25 as another camera plane for filming the aerial sequences.


Squadron Leader 'Ginger' Lacey, with Director Guy Hamilton, teaches Susannah York to salute.

Adolf Galland with Manfred Reddermann, who plays Major Falke,
the squadron leader character loosely based on Galland.


Director Guy Hamilton at the camera

Preparing to shoot a scene with Robert Shaw in the cockpit

Check out this behind-the-scenes 8mm footage shot during the filming of the movie:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfhAMwgJTc4

UNDER CONSTRUCTION
more pics to come!

- END-

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