The First of the Few backdrop
The First of the Few logo
1942·War·1h 58m
7.1
This 1942 fictionalized biopic chronicles the true story of how two of the most remarkable men in aviation history - visionary Spitfire designer R.J. Mitchell and his test pilot Geoffrey Crisp - designed a streamlined monoplane that led to the development of the Spitfire.
Directed by Leslie Howard
world war ii
biography
aviation
black and white
spitfire

Cast

Leslie Howard
Leslie Howard
R.J. Mitchell
David Niven
David Niven
Geoffrey Crisp
Rosamund John
Rosamund John
Diana Mitchell
Roland Culver
Roland Culver
Commander Bride
Anne Firth
Anne Firth
Miss Harper
David Horne
David Horne
Mr. Higgins
J.H. Roberts
J.H. Roberts
Sir Robert McLean
Derrick De Marney
Derrick De Marney
Squadron Leader Jefferson
Toni Edgar-Bruce
Toni Edgar-Bruce
Lady Houston
Gordon McLeod
Gordon McLeod
Major Buchan
Fritz Wendhausen
Fritz Wendhausen
Von Straben
John Chandos
John Chandos
Krantz

Crew

Leslie Howard
Leslie Howard
Director
Miles Malleson
Miles Malleson
Screenplay
Anatole de Grunwald
Anatole de Grunwald
Screenplay
William Walton
William Walton
Original Music Composer
Georges Périnal
Georges Périnal
Director of Photography
Leslie Howard
Leslie Howard
Producer
Adrian Brunel
Adrian Brunel
Production Manager
Jack Hildyard
Jack Hildyard
Camera Operator
George Pollock
George Pollock
Assistant Director

Popular Reviews

2 reviews
Elma
Elma
The First of the Few
cried a bit… again
cried a bit… again
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James
James
The First of the Few
*“A bird that breathes fire and spits out death and destruction” 
*
No harder line has ever been written for a film than that.
*“A bird that breathes fire and spits out death and destruction” 
*
No harder line has ever been written for a film than that.
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Elma
Elma
The First of the Few
“ it isn't exactly a bird I'm creating, is it? At least, a curious sort of bird. A bird that breathes fire and spits out death and destruction. A spitfire bird.“ 

Despite the presence of WWI propaganda it was so inspiring learning about the true story of R. J. Mitchell who was an aircraft designer 

I also want to appreciate one of my favorite actor/director 
Leslie Howard who portrayed R. J. Mitchell and also directed the film so beautifully 

I absolutely loved this and would want everyone to watch it :)
“ it isn't exactly a bird I'm creating, is it? At least, a curious sort of bird. A bird that breathes fire and spits out death and destruction. A spitfire bird.“ 

Despite the presence of WWI propaganda it was so inspiring learning about the true story of R. J. Mitchell who was an aircraft designer 

I also want to appreciate one of my favorite actor/director 
Leslie Howard who portrayed R. J. Mitchell and also directed the film so beautifully 

I absolutely loved this and would want everyone to watch it :)
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Comment