Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines (1965)

Original title

Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines or How I Flew from London to Paris in 25 Hours 11 Minutes

Directed by

Ken Annakin

Genre

comedy film, adventure film

Country

United Kingdom

Runtime

2h 18m

Rated

G

Rating

6.8 of 10 from 200 voters

Elsewhere

IMDb

How it feels

In 1910, a wealthy newspaper owner sponsors an air race from London to Paris with a big prize. A group of eccentric pilots from different countries compete in early flying machines, leading to slapstick mishaps and rivalries.

lightheartedwhimsicalbreezyplayfulnostalgiccomicspiritedcheerful

What happens

Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines or How I Flew from London to Paris in 25 Hours and 11 Minutes is a 1965 British epic period comedy film that satirises the early years of aviation. Directed and co-written by Ken Annakin, the film stars an international ensemble cast, including Stuart Whitman, Sarah Miles, James Fox, Alberto Sordi, Robert Morley, Gert Fröbe, Jean-Pierre Cassel, Eric Sykes and Terry-Thomas. Set in 1910, the film follows a fictitious air race from London to Paris, with a £10,000 (equivalent to £1,000,000 in 2025) prize, intended to prove that Britain is "number one in the air". The film's flying scenes featured dozens of period-accurate, life-sized working aeroplanes. It was shot in 65 mm Todd-AO by cinematographer Christopher Challis, and features a film score composed by Ron Goodwin. Released in the United Kingdom by 20th Century-Fox on 16 June 1965, the film was both a widespread critical and commercial success. It was nominated for three BAFTA Awards, winning for Best British Costume Design – Colour, as well as an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. The film also received three Golden Globe Award nominations, including for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. (from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)

Trailer

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