The First Of The Few 1942 David Niven Interview

Available on DVD from www.odeonent.co.uk
Filmed during the dark days of 1942, this is the immortal story of the Spitfire which had helped to win the Battle of Britain the previous year. Leslie Howard stars as R.J. Mitchell, the inventor of the Spitfire, whose aircraft designs were turned down for funding by Whitehall because they were too revolutionary. A chance meeting with Messerschmitt in the early 1930's gives Mitchell the inspiration to build Britain's fastest and deadliest fighter plane. But first he must find a devil-may-care pilot to risk his life on the test flights. Salvation comes in the form of Geoffrey Crisp (David Niven), an out of work veteran fighter pilot from the First World War. Together they build the aircraft that so many will owe their lives to. However, as Mitchell strives to perfect his fighter plane, he is rocked by the news that he has only one-year to live unless he stops working. His stark choice is to save himself or save his country.
Starring
Leslie Howard
David Niven
Rosamund John
Director
Leslie Howard

[@franl155]

I saw a DVD on sale called "Spitfire" - with Leslie Howard and David Niven. I thought, this has to be The First of The Few, so I bought it. The DVD case had "Spitfire", the DVD label had "Spitfire", and when I played the film, the opening credit said "Spitfire".
Obviously a film made for Americans who don't appreciate the poetry of the proper title, or its origins from a Churchill speech. "It's about Spitfires, let's call it Spitfire". Shee.

[@colephelps6202]

Title changes were, and are, common. I hope you're able to get over it.

[@nigelbenton880]

Name changes for movies between the UK and USA (and vice versa) aren't uncommon. However, when The First of The Few was released in the USA as Spitfire it was also very heavily cut.

[@patavinity1262]

Well the film is really all about the Spitfire, so it's hardly a travesty to have named it that way.

[@stuartquinn-harvie5327]

The Battle of Britain was fought in 1940. Not 1941.

[@quinntyrell7663]

Six months in 1940,six months in 1941. If we were talking financial years, that's a war of 1941! Not seeing why that's in question though. Nobody's mentioned the Battle of Britain. Or, that I heard, 1941. Or did I miss that reference...?

[@raypurchase801]

Not much here about the movie.

[@Gennettor-nc8kx]

Actually nothing.

[@garyfrancis6193]

This interview is from 1966 not 1942.

[@raypurchase801]

The film was made in '42.

[@Gennettor-nc8kx]

@@raypurchase801 It says "1942 David Niven Interview".

[@raypurchase801]

@@Gennettor-nc8kx "The First of the Few" is from '42.
This interview is from later.

[@Gennettor-nc8kx]

@@raypurchase801 Indeed - that is what I tried to make clear.

[@lemorab1]

This interview is not from 1942 and the film "The First of the Few" is never mentioned.

[@colephelps6202]

That is because it is a teaser to buy the DVD, or whatever file format they have for sale.

[@nigelbenton880]

Ha ha.

[@nigelbenton880]

you are quiet right.

[@josephhandford6138]

The Battle of Britain was not fought in 1941!!! It was fought from 10 July 1940 - 31 October 1940. At no point is that 1941. Less than 4 months and not 12. Before correcting anyone make sure your facts are correct. It helps if you hail from the country that you're talking about.

[@mjh5437]

Six months in 1940,six months in 1941....total 12 months.

[@josephhandford6138]

@@mjh5437 I can assure you that The Battle Of Britain finished on the 31st October 1940. One of my relatives was in the RAF at the time. Night-time attacks continued throughout the winter of 1940-41 only ending when the Luftwaffe move east in preparation for their attack on the Soviet Union but that was not The Battle of Britain.