Review of Battle of Britain (1969) by Drew R — 23 Oct 2010
An incredible roster of actors don their smocks to paint up this larger-than-life portrait of the courageous 1940 RAF defense of Britain's skies.
There's a Panavision canvas and a Technicolor palette, yet the finished painting doesn't quite capture the viewer's interest or awe as much as many other mid-Century epics.
The editors apparently left about half of the subplots on the cutting-room floor in order to give even wider berth to the film's lush centerpiece: the authentic - and/or authentically staged - dogfight footage that employs well the width that Panavision offered.
Unfortunately, all that cutting results in far more puzzlement than drama for the viewer.
RECOMMENDATION: Despite the shortcomings, the quality of the aerial cinematography - and the simultaneous staging of this many classic talents - clearly earns the film a screening.
This review of Battle of Britain (1969) was written by Drew R on 23 Oct 2010.
Battle of Britain has generally received positive reviews.
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