THE FIRST OF THE FEW

1942 | Produced and Directed by Leslie Howard 

Writers: Anatole de Grunwald, Miles Malleson

Cast: Leslie Howard, David Niven, Rosamund John, Roland Culver, Anne Firth, David Horne, J H Roberts, Derrick de Marney, Rosalyn Boulter

Absorbing film biography of R J Mitchell, the designer of the Spitfire, the aircraft that enabled the Royal Air Force to defeat the might of Germany’s Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain. Produced and directed by Leslie Howard, who also stars alongside David Niven.

The Monthly Film Bulletin said: “The film is brilliantly conceived, superbly produced and directed, and has some of the finest lighting and photography yet seen in British films. The flying sequences are exceptionally effective. But perhaps outstanding is the portrait of R J Mitchell by Leslie Howard. Simple and straightforward and therefore most moving in its appeal, this characterisation is unforgettable.”

Tagged Anatole de Grunwald, David Niven, Derrick de Marney, Leslie Howard, Miles Malleson, Rosamund John