The Lion Has Wings – 1940 | 75 mins | Drama | B&W

Plot Synopsis

A semi-documentary, opening with scenes of everyday life in 1937 Britain and focusing on families who have connections with the Royal Air Force, in particular Wing Commander Richardson, his wife and their young Canadian cousin Bobby who is engaged to Merle’s friend June. As the Nazi rise in Germany spreads across Europe, so in 1939 war is declared. The RAF is shown ready to defend the nation, raiding Kiel before the film closes with a demonstration of Britain’s defences against air attack.

This picture was sponsored by the Ministry of Information and produced in six weeks by Alexander Korda, can best be described as a tour de-force… it is a supreme example of what can be done by skilled cutting and direction. Even more, it admirably fulfils its object – to inspire quiet confidence in the hearts of those who see it.