War in the Air (2 Parts)

Synopsis

Television documentary series on aerial warfare 1935-1950, broadcast as 15 half-hour programmes, with material selected from nearly 12 million feet of Allied and enemy film footage, emphasising the role of the Royal Air Force. Narrated by Sir Philip Jourbert, with music by Sir Arthur Bliss.
1) Episodes 1-7: Opens with the RAF ill-prepared for war, but shows how it rose to meet the challenge and achieved its ‘finest hour’ during the Battle of Britain in 1940. Also examines the role of the RAF Coastal Command in the Atlantic and the air war in the Mediterranean and Western Desert. Explains how combined aerial and ground strategies were devised and implemented and looks at the early years of the war against the Japanese.
2) Episodes 8-15: the large-scaled Allied bombing raids on Nazi Germany through the post-war role of the RAF in the 1950s. Shows the air war during the Italian campaign, the role of the Allied air forces during D-Day; how new aircraft development was related to a battle for air supremacy; the liberation of Europe and the last two years of air war in the Pacific; the Berlin Airlift, the air war in Korea and the new generation of military jets.

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Video; Videocassette. VHS. b&w. 196 (2-video pack), 224 min (2-video pack).

Year of production

1954

Availability

Sale; 2000 sale: £19.99 (inclusive) each

Notes

Broadcast on BBC Television in 1954.

Subjects

History; Media studies

Keywords

Royal Air Force; television documentary films; World War II

Credits

Producer

John Elliot

Writer

John Elliot

Contributor

Arthur Bliss

Cast

Philip Jourbert

Sections

Title

Fated sky, The

Synopsis

1) Episodes 1-7: Opens with the RAF ill-prepared for war, but shows how it rose to meet the challenge and achieved its 'finest hour' during the Battle of Britain in 1940. Also examines the role of the RAF Coastal Command in the Atlantic and the air war in

Title

Round the clock

Synopsis

2) Episodes 8-15: the large-scaled Allied bombing raids on Nazi Germany through the post-war role of the RAF in the 1950s. Shows the air war during the Italian campaign, the role of the Allied air forces during D-Day; how new aircraft development was rela

Production Company

Name

BBC Television

Distributor

 

Available from retail outlets

Name

Simply Media

Contact

Laura Smith

Email

info@simplymedia.tv

Web

http://www.simplymedia.tv/ External site opens in new window

Phone

0203 542 3722

Address

Highlight House
57 Margaret Street
London W1W 8SJ

Notes

Formerly known as DD Home Entertainment or DDHE