Watch Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines

Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines is a delightful adventure-comedy film from 1965 that follows a group of pilots from around the world as they compete in a zany aerial race from London to Paris in 1910. Directed by Ken Annakin and featuring an all-star cast that includes Stuart Whitman, Sarah Miles, and James Fox, the film is a charming blend of humor, action, and romance that has become a classic of the genre.

The story centers on Sir Percy Ware-Armitage (Whitman), a wealthy British automobile manufacturer who dreams of creating an airplane that can fly from London to Paris in under 24 hours. To promote his new invention, he offers a prize of £10,000 to the winner of a race between the two cities, attracting the attention of pilots from all over the world. With a wide variety of aircraft, including biplanes, monoplanes, and gyrocopters, the competitors take to the skies and engage in a series of hilarious and thrilling challenges.

The film is loosely based on historical events, such as the first aerial competitions of the early 20th century, but takes significant liberties with the facts in order to create a more entertaining experience. For example, the characters are loosely based on real-life aviators, but their names and nationalities are changed for comedic effect. The film also exaggerates the dangers and difficulties of early flight, portraying the pilots as brave and daring adventurers risking their lives for glory.

One of the film's strengths is its large and diverse cast of characters, each with their own quirks and motivations. Among them are Orvil Newton (Fox), an American cowboy who pilots a homemade biplane; Richard Mays (Robert Morley), a bumbling British aristocrat who financed his own plane; Count Emilio Ponticelli (Gert Fröbe), an Italian pasta tycoon who flies a luxurious monoplane; and Yamamoto (Yujiro Ishihara), a samurai from Japan who demonstrates his martial arts skills while flying a bamboo glider.

Throughout the race, the pilots encounter a series of obstacles and mishaps, such as inclement weather, mechanical failures, and sabotage attempts. Their exploits are narrated by a chorus of reporters and onlookers, who provide witty commentary and comic relief. Meanwhile, the romance between Ware-Armitage and Patricia Rawnsley (Miles), a suffragette and journalist covering the race, provides a charming subplot that adds to the film's humor and heart.

The film's production values are impressive, with elaborate sets, costumes, and special effects that recreate the look and feel of the early 20th century. The aerial sequences are particularly thrilling, featuring spectacular views of the British countryside and French landmarks as the planes soar through the air. The film is also notable for its catchy theme song, "Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines", which became a hit in its own right and is still remembered today.

Overall, Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines is a joyous and entertaining film that celebrates the spirit of adventure, ingenuity, and camaraderie. Its blend of history, comedy, and action makes it a timeless classic that can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages.

Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines is a 1965 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 18 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.