Rent One of Our Aircraft Is Missing (1942)

War Time Cinema Classic - One of Our Aircraft Is Missing review by CP Customer

The people associated with this film reads like a who's who's of the British cinema and whilst it may look dated the story line and acting are first class and convey the story line that needed to be got across at the time of its premier! 

Dutch Courage. - One of Our Aircraft Is Missing review by Steve

The first half hour of Powell and Pressburger's wartime propaganda thriller is the most realist footage they ever shot. Six men from across the British regions and social classes fly a bomber raid to Stuttgart then get shot down over the Netherlands. This long scene inside a Wellington may not interest everyone today, but it is beautifully photographed and offers a rare insight into the dangers.

And crucially it establishes the bond between the crew, through the warm camaraderie of Emeric Pressburger's script and the natural performances by the familiar ensemble cast. Once they have parachuted into the low countries, the story becomes more of a suspense drama as the men strive to get home with the help of the resistance.

This allows an opportunity for discreet propaganda at the expense of the Nazis and in support of the occupied Dutch. There is gentle patriotism, laced with humour. The best of the film comes towards the climax as Googie Withers takes the RAF through the final stage of their escape. Her delivery of the morale boosting dialogue is inspirational.

And it would take a cold heart not to choke back a few tears. Like all Powell and Pressburger films, it is unorthodox, an eccentric hybrid of the authentic and the mystic. The effects are pretty good and it is handsomely shot, with Norfolk standing in for Netherlands. It's not absolutely their best work, but still the pick of the Resistance tributes made in the war years.