In England, an eccentric police inspector, an earnest test pilot and a spunky female reporter team up to solve the mystery of a series of test aircraft which have disappeared without a trace while over the ocean on their maiden flights; unaware, as they are, that a spy ring has been shooting the planes down with a ray machine hidden aboard a salvage vessel which is on hand to haul the downed aircraft aboard, crews and all.
Acting
Ralph Richardson's umbrella-wielding inspector steals every scene.
Practical Effects
Charming miniature aircraft and gloriously fake ocean sets.
Director
Tim Whelan
Ralph Richardson
Maj. Charles Hammond
Laurence Olivier
Tony McVane
Valerie Hobson
Kay Lawrence
George Merritt
Mr. Barrett
George Curzon
Jenkins
Roy Emerton
Viking First Mate
Gus McNaughton
Blenkinsop, Hammond's Butler
George Butler
Air Marshal Gosport
Gordon McLeod
The Baron
Hay Petrie
Stage Door Keeper
Sandra Storme
Daphne
David Tree
R. Mackenzie
John Longden
John Peters, a Pilot
Ronald Adam
Pollack - Aviation Engineer
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Released mere months before WWII began, its 'quaint spy threat' tone curdled into genuine anxiety almost immediately.
Olivier reportedly loathed this 'quota quickie' so much he tried to buy and destroy prints—making surviving copies accidentally precious.
GB
US
