Cast
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Merle Oberon
as Mrs. Richardson
Ralph Richardson
as Wing Commander Richardson
June Duprez
as June
Flora Robson
as Queen Elizabeth I (archive footage)
Robert Douglas
as Briefing Officer
Anthony Bushell
as Pilot
Brian Worth
as Bobby
Austin Trevor
as Schulemberg - German Air Chief of Staff
Ivan Brandt
as Air Officer
G.H. Mulcaster
as Controller
Herbert Lomas
as Holveg
Milton Rosmer
as Head of Observer Corps
Ronald Adam
as German Bomber Chief
Robert Rendel
as British Chief of Air Staff
John Longden
as Unnamed Character
Crew
Director
- Adrian Brunel
- Michael Powell
- Brian Desmond Hurst
- Alexander Korda
Writer
- Adrian Brunel
- E. V. H. Emmett
Producer
- Alexander Korda
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
The Lion Has Wings represents a fascinating example of Documentary/War cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Adrian Brunel brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1939, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Lion Has Wings took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 76 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 101 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2471 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 171 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1939, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Lion Has Wings shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Real Top Gun, which focuses more on action than character development, The Lion Has Wings offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Land Without Bread and Railway Station explore similar territory, The Lion Has Wings stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 3, 1939
- Runtime: 1h 16m
Where to Watch
