Red Arrows, 1969

Unique documentary film of the iconic RAF Red Arrows 1969 aerobatic display team. Exclusive access was granted to film the Red Arrows, at RAF Kemble, Gloucestershire, over the course of 2 days. It was shot on 16mm reversal film, as there was only room for small 16mm cameras in the aircraft. It was technically very difficult to film and the first time this filming technique had been used. The wind-up 16mm cameras often jammed when pulling tight G-forces up to 8G. Director, writer, and editor John Edwards flew four times in one day with the team, vomiting on the first twizzle and blocking his oxygen flow. The film was edited in a week and on cinema screens within 2-3 weeks. Distributed by Paramount, it was blown up to 35mm by Technicolor for cinema distribution. The soundtrack was specially composed by Brian Bennett, the drummer with The Shadows. The film was chosen for the 1969 Royal Command Performance and HM The Queen thought it was marvellous and wanted to know how it was done. The film also opened Cannes Film festival, and won many awards. It is currently one of 12 films in the BFI influential documentary package of UK cinema, as it is seen as a 1960s classic film of its age, with no commentary, simply the voice commands from the legendary team leader Sqn. Ldr. Ray Hanna.

Credit: BUFF Films / John Edwards / Bridgeman Images

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