Fuss Over Feathers (1954) Movie Script

Ah Perdita, where's Sally?

Morning Harry,

morning Mrs. Tilney.

- Morning Sally.

Perdita told me you were coming.

She tells me everything,

even more than Mrs. Thompson.

She'd have to be a

great talker to do that.

What's this?

Just the correspondence

you dictated.

What correspondence?

The protest to the river

board, the complaints

to the county council and

the letter to the tax people.

I had to leave poor

Bookie's work right

in the middle of a

chapter to get those done.

Are you still writing

the Norfolk story?

That'll never get finished.

Now what about those letters?

Well I can't say as I recollect

given them to you Sally.

But Harry you said yesterday

they were so import...

Oh yesterday.

Were one of my red Thursdays.

Don't you take no count what

I say on my red Thursdays.

But it was so early. You

looked sober and your wife said...

Oh, well, don't you take no

notice of what any of them say.

Every other Thursday it is,

when my pension comes through.

I drink it, see.

Not out of gratitude

for the government.

I swallows it all down

to blast their eyes,

for giving an old sailor

such a paltry cheese bearing

screw-a-lolly, every

time gets it I sees red.

And that's why it's red Thursday.

And don't we know it.

Harry Tilney.

Have you heard about the notice?

- What notice?

- They've put up a notice.

I just had to tell you.

It's about the Island of Children.

The Island of Children,

what is it Mrs. Thompson?

Everyone says it's awful.

Something about acquisition.

Meddling officials.

Why can't they leave us alone.

That's what everyone's saying.

I just had to tell you.

I told Harry Tilney.

He's coming right now.

Hey, Bookie, what's all

this about land acquisitions?

Exceeding their powers.

That's what they're doing.

Don't worry, we'll fix it.

If they're talking about

acquiring the Island of Children,

you're not gonna be

away long are you?

My dear, I have to gather

material for the Norfolk Story.

Such work takes a

great deal of time.

There's the Director of

Little Wimberton to see.

Oh but Bookie.

Hey Bookie, wait a minute!

This is serious!

Is it true, Harry?

Tyranny, that's

what it is, tyranny.

Hold on a bit, Harry,

before you blows your top off.

You know I can't read them

things without me glasses.

What's it all about?

It's the Ministry

of Land Acquisition.

It says, notice is hereby given

that the Air Ministry are proposing

to purchase an area of land known

as the Island of Children for

the purpose of an air firing range.

Should any person have

legitimate objections

to the proposed range,

then such objections

should be made known

to the Ministry

of Land Acquisition,

Whitehall, London.

Daft that is.

No one's got no right to do that.

They can't know what the

Island of Children means.

If they knew that they wouldn't

fire on it wouldn't they?

Nobody ever shot a thing

on the Island of Children.

Not even Smother Brooks

here, have you Smother?

That would be back luck wouldn't.

Doubt if I'd sleep if

anyone ever shot there.

Island of Children is ours.

Aye, has been for

a thousand of years.

Sally take a letter.

You can now all here

what I'm gonna say

to the Ministry of

Land Acquisition.

Well, wouldn't it be better to

talk to the RAF at Fallowfield?

Alright, we'll talk to them hey.

What is the name of

the Air Force boss.

Well the boss is

Wing Commander Rogers,

but Bill says Mr. Parsons

is in charge of the flying.

Ha ha, Bill hey.

I forgot you had an

interest in the RAF.

I choose my own

friends, Harry Tilney,

even if I do write

other people's letters.

Alright, mate, alright.

Now look, how'd it be if

you was to ring up the RAF,

and tell them the chairman

of the parish council would

like a word with them.

Like we did on the

Armistice Day service.

Alright, I'll do it now.

I promised her I'd be

back early for lunch.

Aye, and tell your dad the

Ministry of Acquisition wants his mill,

for target, see.

Hello Perdita.

So they've gone and got their

grips on the Island of Children hey?

How did you know?

Mrs. Thompson phoned me.

I bet that's panicked them.

Just takes a ministry

or a bit of brass tape.

Red tape.

These Norfolk people

wouldn't say boo to a goose,

not if it looked like

an official bird.

But the Island of

Children is a sanctuary.

Well there're such

places in Suffolk,

but nobody I ever heard of

turned into target areas.

Norfolk people's

too full of poetry.

Who did they get practical

to run a pumping station?

Me from sunny Suffolk.

They'll do something

about it this time.

- Poor Perdita she hates it.

- Poor Perdita.

Them people's against

the laws of nature.

That's what I said to young Bill.

I think that was Bill.

I thought you said

he was ground staff.

What's he doing up there?

He's just crazy about flying.

He's colorblind, though,

and can't get into aircrew

so he looks after Squadron

Leader Parsons' aeroplane.

Sometimes Mr. Parsons

takes him up for a trip.

Crazy about flying.

Why?

He tried to tell me about it.

Something to do with the sky.

I don't know.

I suppose he feels he's

sharing it with Perdita.

Well, I've been

enough years at sea.

Tower to Archer

One, clear to taxi in.

Both engines running

as smooth as silk.

The old Meteor almost as good

as the Vampire now corporal.

Which all snags were

as easy as that, sir.

Gave me next to no trouble.

Thanks for the flight, sir,

and the erm, you know.

That's alright, she's a nice girl.

Both flights, Corporal

speaks the Mk.7 alright.

Aah, well that's

something anyways sir.

I just came to tell you

the Adjutant phoned up.

CO wants to see you.

Why doesn't he see the flight.

Somebody been checking the

maintenance infantry again.

Aye, nearly as bad as that sir.

There's been a signal

grounding all our Vampires.

What's it all about?

Well, the squadron

converted to ground attack.

Ground attack?

Never a dull moment.

List of modifications

as long as my arm.

Rocket rails, new

side mods, armor.

Well, it's all very well.

What's the flap?

Well, no flap at all.

All just as simple as ABC.

Well it seems to have

put the skids on Parsons.

I bet it's conversion

to ground attack.

Well, trust a cockney

to make a safe bet.

Easy as ABC hey?

All our kind back in pieces.

Oh well, I suppose we'll have to

have a reshuffle and a new deal.

Yeah, that's what

I'd like, a reshuffle.

And deal me a few

mechanics next time

instead of schoolboys

from handy craft classes.

Squadron Leader

Parsons just got in sir.

Alright, ask him to come in.

Aye, sir.

Heard the glad tidings, Johnny?

Conversion to ground attack hey.

What's the gen sir?

In a nutshell, three

weeks for conversion.

That'll need some

tight organizing.

That's right.

What's the panic.

You've then got four weeks

to attain maximum efficiency.

And then?

That's all.

What about air training?

We need a range.

Looks as if some clever character's

thought it all out in advance.

They're giving us a piece

of wasteland near the coast.

It's called an island

for some odd reason.

Anyway it's the other

side of Wadley Broad.

Then we shan't waste

time getting there.

When do we start?

Now.

How far did you

say this place was?

With this wind we should

make it inside an hour.

That was quite smart.

You'll make a sailor yet.

One thing I have learned.

You can't kiss a girl while

you're sailing a boat.

Bad luck.

So?

Next up the Island of Children.

We'll have to paddle down

to the end of the channel.

What's so special

about this place?

Tell you when we get there.

Sounds mysterious.

Where's Predita?

She's probably waiting for us.

You see she lives there.

She lives at the mill.

No, I mean it's

where she was born.

Oh, so we're visiting

the ancestral home hey.

Think she'll give us tea?

Silly, whoever heard

of a seagull making tea.

They drink coffee.

Whoever heard of two

people talking such nonsense.

Whoever heard of a girl being so

fond of a boy who talks such nonsense.

Oh Bill, don't go

in, Bill, come back.

- See what I mean?

- Yes.

Sit down fellas.

Very shortly this is it.

The CO has had orders

that the squadron turns

over from fighter

defense to ground attack.

That means rockets.

We have to modify the

aircraft, fit the rockets,

learn to use them and

practice the tactics.

We haven't got much

time and we start now.

What will interest all of you

is that we do it all here.

The range will be

this piece of land,

known locally as the

Island of Children,

though it doesn't

say so on the map.

It's like a different world.

It is different.

A world on its own with all

sorts of tales and legends about it.

Sally, it's always legends

in the past with you.

You like a world of

your own, don't you?

Don't you ever find now and

tomorrow just as exciting?

Sometimes, perhaps.

But this is different.

I love this place.

I love you, Sally.

Listen.

Quite ghostly isn't it.

The old people say

there are spirits here.

You mean it's haunted.

Well, not ghosts,

just children at peace.

The Island of Children.

Yes.

Tell me about it.

The Romans came here

nearly 2,000 years ago.

Then it was a

beautiful shallow lake.

They used it for burying

their dead children.

I didn't know that.

Well, gradually a part of

the lake became silted up

and formed an island.

Nobody quite knows when it happened,

probably hundreds of years ago.

Anyway, no one's ever

used the place since

even though it has now become

a part of the mainland.

Sort of consecrated ground.

Is that why all

the birds are here?

Yes, they've been

breeding here for centuries.

All Pertita's ancestors.

No one shoots them.

- I suppose they feel...

- They believe the birds

here are the souls of

the Roman children.

Yes, it has got

that feeling about it.

Can we look?

Yes, they're not nesting now.

Perdita.

We could do with that cup of tea.

- Coffee.

- Sorry, coffee.

- Poor Perdita.

- Why poor Perdita?

Bill, did you know the Air Force

were going to make a target range?

Well, I knew we'd need one now

we've converted to ground attack,

but Sally, not this place.

Well, they mustn't, they can't.

You can see what it is, what

it means, the sanctuary.

Yes.

It wouldn't be too bad.

The targets would go

over by those trees.

The range control

that bank over there.

That's just about

the right distance.

Stop it, you can't!

Sally, don't look at me like that.

Well, don't you look at the

Island of Children like that.

Well, I can't do anything.

Well, you sounded so pleased

as if you wanted a range here.

Well, it'll have to go somewhere,

and in England there's

so little land left.

Well they can't have this

bit, and they won't get it.

No, I have a feeling they won't.

I've never seen you

like this before.

Do you like me better this way?

I like you any way.

And don't get angry too

often, you scare me.

I'd like to scare the Air Force.

Well, they don't

scare very easily.

It's not marked as a sanctuary.

Marked.

Meddling officials, they

mark what they pleases.

Can't expect no help from them.

Well, it's very

difficult you know.

We can only accept

what we're given.

And even if we did have a choice,

what alternatives are

there in this area?

Why can't you fire in the

sea like we did in the Navy?

Well, you can't observe

results for one thing.

And what about the fishermen?

No, water's no good

for ground attack.

Well then, you best

find some other place.

But what happens if

everyone says that?

They do you know, it's

always try somewhere else.

The services are

nearly always wrong.

Oh not in wartime I grant you.

Then there's patriotism.

Patriotism.

That means a lot of

meddling officials.

But it needn't Mr. Tilney.

It just means seeing

that your country is safe

and prosperous and that

means everyone doing his job

to the best of his ability.

My job is with the Air Force.

Look here.

We're not doing all this for fun.

Those men and aircraft always

have to be ready and prepared.

Sometimes you know we haven't

as much time as we think.

That's why we insist on

order and preparedness.

Here, how you getting

along with that?

Shouldn't take more than a

couple of hours now Chiefy.

I wouldn't take that long if

we had another pair of hands.

Here, let's have none of that.

That job don't barely

need two of ya.

Another pair of hands.

Now what does he know

about people working

with their hands. You should

see him washing up at the back

of the pub trying to

get sweet with Fanny.

Wants her to go for

a bike ride with him.

If I was him I'd buy her a

washing up machine first.

We're gonna fly past the

order and preparedness.

Are they part of the day?

No, it's all been on and

off, day in and day out sir.

All bitter and twisted again.

Bet you finish on

time all the same.

No, well it's trying to

be everywhere at once sir.

List of mods as long as my arm,

and, well where are

the men coming from?

You've never had a

keener bunch of men fly.

Ah, and what if we do

finish the job on time?

What happens about the rocketing?

Well the range's

trouble, that's a snag.

Corporal, did you know

about the sanctuary?

Oh, not until yesterday sir, when I erm,

I mean, we sailed up there.

Oh and er, we're a bit

upset about it are we?

Well, everybody's upset sir.

Er, excuse me sir.

I knew about the

sanctuary a long time ago.

There's a type in the village

called Smother Brooks.

The flight sergeant knows him.

He told me.

They can't use it now that

they know what it is can they sir?

I couldn't say.

That's up to the Ministry

of Land Acquisition.

Air Ministry again Miss Flew.

This is Jessop's pigeon,

definitely Jessop's pigeon.

I know Mr. Wentworth.

But since Mr. Jessop's on

leave, the minister's asked

for you to handle the matter.

The private office needs a

report by tomorrow afternoon.

It's just so difficult,

so very difficult.

My own position on the Committee

of the National Bird Watching Society

is so well known in the ministry.

And indeed in Whitehall.

The minister understands that.

But with Mr. Jessop away.

Hmm, the ball is really

in our court is it.

Well well what's needed?

Air Ministry has just

asked for a report.

The minister wants you

to investigate the title,

then check with the Nature

Conservancy and the usual routine.

- Mr. Jessop's already...

- Oh confound Jessop.

Why do people always

have to go on leave

at the most inconvenient times.

He knows I shouldn't handle

anything to do with sanctuaries.

The matter is flagged

as urgent, Mr. Wentworth.

And don't you think

it's a dreadful thing

if they are going to fire

guns and rockets and things

where there's all that bird life?

Of course, that's the point.

I feel so strongly that I shouldn't

have to handle the matter.

Oh confound Jessop.

It really is his pigeon.

Sally, here, get your notebook.

I'm gonna write a

letter to someone.

The Island of

Children, you've heard?

- What's the news?

- What's it all about?

- Now listen all of you.

- What do they say now, Harry?

Why don't you read it yourself.

I ain't got my glasses.

- No you wouldn't.

- Come on out with it.

- What is it.

- Well, these here

fine gentlemen say they've

investigated all the facts

of the objection and they ain't

gonna do a blind thing about it.

Government people

talking like that.

They say there's no clear title to

the land but assume it's crown land.

What's a title?

Like my lord or sir.

Sir Island of

Children sounds daft.

Oi shut up, now the

conservancy people

who ought to know better have told

them it's not an official sanctuary,

there being two in existence.

Anyway, the purchase of the land

for an air firing range

is going ahead forthwith

and as far as they're concerned

we can like it or lump it.

Give us a drink Joe.

So they really gonna

shoot at them birds?

After so many thousands of years.

Well, it'll bring them

nothing but bad luck.

Well everything's gotta

change sooner or later.

I think you're making a

lot of fuss about nothing.

Nothing, this is the most important

thing that's happened to us.

Pity you don't think

the same about your work.

Well who are we

gonna write to then?

I wonder where Bookie is.

He might be able to help.

Well, let's try and phone

him at Little Wimberton.

Use my phone, call's on the house.

Thanks Joe.

Give us all a drink, Joe.

Yes, forthwith.

Here what do we do if

Bookie can't help us?

What do we do?

Huh, that's just like

you Norfolk dumplings.

Why if this was Suffolk every

man jack would be up and doing.

Doing what?

Playing follow-my-leader like

a lot of silly Suffolk sheep hey.

No, rebellion most likely.

We don't sit down and grizzle

against the government.

We ups and beats

them about the head.

When for instance?

Didn't we turn out for Wat Tyler,

for Jack Kidd, and Oliver Cromwell.

Suffolk's always been

against the government.

A bit of rebellion,

that's what you need.

Chalk 'em up Joe.

Did he say Oliver Cromwell?

I thought someone

said he were dead.

Aye, he is.

But the news hasn't

reached Suffolk yet.

- Oh.

- Evening.

- The usual?

- Thanks Joe.

Quiet evening, what's

happened to everybody?

Come in a moment ago you'd

have had them talking rebellion.

What's the trouble?

Well it seems it's that

firing range of yours.

Why can't they leave us alone.

Wish we had 'em here, a

whole bullion Of them.

Dratted meddling officials.

It's tough luck you know but er,

we need a firing range and soon.

It isn't a sanctuary you know.

I checked it myself

on all the local maps.

You mean it has to

be marked on a map?

Well that's not all.

Some official body, the

Conservancy or bird watchers

or someone like that, has to

declare it to be a sanctuary.

Bookie left Little

Wimberton yesterday

and the rector doesn't

know where he's gone.

Well it seems the only

thing's a flaming rebellion

like your dad suggests.

Here, Sally, Harry,

I've got an idea.

First for 70 years,

should be a masterpiece.

All you gotta do is to get

it made into a bird sanctuary.

But it is one.

Everyone knows that.

But you gotta make

it official see.

- Official!

- There's the Conservancy.

Not them.

Now wait a bit,

there's the Bird Watching Society.

That's an idea.

We could write to them.

Well, if it comes to a choice

between the bird watchers

and the flaming rebellion which is

the only other suggestion we've had,

it best be the bird watchers huh.

Unless this Island of Children,

rather a charming name, what,

is rescued by our

efforts, yet another slice

of our national heritage

will be swallowed up.

Well, isn't this a matter

for our respected chairman?

But I...

I always understood you

had a hide in Norfolk.

On your brother's

land, Mr. Wentworth.

- That's true but...

- Well, do you mean

that nice Colonel Wentworth,

the your office be the one to.

Do you think I really

ought to go Miss Flew?

Under the circumstances Mr. Wentworth,

I don't see why,

Mr. Wentworth feels a

little reluctant owing

to the fact that he's

er, involved officially.

Oh but you don't mean to say...

Well this is really

Jessop's pigeon.

Erm, that is to say it's

not really my pigeon

but for the fact that my colleague

Mr. Jessop, happens to be away.

But surely, that wouldn't

prevent you paying a private visit

to your brother, the Colonel.

No, I can't go.

I really mustn't.

Now, Fanny as I was saying,

you need someone like meself,

who knows the world.

Someone with maturity.

Have you heard? The bird watchers

are coming. There's been a letter.

Bird watchers, what for?

Oh can't stop now,

might miss something.

Hey, what's it all about.

Huh, something to do

with the range I fancy.

Outside with the flight

sergeant she is a one.

Yesterday it was Buster.

What's the name of this Cove?

- Wentworth.

- Wentworth?

Who's he?

The man from the

Bird Watching Society.

He's there chairman.

There used to be a Wentworth living

the other side of Reedham, a colonel.

Now who did he marry?

Well what's wrong?

You all look so glum.

Mr. Wentworth is

coming tomorrow.

- Well?

- Red Thursday.

How the blazes are we gonna

keep Harry Tilney sober?

Well, I can't refuse to

serve him if he comes in here.

Not unless he's incapable.

Be against the law.

Besides, you pull the

place back over my head.

Can try to keep him busy all day.

Don't give him a free

moment to get a drink.

Hey that's an idea but

it won't be too easy.

Don't worry, I'll

see he keeps at it.

It's time I put an end to

these red Thursdays of his.

Hello, what's that?

Hey what are they Bill, Swifts?

Yes.

I wonder what they're

doing over here.

They're stations in Devon.

I suppose they've got

nothing to do for half a minute

so they thought they'd pop over.

Who's flying them sir?

Davidson, they'll

be down in a minute.

Refueling?

More than that.

You'll be moving out from here

as the ground attack

course is completed.

Overseas.

That's it.

Does that mean action sir?

Probably I'm not quite sure yet.

But the squadron has

to be ready to move

as soon as training is complete.

That's why it's so urgent.

By the way that's

secret for the present.

Ah, let's get this finished.

Gee Bee says we can have the rest

of the day to ourselves

when this is done.

Are you going swimming?

Yeah.

Oh, I told the girls we'd

meet them over there.

Fine.

Are they taking the

field over from us sir?

Yes.

Better get over to meet them.

- Hello Davy.

- Hello sir.

I don't believe it,

the man from Mars.

Meet Johnny Parsons.

He'll be moving his squadron

out to make room for you.

- Hello.

- Hello old boy, how are you?

Well where are

all your aeroplanes?

- Oh they're on the apron.

- What those?

Huh, I thought those

were the target dummies.

Probably part of the party hey.

You'll need refueling I suppose.

- Yes please, sir.

- Alright.

Let's show him his

new homes, shall we.

Good oh.

Oh, by the way sir,

I have to be back in Devon at six.

Let me know when it's

five to would you.

Oh, oh I wish I'd brought my bike.

Then I wouldn't have to hurry.

Oh what's the flap anyway, Fanny.

Well, governor's hut.

And there's only

me to open the pub.

Blimey, the times I've

waited for half past five

but tonight I wish they didn't

open 'til half past seven.

If you worked behind a bar

every day of your life, you'd

wish it was half past nine.

Well that's where I can do

a roaring trade round the back

like your old man does.

I'd put a glass washing

machine in for a start though.

You'd do great things.

Thought you were gonna

fix dad's old motorboat.

Well, er, I'm going to and all.

Well get on with it.

We might take her out.

Hey that's a good idea.

I could make that old tub do 50.

Come on.

- Oh, bye.

- I'll see you

- back there Bill.

- Bye.

- What?

- Just you.

- Footsteps.

- Yeah.

I always do it.

Can I have my towel?

Do my back please.

Oh look.

That must be the highest

sky in the world.

It's my favorite piece of sky.

The only bit I've ever flown in.

Tell me about it.

I can't, I haven't got the words.

I don't suppose anyone has them.

It's a kind of uplift.

Perhaps it needs

music, soaring music.

My mother used to

talk like that about,

sometimes after the

singing in chapel.

It's the same thing in a way.

You see Sally, now

you won't laugh.

No I won't laugh.

Well, man started by mastering

the land and learning to walk.

Then he learned to sail the sea.

Now it's the air.

All the time man is

growing in stature.

Perhaps I mean dignity.

And gaining sort of,

getting closer to something.

I can see it all more clearly

lying here on the earth.

Yes.

Yes, I suppose you

see more than I do.

And we're different Sally.

You're a dreamer, I'm a doer.

I sometimes wonder.

If there was less striving, wouldn't

there be less hurt done to people?

Sanctuary.

Yes, I suppose it all

boils down to that really.

Doers and dreamers.

I want progress and you...

Me.

I love you.

Rockets are a

form of long range artillery.

When attacking airfields,

go for the hangers and larger buildings.

A full salvo fired along the

length of a hanger will bring it down

and flatten all the

aircraft underneath.

Approach with the

target on the port bow,

and give standby

to dive on the RT.

Press the camera button immediately

the sight is steady on the target.

The last frame of the cine

film taken at the moment

of firing is used for

assessing the angle

of dive, the height of

release, and the slant range.

It also indicates

inaccuracies in flying.

Okay, let's have some lights.

Well you can see it's comparatively

easy with targets such as hangers.

There's no problem

of deflection there.

And even with ships, you have

the bow wave to help you.

Well it's a bit tough

on the matlow sir.

Don't worry too much about them.

They usually pack enough flak

to keep your mind on other things.

Anything else?

How do you estimate speed

of deflection with tanks?

I mean with ships

there's a bow wave.

Only as I said just now,

lots and lots of practice.

The only way you can get that

is with practical flying.

That's why I want the

theory cleared up pronto.

So get down to it and

study it really hard.

Anything else sir?

That's all fellas.

- Huh.

- Oh.

I'll have them ready for the

range if they have to sit up all night.

Nice work Johnny.

The aircraft are coming

along pretty well.

Even managed to give some

time off to the past workers.

That's Flight Sergeant Campbell,

peddling around like

the prophet of doom.

He always has the

job bang on schedule.

There's one small snag however.

The hold up on radio

equipment for the range.

- Oh?

- We've ordered

a 5391 but they're a

bit short just now.

We may have to rig up something

temporary for the first few days.

What about the range itself?

Oh, tricky still.

I was thinking of going over there

for a ground recce tomorrow sir.

I suppose that's alright.

Yes, as far as I'm

concerned the place is ours.

Don't get mixed up with any

of those Roman children.

- Hello there!

- Hello sir.

Taken up bird watching?

No just having a look round.

Hello Sally.

Quite a place isn't it?

I'm glad you like

it Mr. Parsons.

That's your tame gull.

Heard a lot about him.

It's a she sir.

- Sorry.

- She's called Perdita.

That's hardly a local name is it.

Not really but you see Perdita was

born here on the Island of Children.

I see and you gave her a Latin

name because of the Romans.

It's more special than that.

You see the Romans once had a camp,

somewhere over there.

According to Bookie,

who's our local expert

on these matters, they were

threatened one night by sudden flooding.

As the water was

creeping up on them,

a child who'd wondered

from her parents began

to cry like a lost

soul and woke them.

So they were able

to save themselves.

And all because of

the child, Perdita.

I wish in a way you were

Perdita could save the feathers

on the Island of Children.

But I'm afraid it looks

as if we're going ahead.

You may not be.

We've got the chairmen of the

Bird Watching Society

coming down tomorrow.

I hope he can help you.

But as the corporal here knows,

we need a range urgently.

By the way, you know

this place pretty well,

what's the ground like over there?

It's alright, Perdita.

The bird's almost human.

I think you better let me

explore this place myself huh.

Perhaps you're right sir.

I'm sorry about this but

it's not really up to me.

Doesn't seem to be up to anyone.

There's always someone higher up.

Good luck with the bird watchers.

What's the name of this fellow?

Wentworth.

And don't worry Mr. Parsons,

you'll find somewhere else

for your range when we win this.

Appointments for

today, Mr. Wentworth.

Er, Thursday.

Nothing until the train at 3:15.

- Train?

- For Saltingsby.

The bird sanctuary.

Oh yes, er what's

the fellows name?

- Mr. Tilney.

- Tilney.

Well, that sounds a

solid, reliable name.

This is going to be

his first sober Thursday.

I kept him hard at

it all the morning.

No not a drink.

I hid what was in the house.

He's in a difficult mood, though.

What?

Oh he made an excuse to

go and see Old Circular.

Your box.

10, 15-2 to you.

Tut, ah, tsk.

Hey, Harry, half a mo,

we haven't finished.

Hey Harry come back.

Harry, Harry!

Harry got away.

I done my best.

Let him lick me for three games that

even a bloomin' baby could've won.

Er, no not a drink.

Temper, it's rising.

It was Sally.

She's met with Sir Wentworth

and he's on his way here.

She wanted to know if

Harry was here yet.

He should be.

It's over two hours

since I sent him

on that wild goose

chase to Reedsly.

Well what could've

happened to him?

- Weight lifting.

- Trying to be funny?

Might give you a hand

if you're agreeable.

Agreeable.

Would you be agreeable

if you're stuck

in a ditch seven miles

from the nearest pub?

Ooh, we're worried about a

spot of refreshment are we.

Quarter Master to the rescue.

Never travel without it

when they are long distances

between one point of

human comfort and another.

Learned that in the desert.

If you'd been in the desert...

Well I've been at sea.

Reckon that's no worse.

Oh matlow hey.

Pongo hey, well to

hell with the Air Force.

My name's Colonel Wentworth.

Well mine's Harry Tilney.

And to hell with the Air Force.

Want another spot matlow?

Well, I'll just have a drop.

And then maybe give me a hand,

pull her out of the ditch hey.

An appointment is an

appointment Mrs. Tilney.

I can't think what's happened

to my husband, Mr. Wentworth.

He's never late, least ways.

The trouble is I'm being fetched.

What ya cox.

What's wrong?

That gentleman there's

waiting for Harry Tilney.

Well where's he got to?

That's what we all want to know.

I know what's happened.

Here, today's Thursday isn't it?

Thursday?

- Yes, why?

- Well, every other Thursday...

Wouldn't the gentleman like

to see round the churchyard?

I have already been round

the churchyard, twice.

Er perhaps you'd like another

glass of ginger wine, sir?

On the house, I mean.

Oh, well, perhaps I might.

To hell with the RAF.

And our meddling officials.

Oh, I'm afraid my brother's a,

oh just as you say, old fella.

To hell with all the

meddling officials.

We've looked everywhere

and telephoned.

I can't imagine what's happened.

But as you know Mr. Wentworth, I act as

secretary to the parish council and...

In that case, I certainly think

our discussion ought to commence.

Though it's hardly the

most satisfactory place.

Well, we can sit over here.

Yes, over here.

It's a problem it seems to

me of official recognition.

Oh, let it ring.

Er you were saying sir.

Official recognition.

Er recognition officially.

Now, we of the...

- Where have you been?

- About time if you ask me.

Looks like he's

found some somewhere.

We waited for you but...

So, so, you're the

bird watcher, hey.

I I'm chairman of the National...

Name of Wentworth I believe.

That's my name.

Mr. Wentworth of the Ministry

of Land Acquisition hey.

- You're not being very...

- Come down here

to rob us and disguised

yourself as a bird watcher hey.

Well, there's not

question of disguise.

Meddling officials what's

this if it isn't a disguise?

- Does he walk with it?

- I'll show you

what I do with meddling officials.

Really, as chairman of the...

That's what I think

of meddling officials!

I hardly think ladies and gentlemen

that this is quite the moment of...

Anyone here called Wentworth?

That's me.

There's a drunk outside

with the same name.

- Drunk?

- Wants you to drive him home.

Oh well, in that case

ladies and gentlemen,

I ought to explain but I I I...

Get out!

Isn't nobody gonna

answer that phone?

Joe!

You ought to be ashamed

of yourself, Harry,

wasting all our time like this.

You ought to be

glad I got rid of him.

Ministry of Land Acquisition.

Well, that's the end of

the Bird Watching Society.

I keep telling you this is soapy.

There's someone in here

nattering about something.

Why don't you listen to

what they've got to say.

I ain't never listened to

one of them things in me life.

You hold onto it.

People telephones me now.

Nice pass.

Bloke at the other end's

getting proper narked.

Hello?

I'm sorry, we haven't quite

got your message straight.

Who is this speaking?

- It's Bookie!

- Bookie!

Well, let me speak.

He's getting me the message

he says once and for all.

What's that?

Of dunderheads.

Oh sorry sir, I know what

you're talking about now.

The Island of Children of course.

Yes.

Tell Soapy the eel catcher,

it's a tidal river.

The fishing rights were granted

to the people by King Henry VIII.

No power, military or

otherwise, can stop the people,

tell Soapy, from

exercising that right.

As a professional eel

catcher he has every right

to establish himself on

the Island of Children.

What's that?

You can't go on talking forever.

He was in a call box.

Now what he means

is that Soapy here...

I know what Bookie means.

He means for me to

claim me true right.

You mean, they can't

put a range there

if Soapy moves in

and claims the right?

That's about it.

Oh, Bill!

Hey, it isn't him, it's me.

Oh, Soapy.

First umbrellas, then telephone calls,

now being kissed.

I don't know what the world's

coming to and that's flat.

I suppose you've got

a head this morning.

Fine chairman of the

parish council you are.

No need to worry about Wentworth.

Now Soapy's decided to squat,

we'll beat the RAF yet.

Pity you aren't as

keen on your business

as you are on being the Air Force.

There's more to life

than making money.

Don't tell me you really care

what happens to the sanctuary.

Just 'cause I shout sometimes

and put on a bit of an act you

think I've got no feelings.

I know that place since my

old grandad took me there

when I first started to walk.

That legend, that's the first

thing any kid around here's told.

I don't know, taking it

away would be like saying

there weren't gonna

be no Christmas.

There'd be something

missing for all of us.

Eat your breakfast.

Hello Edwards. How does

the layout strike you?

It's a bit makeshift sir,

but I suppose it'll do.

At least when the barrier's

down no one will be able

to get here unless

they've got a boat.

Nice comfortable hut, fine range

of targets, what more do you want?

Communications mostly.

Oh yes, I hear the radio equipment

won't be here for another 10 days.

And Sierra says we can't delay

so I've got a sort of a boy

scouts telephone wire put up.

So long as it does the job

'til the proper gear arrives.

- Sir.

- Yes, how's it going sergeant?

- Snag's up.

- Snag?

What do you want, more men?

No sir, it's an eel catcher sir.

Eel catcher?

Whoa, feathered friends.

Yes, I know it's a

bit hard on the birds.

Eel catcher, now that's the fella

with the long beak isn't it Edwards?

No sir.

Excuse me sir,

it's a man, with a hut sir.

What?

He's squatting on

the riverbank sir.

A man with a hut?

Well, it's more like a boat sir.

He said he was given the right to

put it there by King Henry VIII sir.

- Hmm?

- King Henry VIII?

Let's see this fellow,

I'll give him Henry VIII.

If King Henry VIII says I can stay here,

then here I stays.

But he's been dead

hundreds of years.

Hey?

Well, you might be

right, and you mightn't.

All I know is he was the one

that gave them fishing

rights to the people.

No power, military or otherwise,

can stop the people

from, what's it now,

exit, oh dang it, what I mean is,

from using that right.

I myself, as a

professional eel catcher,

has every to establish myself

on the Island of Children.

You sound as if you've

had some coaching.

And there's another thing.

I can't get me proper

sleep with all this banging

and hammering going on.

What, sleeping

during working hours?

Eels is caught be night.

Everyone knows that.

What, can't we make a

friendly arrangement about this?

There's plenty of other

tidal water where you can fish.

Here I be and here I rest.

I know, Henry VIII.

Hey, King Henry

VIII said, no power...

I've got your new umbrella.

Ooh, Henry VIII.

I'm sorry, but that Saltingsby

case is once again flagged urgent.

It really is Jessop's pigeon.

Isn't he ever going to come back.

Next Monday, but it's too late.

It's this question

of a common right.

As you see, the private

office wants an investigation

of the claim at once.

So long as I don't have to

go back to that dreadful bar.

You'll want the

treasury's solicitor.

Yes yes indeed.

805 please.

Of course Miss Flew,

one's personal feelings

must never intrude

but when I think

of the Island of Children,

that great expanse of sky,

never a ripple to

disturb the ancient calm.

- Wonderful!

- Easy as kiss me.

- Better than bikes?

- No!

- Slow down!

- Get away, get away!

- The throttle's jammed!

- Hey, look out, look out!

- Look out!

Look where you're going!

- Oh!

- Sorry, mate.

Can't stop it!

- Sorry Fanny!

- You want to kill us!

Blimey I can't even switch it off!

- Look, Buster!

- What's he doing?

That way!

- Go that way!

- Can't stop it!

Hey what about the speed limit!

- The throttle's jammed!

- Buster slow down!

See you in South End Bill!

Do something!

- You take the wheel!

- Not me!

Well I can't fix it and stear.

I'm not gonna stear at this speed!

Oh, this is a big loss this is.

I can't even budge it.

- Look out!

- Argh!

Blimey, that's torn it.

You couldn't kept a lookout!

That's right, blame me.

Oh well, it stopped

the engine anyway.

Of all the daft things.

Easy as kiss me.

Blimey, it'll take a

working party to shift it.

Well then, you get one.

I'm sticking to bikes.

Oh Fanny, you can't go with

camel after the speed I got outta this.

Oh, can't I.

I've never had to walk

home from a bike ride.

Ooh!

Poor old Buster, something

always goes wrong for him.

Things are going right

for us, aren't they?

Old Perdita seems

to think so anyway.

You've got Soapy

to thank for this.

And really of course Bookie.

- Bill?

- Yeah.

I went to the Island of

Children the other night.

And I was thinking of what we were

talking about on the beach that day.

The flying, I remember.

Yes.

And it seemed to

me, all of a sudden,

that perhaps we were both really

after the same thing, you and I.

It's just that we're going in

opposite directions to look for it.

You mean, what I said

about man getting nearer

to something, something

we may find in flying.

Yes.

I wonder if that's why I'm

love with that other world.

People seem to be getting

further and further away

from something that's

simple and somehow true.

We might even have to go right

back to the beginning to find it.

Can't stop Sally.

That would be against

nature, like your dad says.

Bookie says some people used to

stop and give themselves time to think.

Monks and philosophers and people.

I don't see you as a

monk, or a philosopher.

Now you're laughing at me.

No I'm not.

Just smiling.

- Why?

- Because I'm happy.

Do I make you happy Bill?

Don't ever go away Bill.

Sally, there is a

rumor at the station

that...

- Soapy!

- Soapy.

Now what's he doing here?

Hello Soapy, what's up?

Is anything wrong?

What's up?

Policeman came this morning

and read this letter to me.

What is it?

You best take it.

I ain't got me glasses.

Your claim to a common

right has been investigated

and it has been found

there is no local knowledge

of any such privilege.

It is therefore regretted that

you must immediately remove

from the area as your presence

clearly constitutes a trespass.

Oh, Soapy.

I done all I could.

I done everything Bookie

said in his message.

No you couldn't have done more.

I'm afraid you're beaten now.

I won't be beaten.

Well, Sally darling,

face the facts.

Facts have got

nothing to do with it.

They're just determined

to have the land.

Well please look at

their point of view...

I don't want to know.

Let's get back to Harry Tilney's

and get everyone together.

- Well, what's the good...

- Are you coming or not?

- Alright, let's go.

- We'll all meet

- at the boatyard.

- Right.

To hell with the public inquiry.

I'm through with

meddling officials.

That's all very well but isn't

this just a meeting of protest?

Or are we gonna do something?

- If Bookie were here...

- It's legal nonsense

that's beaten you all along.

Hey, maybe Bookie

had the right idea.

Here, would you go back there

if some of us went with ya?

I ain't gonna be shot

up be no airplanes.

What's your idea, Smother?

- Ah, it's just a notion.

- Come on, out with it.

No, wait a bit.

Yeah, Bill, you're

in the Air Force.

Would you let us know when

they aim to use that range?

- Well, I erm,

- well, you're

on our side ain't ya?

Yes, but er, I couldn't give

information about an RAF operation.

But Smother only wants to know

when they're going to use the range.

I'm sorry, Sally, I can't do it.

You can't?

I want to see the

Island of Children saved.

I can't give away Air

Force information though.

- You mean you won't.

- Now steady on there.

Anybody who's ever been in the

services knows he can't do that.

You've been a matlow

yourself Harry.

Aye, that's right enough.

I mean a chap's gotta

be loyal to his service,

even if it is the Air Force.

Alright, stay here

and talk talk talk

but remember I got a notion that

means action, if someone will tell me

when the Air Force is

gonna use the range.

Well, who's for a beer.

Steady.

Sorry, I have to desert

you chaps like this.

This conference in group

is important though.

The AOC wants to know

about the range too.

You might have a word about

the radio equipment sir.

I'll do what I can.

You like everything

buttoned up don't you?

Already to press on?

Here's the whole scheme.

Not too bad for a temporary job.

- Here's the hut here.

- Yes.

Those are the targets.

I've got a clear view on them.

And that's a landline, runs

across the water there.

Is it quite safe?

No one uses the water

sir, and it'll only be

in use for a couple of days.

From there, signals have rigged

a direct line to flying control.

- Good.

- When will you be back sir?

Sometime tomorrow

afternoon, later I imagine.

We'll be well on the way by then.

I'll do a solo test in the morning

then leaver sections

during the afternoon.

How about the safety precautions?

All in hand, sir,

notices have been posted

and the flag will go up

tomorrow morning an hour

before Johnny makes

the first round.

Dad!

What?

Bookie, thank heavens you're here.

Nearly too late from what

Soapy here has been telling me.

It is too late, look.

What's the flag for?

It means they're

using the rang today.

Exceeding their powers.

I've been doing some

private investigating

and found some interesting facts.

- In 1537...

- King Henry VIII hey.

For one who claims to have no education,

you're astonishingly accurate.

In that year, the

churches were suppressed

and their lands taken

over by the crown.

- History!

- Quiet.

Let's here what he's got to say.

A few years later during

Kett's Rebellion of 1549,

because of local support

given by St. Benets Abbey,

some land was returned

to the church.

So he did support

Kett's Rebellion hey.

We helped to put it down.

The point is this.

That the Island of

Children is part

of the land that was

returned to the Abbey.

It's church land, not crown land.

And that's no guarantee it

won't be used as a firing range.

Well, our presentation of the

facts will at least delay it being used.

But they start firing today!

We gotta tell the

Air Force right away.

- Give us a lift.

- Certainly.

Come on Sally, I might

want to write a letter.

- Anyone else?

- Where's Perdita?

Come along, we haven't

got time for that.

- All okay, sir?

- Yeah.

And the old bus on the flight test,

she was as sweet as a bird.

You've done a good

job on her Corporal.

You're not wearing

your Mae West sir.

No, I'm not going near the sea,

just to the range and back.

This is victory for

the Air Force hey sir?

Yes, but we're all very

sorry it had to be that place.

The girlfriend is upset I suppose.

I remember seeing

you there together.

The place does

something to you sir.

Well, I better get cracking.

I've got to contact the range

control at half past exactly.

Good luck.

Pretend it's a

tropical jungle sir.

You fellow know too

much for your own good.

- Contact.

I'm sorry sir but as I thought

the Station Commander's away.

- You past on our message?

- I spoke to the Adjutant sir

and explained why you'd come,

he'll see you right away.

Corporal.

- Come this way sir.

- Right.

Tower to Archer Leader,

clear to take off.

Wish it was the old

Meteor he was flying.

I haven't been up for three weeks.

If you'd kept your eyes on the ground,

you might've seen Sally.

- Sally here?

- Yeah, I saw her

over at SHQ with Tilney

and that other bloke erm,

- Bookie?

- Bookie, that's it.

Oh, and she sent a

message for you Bill.

Apparently this Bookie's come

back and says it's church land, nothing

to do with the ministry at all.

No, I bet she was pleased.

They all look very pleased.

Just got to see the Adj about it.

Here, Bill, here that'll muck

things up a bit won't it.

Well they are mucked up.

He'll be over the

range in a few minutes.

The ministry or shall I put

it through Air Force channels?

Writing'll take time.

Well, yes, it'll be

several days at least

before we could get a decision.

But today's flying,

that must be stopped.

They mustn't use

the range, not now.

I'm sorry but I have no power

to cancel a flying program.

- Then who has?

- Well, the commanding officer

but I'm afraid he's away.

Well who is in charge?

Well the squadron

commander of course

but he's out making

the first tests.

Then you must stop

him! You've got to!

Oh please do something.

I'm sorry I'd like to but

there's really nothing I can do.

It'd be too late anyway.

He's due over the target now.

Hello Tower this is Archer One.

I'm making a dummy run now.

Get range control to report on it

and then relay it through to me.

I just want to prove that

the line works, over.

Roger Archer One.

Range control standing

by on the phone waiting

for your dummy run, over.

Archer One to Tower,

flying level, angels one two.

Making dummy run now.

Here we go.

Flying Control, he's

done his dummy run.

Angle correct.

Thank-you Range Control.

Tower to Archer One.

Range control report,

dummy run concluded and angle correct.

Are you requiring all

details of test noted, over?

Archer One to Tower,

yes better take details.

We'll give altitude, time target

in sights, time of release, over.

- What's happening?

- He's climbing to make his first run.

Alright, flying level at 12,000.

Single pair firing test.

Rocket pair A selected.

Beginning dive now.

11, 10, pilot wavering, nine,

target steady in sights,

eight, steady in sights,

seven, steady in sights,

Hello Tower.

Something flew into my

windscreen and blanket it out.

A dirty big bird or something.

Sorry to startle you.

I'm canceling run and

returning to base, over.

- Will he be alright?

- Well, I hope so.

Tricky landing with a

blacked out windscreen.

Johnny's a darn good pilot.

Funny how one bird can

upset an operation.

Perhaps as Squadron

Leader Parsons is coming

we might discuss the

whole matter with him?

You did say with the CO

away he could cancel flying.

Alright, but I

want to see him land.

Come on out, and I'll have

a word with him at once.

Perdita.

If you'd like to wait

here, I'll ring briefly

so I can get him to come over.

Flight, phone.

That's a bit nasty sir.

That was a bird that was.

Yes, half way through the dive.

Lucky I wasn't lower.

It might've been tricky.

See what you can do

about it Corporal.

I doubt if we'll get her refueled

and ready for another

solo before land sir.

There wouldn't be time anyway.

I've got a briefing

straight after lunch.

You' won't be making

a solo test then sir?

No, I'll skip it.

I can't hold up

the section flight.

We'll have it ready by then sir.

Job for you Buster.

Message for you sir.

More trouble about the range.

There can't be any more

holdups. There mustn't.

Well the Adjutant

would like to see ya sir.

He's over at flying control.

Alright, I'll see.

Looks like he

hit a buzzard or something.

No buzzards around here.

Gull probably.

No rockets fired either.

That'll please the locals.

It'll please Sally.

We'll have to tow it

into number two hanger.

Here you, go and get a

riveting gun will ya.

Oh and er, Bill, slip over and get

a replacement for the windscreen.

We'll have to put the

entire section in.

Right.

What do you think?

Well the fact that this chap Bookie

has given them seem to hold water.

It may be just another

false alarm of course.

Like their other claims.

We've only got

four weeks as it is.

If cancel training and their claim

is wrong, we lose half of that.

I go ahead and their claim is right,

there'll be the devil to pay.

Well, officially they should

make their objection known

to the Ministry of

Land Acquisition.

Oh hang what's official.

What's the right thing?

Well, that's your decision.

I've already told

them as the CO's away,

you're the only one who can

cancel a flying program.

- What do you think?

- Well, you're being sent overseas.

Alright, let's tell them.

I think you know

Squadron Leader Parsons.

Mr. Parsons, that bird

you hit, what was it?

I'm sorry, I don't know.

It was just a bird.

I've discussed this objection

of your with the Adjutant.

Er, if you give it to

me in writing I'll see

that it goes to the Air

Ministry immediately.

But that'll take days!

What happens meanwhile?

I'm sorry the

training must continue.

Aren't you exceeding your powers?

I'm merely carrying out orders.

I'd be exceeding my duty if I cancel

this afternoon's training program.

Now I must ask you to excuse me.

I've got a squadron target

practice at three o'clock.

Is there nothing more we can do?

I'm sorry but we must

carry on with our orders.

If you'll let me have

the objection in writing,

I'll see there is no

delay in the matter.

But this afternoon, three o'clock.

That must stand.

Very well, I'll

draft the letter myself

and let you have it

later today, thank-you.

Sit down.

Sorry I'm late fellas but they're

still working on my windscreen.

Now let's get straight down to it.

Time on target 1500,

that's in 50 minutes.

Take off 14:45,

press buttons 14:40.

Have you had a time check?

- Yes.

- Yeah.

Right, now we're in two sections.

I'm leading red

section and Jimmy blue.

Red section's on first.

Aircraft and formation

are on the board.

We take off in quick succession

to form up immediately.

Save it to the end Jimmy, I want

to run through the whole works first.

Snowy, hand me the range chart.

Did you tell the Air Force?

They're going ahead, this

afternoon at three o'clock.

- By three?

- That's what they said.

Well come on, hurry up and get

everyone down to the boatyard.

Well, it's too late now anyway.

It's never too late for them

that's got rebellion in the blood.

What's on your mind?

I'll tell it when

everyone's down there.

But now we know the time

we can stop 'em yet.

Come on!

This is all old stuff

but listen carefully.

Now here are the two targets.

Number one, and by

the trees number two.

Red section in first at

thousand yard intervals,

beginning dive at 12,000 feet

and tracking from 8,000 downwards.

Fire one pair between

2,000 and 1,500

and break sharply

outwards, repeat outwards,

returning to altitude

for the next attack.

Blue section standby at

10,000, two miles up sun,

and watch 'til it's your turn.

Now Met says there may

be some cloud around

but it shouldn't be

anything to worry us.

So if it ain't legal, where's

legal nonsense got us yet?

That's what I've said all along.

So what is your idea, what is it.

I said I could stop 'em if I knew

what time they was going didn't I?

Three o'clock, that's all

we did learn this morning.

Well, if there's

anyone there, can they?

Then who's gonna be there?

We are!

Soapy and me and Tilney.

All of us, the whole village.

Surround the place with boats hey.

- It's risky.

- So was Kett's Rebellion.

Do you think we ought?

Those that are scare needn't come.

The more the better,

more chance of being seen.

Someone ought to tell Bookie.

I'll tell him, I'll tell him!

We've got 3/4 of an hour.

To the Island of Children,

and then we've got 'em.

Alright fellas, you all

know what you're doing,

you've had your dummy runs.

That concludes the briefing.

- You wanted range control.

- Oh yes, hold it a minute.

Hello Edwards, how does it look?

Everything's sitting

pretty here sir.

You've had the latest

Met gen I suppose.

Down here there's some low

cloud moving in fairly fast.

Thin and broken, low and

all clear below that.

Anything else we ought to know?

No, the range is absolutely clear.

I haven't seen a soul all day.

Those danger flags have kept

the village people off I suppose.

- Here, what's all this?

- Rebellion.

We're off to the

Island of Children.

But it's mad, it's illegal!

- You can't!

- I can't help that.

Stop!

Archer Leader, you're clear to go.

Roger.

Hello, Flying Control,

the last minute check.

The place is absolutely deserted.

I feel like Robinson Crusoe.

Can't stop.

Spread out the boats.

Come ashore to the

targets the rest of you.

Hello Tower, all sections airborne,

climbing to position as arranged.

There seems to be some low cloud

but we can fix the

range position, over.

Hello Archer Leader, last report

from range, estimated 3/8ths cloud.

Cloud base 3,000.

We'll let you know of any

reported change, over.

Five minutes to go.

We can't hear them yet.

Come on, come on come on!

Over by the targets.

Come on!

- Come on, come on!

- The place is jammed full of people!

Get me flying control quickly.

- There's no reply sir.

- Here, give it to me.

The line's dead.

Right, spread out a bit!

- Well, that's funny sir.

- Hmm?

I can't get a

squeak from the range.

Here, give it to me.

Hello Control, Control!

It's hopeless, come on outside.

Well, you can't sir. The

aircraft are on their way.

We can't just, I'll

get them away somehow.

Get back all of you,

do you wanna be killed?

- Who are you?

- I'm the controller

- of this range.

- Well, you're

not controlling us, see!

Spread out all of you!

And when the aircraft dive, wave!

You lunatic, it's suicide!

Get back all of you!

Do you wanna be killed?

It's alright, the Air

Force wouldn't fire on us!

A lot lower than I expected.

At 12,000 we'll a circuit

for you to drop us down.

Then take up your position, over.

I don't like the

look of them clouds.

Do you mean, they

might not see us?

Aye.

Archer Leader to Blue Section.

What is your position, over?

Hello Archer Leader, I'm

sanding by two miles up sun.

We'll follow you in, over.

Boys are at it are they?

Due to make the first

run any minute, sir.

- Any trouble?

- Well, the villagers are now

claiming it's church property.

Johnny refused to cancel flying

so they're putting

their claim in writing.

What again?

Everyone's group will climb the

curtains if anything more holds us up.

I should've thought these people

would've given up the struggle by now.

What?

Have signals checked it?

Have they any idea

where the break may be?

When was the last

contact with range?

Hello Tower.

Section and angels one, two.

Running in towards target now.

We'll be starting dive

in half a minute, over.

We're not signaling now,

they're just about to go in.

There they are.

That cloud's awful low.

- I wish I could see them.

- Here we go.

Look out!

Don't fire, don't fire!

Red and Blue sections do not fire!

Blue sections do not fire!

The target is packed with people.

- Have you got that?

- Roger.

Well.

I suppose we might

as well go home, hey.

I'm bringing all aircraft

back to base immediately.

Target area's packed with people

and boats are anchored

all along the river.

No rockets discharged,

no casualties.

Returning now, over.

Get the local police on the phone

and tell them to come

over here immediately.

Get me flying control.

If these fools want to risk

their lives that's their affair

but I won't have my men placed

in such a position again.

- Right sir.

- Flying control, what's the latest?

When will they be down?

Alright, I'll go

out and meet them.

Fools, what have you done now?

We stopped them,

that's what we've done.

You might've been killed.

- You deserve...

- Well, we're alive aren't we!

Fools!

If I find that anyone

from this station had a hand

in this affair, I'll

personally skin 'em alive.

Are you alright, Johnny?

Yes, sir, I'm okay.

Some of the boys are

pretty shaken though.

Just imagine how they'd feel if they'd

killed any of those blasted fools.

You better come up to the

office and give me all the details.

What the devil happened

to range control?

The line was dead.

I've sent a car to collect

them and get their story.

The police are on

their way here too.

This'll mean more holdups.

Group'll want a report and the

press are bound to get hold of it.

Oh there'll be an

inquiry I imagine.

You can't keep a

thing like this quiet.

Well, the result of the inquiry.

Ah, the inquiry.

And the Suffolk rebellion

that started it.

Hey, what's happened

to the Air Force?

I haven't seen them about

for a couple of days.

Oh, Fanny had a phone

call from young Buster

to say they'd all been

confined to camp for 48 hours.

There's been no flying either.

Ah, talk of the devil.

- Evening.

- Evening Joe.

Never seen you here

before in uniform sir.

Oh well, as a matter of fact...

Come have a drink with

us. No hard feelings I hope.

Well, you're lucky to be alive.

But since you ask, come on Jimmy.

Air Force, come and

have a drink with us.

It's strictly against regulations,

drinking in uniform,

but I'm on my way to group.

Has everyone got leave again?

- Yes.

- Go on Joe, rustle 'em up.

Well, what're we drinking to?

To a toast, achoo, of human folly.

Hello Mr. Parsons,

come to say goodbye?

How did you know we were leaving?

I've got visitors.

Well, I reckon we won, hey.

We can't be certain of that yet.

It'll be at least three months

before they can hold a public inquiry.

They don't half

take their time, hey.

And probably another year

before the result is known.

At least we've got

the place 'til then.

You might even be back by then.

Back?

Here what's all this about

goodbyes and going away?

The squadron is going on leave

tomorrow and then overseas.

I just came in to say goodbye.

Where are you going?

Malaya.

I believe I told you once, we haven't

always as much time as we think.

That's why training is

always given top priority.

Alright, you got your

Island of Children.

Now we have to move

to another range,

and someone else

will have to wait.

Maybe their task is urgent too.

There's no end to it is there?

End to what?

Being always prepared.

- Cheers.

Maybe by the time you get back

we'll know about the Island of Children.

At least you've gained a

year or so of time on it.

You don't gain when

you lose something.

- Perdita?

- Yes.

- And now you.

- Oh Sally.

Don't take any awful risks.

I'll probably never been as

great a danger as you were.

We had to do it, Bill.

So did we, Sally.

We were both right.

Such a little island isn't it.

You mean the Island of Children.

No, I was thinking of England.

Fuss Over Feathers (1954) - full transcript