Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines or How I Flew from London to Paris in 25 hours 11 minutes (1965) - full transcript

In the early days of the 20th century, a British Newspaper offers a prize for the winner of a cross channel air race which brings flyers from all over the world. There are many sub-plots as the flyers jockey for position and the affections of various women.

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Ever since man started to

think, he's wanted to fly.

But flying was strictly

for the birds...

and continued to be so

for thousands of years.

Man, eternally

optimistic, kept trying.

Encouraged by his many

successes, man kept trying.

Through his genius and

his inventiveness,

he managed to get his

machines off the ground,

and sometimes he brought

them down again.

Bravo. Bravo.

All over the world, early pioneers

were making flying history.

And in Italy, Count

Emilio Ponticelli...

made what many people claimed was

the first long-distance flight.

There was no doubt about it,

by 1910, flying had

become the rage.

Man had conquered the air,

and people everywhere

were all agog about...

those magnificent men in

their flying machines.

♪ Those magnificent men in

their flying machines ♪

♪ They go up tiddly up up They

go down tiddly down down ♪

♪ They enchant all the ladies

and steal all the scenes ♪

♪ With their up tiddly up up ♪

♪ And their down

tiddly down down ♪

♪ Up, down ♪

♪ Flying around ♪

♪ Looping the loop and

defying the ground ♪

♪ They're all frightfully keen ♪

♪ Those magnificent men in

their flying machines ♪

♪ They can fly upside with

their feet in the air ♪

♪ They don't think of danger

They really don't care ♪

♪ Newton would think he

had made a mistake ♪

♪ To see those young men and

the chances they take ♪

♪ Those magnificent men in

their flying machines ♪

♪ They go up tiddly up up They

go down tiddly down down ♪

♪ They enchant all the ladies

and steal all the scenes ♪

♪ With their up tiddly up up ♪

♪ And their down

tiddly down down ♪

♪ Up, down, flying around ♪

♪ Looping the loop and

defying the ground ♪

♪ They're all frightfully keen ♪

♪ Those magnificent men ♪

♪ In their flying machines ♪

Hello, Richard.

Oh, Richard. Oh, Richard,

please take me up.

Oh, no, not today. No,

it's much too windy.

Come on. We'll swing her round.

And anyway, strictly speaking,

I'm still on duty. Lift.

It isn't too windy for you to fly.

Come on. Give a hand.

Oh, Richard, look at that bird.

It can go wherever it

likes, whenever it likes.

- You're so lucky.

- Yes, I know.

Oh, I'd like to soar through the

air and look down on the world.

Right, let her down.

I think I'd make a very nice bird.

Yes, I daresay. Thank you, Carter.

Richard, isn't the

rigging a bit tight?

It seems to be

stretching the fabric.

You're getting rather

good at noticing things.

Well, I should jolly well

hope so. Thank you, Carter.

After all the work I've

done on this contraption.

Patricia,

did you get a chance to talk

to your father about my idea?

Yes, he's very interested, but

you'll still have to talk to him.

Oh, well, I can do

that, all right.

Tell him it will increase the

circulation of his newspaper.

Wave the flag. You know,

Britannia rules the sea,

but she doesn't rule the sky,

and all that sort of thing.

Yes, I know exactly what to say.

Good. Then, when he's

agreed to your idea,

you're to ask him if you

can take me flying.

Hmm. Yes, I might.

This afternoon?

- All right.

- Oh.

Patricia, not now. I'm in uniform.

Oh, Richard, don't be so silly.

Follow me in your motorcar.

I'll try not to go too fast.

Oh.

- What's the trouble?

- Oh, nothing.

- Father doesn't know about this.

- Oh.

Won't be a minute.

- Well?

- Very nice.

You look just like a girl.

Thank you.

You know, one of these days, your

father's going to find you out.

I know.

Exciting, isn't it?

The trouble with aviation today

is that too many good ideas...

are being dissipated in

too many aeroplanes.

If we could bring

together all these

different types from

all over the world,

then everyone could

learn from each other.

From all over the world?

If possible, Lord

Rawnsley. The French

and the Americans are

well ahead of us.

- I never knew that.

- Well, it's our own fault.

Believe it or not, no Englishman

flew until three years ago.

Really?

Britannia may rule the waves, sir,

but she doesn't rule the

skies, not yet anyway.

Have some more Madeira.

Oh, you haven't finished.

Damn it. We should rule the sky.

I can see you're going to

be a real enthusiast, sir.

Anytime you should

care to come up...

No, thank you, Mays. I

may be an old fogy,

but I think that if the Lord

had intended me to fly,

he would have given me... wings.

You travel by train, Father,

but you haven't any wheels.

Do you really mean no Englishman

flew until three years ago?

That's right, sir.

Come and see me again

in a few days.

Meanwhile, I'll discuss your

idea with my circulation people.

Oh, thank you, sir.

Thank you very much.

By the by, sir, there's

one other thing.

I wonder if I might take

Patricia up this afternoon.

Up? Where?

Oh, into the sky, Father, flying.

Certainly not. I absolutely

forbid you to go up,

and I absolutely forbid you...

to take my daughter flying,

today or any other day.

- Is that understood?

- Yes, sir.

Absolutely, sir. Thank you, sir.

"I absolutely forbid

you to take my

daughter flying, today or any day.

Patricia, darling... Is that

absolutely understood?"

"Oh, yes, sir. Absolutely,

sir." Three bags full, sir.

It's not my fault. Now, Patricia,

you can't blame your father...

for thinking that flying

is dangerous. It is.

But when he gets

enthusiastic about

the idea, he'll change his mind.

Now, you'll see. Oh, Patricia.

No, Richard. You're in uniform.

If you won't take me flying,

I shall find someone who will.

Oh, all right.

I suppose you wouldn't like

to go have lunch at Windsor.

You could drive the

car if you like.

- Me?

- Yes.

Oh. Come on.

Well, that's my idea, gentlemen.

Not a festival but

something which will

fire the imagination of the world,

which will bring together all the

different types of

flying machines...

and, at the same time, increase

the circulation of my newspaper.

An air race, gentlemen,

initiated, sponsored and

rewarded by the Daily Post.

An air race which will show that

Britannia not only

rules the waves...

but intends, in future,

to rule the skies.

An air race between the two most

important capitals of the world.

London and Paris.

But that means flying

across the English Channel.

Well, of course it does. That's

the whole idea, Gascoyne.

Well, the French fellow

did it last year.

I presume some progress

has been made since then.

- Of course there has, sir.

- Very well.

I shall leave the details to

be worked out by my staff...

and you gentlemen of

the Royal Aero Club.

You, Gascoyne, will be

my liaison officer,

an aeronautical correspondent.

I shall expect you to go

aloft as often as possible.

Yes, sir. May one ask what

the prize will be, sir?

£10,000.

£10,000? Most generous, sir.

That should attract fliers

from all over the world.

That's the idea. Nevertheless,

I shall expect the prize to

be won by an Englishman.

"Great London-Paris air race.

"Daily Post offers £10,000 prize.

Competitors will

actually fly across

English Channel." That's not bad?

Could you add, "Foreign

newspapers, please copy"?

That's already done there

at the bottom of the page.

- Here are some more invitations.

- Good.

You know, between these

invitations and the newspapers,

we should reach every

flying man in the world.

Emilio Ponticelli, Italy.

Pierre Dubois, Dieppe,

France. France. Right.

Mademoiselle, s'il vous plaît.

Monsieur Dubois. Monsieur Dubois.

Monsieur Dubois.

Monsieur Dubois.

[Speaking French]

[Aeroplane Approaching]

- Mon Dieu.

- Dear me.

He is dead.

Oh, am I dead, or am I dreaming?

Ah, merveilleuse. You

are so charming.

- What's your name?

- Brigitte.

Brigitte? Oh, formidable.

Concussion.

Sir. [In French]

Monsieur, perhaps it is

important. It's from England.

Nom de chien.

250,000 francs?

- You?

- We must get down the machine.

- Yeah, What, me?

- Yes, you. Quick.

[Speaking German]

[Shouting In German]

Read it, please.

"His Imperial Majesty

the Kaiser commands...

"that a German officer wins the

"The London-Paris" air race.

You will make arrangements

accordingly."

[Man, In German]

- Rumpelstrosse.

- Herr Colonel?

Order another flying machine.

Jawohl, Herr Colonel,

another flying machine.

But there's no one

else who can fly.

It cannot be difficult,

otherwise Winkler

couldn't have done it.

[Speaking German]

- Not that he was any good at it.

- Of course, Herr Colonel.

- So, Rumpelstrosse.

- Herr Colonel?

You will fly the new machine.

Jawohl, Herr Colonel.

But how will I learn to fly?

Same way as we learn everything

else in the German army,

from the book of instructions.

Come on.

I don't mind your being interested

in the ladies. That's natural.

But it ain't natural

to stand up and

wave to 'em when

you fly past them.

I lost my head, George.

Yeah. You lost most

of my investment too.

I told you I could fix it.

Maybe we better just

call it a day, Orvil.

Go back to work like

ordinary people.

George, you just don't

have the flying bug.

You don't fly, so you don't

know what it's like up there.

It ain't the going up

that discourages me.

It's the different ways you

keep finding of coming down.

Boy, when you're up there, you get

a sense of freedom and power that,

well, that you just don't

get from anything else.

No, sirree. I'm never

gonna give up flying.

Hey, Orvil, look at this.

"London to Paris air race.

First prize $50,000."

Whoo-ee.

"For further details,

turn to page six."

Whoa.

Somewhere out there is page six.

Where is the great Ponticelli?

Ah. There he is. There

he is over there.

Emilio.

Emilio, have you heard the news?

Papa. [Speaking Italian]

[All Speaking Italian]

Emilio, now you give

up flying, huh?

I promise, darling.

No more flying. Finito

Emilio, are you all right?

Every bone in my body is broken.

Emilio, have you seen this?

Sophia?

Look. I shall enter.

I shall win... for Italia.

- But you promised.

- Is postponed.

Come, we go and make-a the plans.

I'll buy the best-a flying

machine in the world.

Like-a Caesar, we go to England.

- Beautiful, children, let's go.

- Bravo.

Bravo. Emilio. Emilio. Italia.

[Shouting In Japanese Excitedly]

[Shouting Excitedly]

[Speaking Japanese]

- Yamamoto.

- [Speaking Japanese]

[Speaking Japanese]

[In Japanese]

£10,000.

Just imagine, do you know

we've had 83 entries?

Forty from the continent alone.

Ha. Interest in the

race is worldwide.

I really think it's one of

the best ideas I ever had.

Your go, Patricia.

Another entry, from Phoenix...

- Arizona, milord.

- Arizona.

Arizona? Oh.

Well, for someone to

come all that way,

must be either very

rich or very confident.

Well, as he's American,

he's probably both.

I say, there you are.

You didn't invite that

bounder, sir Percy, did you?

No, of course not. Then, what

the devil's he doing here?

I don't know.

- Hello, Miss Rawnsley.

- Hello.

Rawnsley, Mays. Just popped

in for an entrance form...

for that little junket

of yours to Gay Paree.

If you are referring to

an official entry form...

for my London to Paris air race,

my office will send you one.

Well, considering the

fact that I'm one

of England's foremost

aeroplanists,

it's rather jolly inefficient of

them not to send me one before.

I say, excuse me, if you'll

hold your mallet like this,

you'll play that shot much better.

I shall hold my mallet as

I've always held my mallet.

In that case, you'll

miss the shot.

What did I tell you?

Missed the shot.

Well, I expect we'll be seeing

you again soon, sir Percy.

Glad you're going

to join the race.

I'm not only going to join it,

dear boy. I'm going to win it.

Do you really think you

have a chance, sir Percy?

Miss Rawnsley,

I never leave anything to chance.

Hang on to the tail. I'm

revving up. Hang on.

Hey, Orvil, look at that.

Wow. So this is Brookley, huh?

- That's what you gotta beat.

- Yeah.

- Whoo-ee.

- Oh.

Hey, you take over.

I'll be right back.

- You all right?

- Yes, of course.

Oh, dear.

Thank you. No, no, the

other way. This way.

No, it's the other way.

- Oh, look what you've done.

- What I've done?

Oh. Haven't you ever

seen legs before?

Well, sure I have, lots of times,

particularly when you take

girls flying as often as I do,

you get to see lots of legs.

And bloomers too.

Oh, but none of them

as pretty as yours.

If that's supposed to be a

compliment, I'm not flattered.

Did you say you took girls flying?

Well, sure I do, all the

time, only back home.

I'm strictly here to race.

- Oh, you're one of the Americans.

- Huh.

Oh, well, that

explains everything.

- My bicycle, please.

- Oh, sure.

Say, do you work around here?

No. Why?

Well, I thought that,

Well, I'd like to see more of you.

You could have worded that better.

I'm afraid it's impossible.

I'm not being stuffy, but

we haven't been introduced.

Well, do we have to be?

But of course. English girls

don't care to be picked up.

So, until we are

properly introduced,

goodbye.

Ah, there you are, Mays.

Oh, hello, sir.

I'm glad you're in. I want

to have a word with you.

Oh, certainly, sir. Inside or out?

Out.

Well, I expect you know what

I want to talk to you about.

Oh, yes, sir, the race, of course.

No, no, not the race, Patricia.

She's getting rather keen on you.

Oh.

Well, are you intending

to propose to her?

Well, with your permission, sir.

My dear fellow, you can

take that for granted.

Your father was at school with me.

There's just one snag, sir.

Oh?

It's finding the

time for married life.

What do you mean?

Well, I'm soldiering

all day, and I'm

rather busy in the evenings too.

Monday I dine in. Tuesday's

card night at White's.

Wednesday I play snook

with the adjutant.

Thursday, well, we like

to end up at Romano's.

That only leaves Friday.

Yes, but what about the weekends?

Well, that's flying, sir.

It's the only time I've got.

But I could give up my card

night if you like, sir.

Oh, I don't think

that's necessary.

We don't want to spoil the girl.

You do love her, don't you?

- Oh, I do, sir, very much.

- I thought you did.

Well, glad to have had this little

talk. Nice to know you're serious.

So few young people

are these days.

Goodbye.

Goodbye, sir.

Well, over there are the hangars.

When you get delivery

of your plane,

you will put it in

the one nearest us.

First-a class for a first-a class

plane. Wait till you see it.

Oh, my darling, it's-a wonderful.

I'm going to be very happy here.

And I'm very happy for you too.

What is all that water?

- Actually, it's the sewage farm.

- What is sewage?

Actually, it's rather nasty,

really. Drains and all that.

Jolly useful. Most of the pilots

crash over there sometimes...

Crash?

They don't consider themselves

aeroplaners until they have.

- Oh, oh.

- Well, now,

you'll want to know all

about the practise times.

You are scheduled for

7:30 in the morning...

and 4:00 in the afternoon.

Ah, first-a class. You'll

be following the French.

I no follow any Frenchman. Italy

come-a first or no come at all.

We go. Finito. Andiam'

a casa. Andiamo.

Sir. Sir. I say, sir. Sir.

Sir, if you feel so

strongly about it,

sir, you can go before the French.

I can?

- First-a class.

- Okay, steady on.

Sophia, we go before the French.

- Who is this?

- It's Lord Rawnsley.

Ah. This is the English milord.

Good morning, milord.

Good heavens. He's brought

his entire family.

- Who is he?

- Emilio Ponticelli.

Richard says he's not

only a great pilot,

he's one of the richest

chaps in Italy.

Never stops buying

flying machines.

A great enthusiast for everything.

- Morning, milord.

- Morning, sir.

Righto, lads. Heave-ho,

onto the field.

[In German] [Repeating In German]

- [Continues In German]

- [Repeating In German]

Achtung.

[Chattering In French]

Brigitte. Oh, wonderful.

Every time I see

you, my heart sings.

Brigitte, no. Ingrid.

I am Swedish.

- Swedish?

- Yes.

But didn't I see you in Normandy?

It's possible.

Come. Come and teach me to fly.

[Speaking French]

Oh. [In French]

Oh. [Man, In French]

Look, Father. He's

teaching her to fly.

How ridiculous. Anyone can

see that young woman...

isn't in the least

mechanically minded.

- Good heavens, what's that?

- Does 35 miles an hour.

Wingspan of 30 feet.

Now, when you get up to

about 40 flaps a minute,

use the top power and you're away.

You are sure it will fly?

Of course it'll fly. What do you

think it's gonna do, lay an egg?

This has the power of an eagle,

the, the grace of a swan.

And it's a bargain

for 350 guineas.

Emilio.

Don't-a worry. It's-a going

to be first-a class.

Put it on for me, please.

No, I don't want

that. Is guaranteed.

Emilio, put it on for me, please.

Ah, Sophia.

All right.

Take it away.

Up. Up. Up.

Up. Up.

Oh, God.

Oh, well, we all make mistakes.

Easy with her.

- Watch the tail skid, Charlie.

- Right.

Morning, sir.

Morning, madam.

Morning, sir Percy.

I hope your hands are clean.

Come on, Courtney.

- Switch is off, sir?

- Switch is off, Courtney.

- Switch is on, sir?

- Switch is on, Courtney.

Contact, sir?

Contact, Courtney.

Come on, Courtney,

you lazy loafer.

Hang on. I haven't revved

up yet. Useless lot.

You. Yes, you. Go and

stand over there.

Give my chaps a hand, will you?

He's not supposed to

carry passengers.

Ooh, heck.

Stand by, lads. It's, sir Percy.

Make for the sewage farm.

Oh. Buzz off.

What the hell are you doing?

Whoo, that's my toe. Get your

backside out of my face.

What the hell are you

doing down there?

I can't land the plane.

Back to the sewage farm.

- He's gonna crash.

- Yeah.

You bounder. Look what

you've done to my aeroplane.

I'll kill you. Aaah.

- Come on, Courtney. Get on.

- Ooh.

[Man Shouting Commands In German]

Achtung. Halt.

[Shouting In German]

[Shouts In German]

[Phonograph: "Frère Jacques"]

["Frère Jacques" Continues]

[Yelling In French]

Is this where the Yankee

fellow hangs out?

Yes, governor, this is the place.

Are you quite certain

he's smaller than me?

- Oh, yes, governor.

- Right.

Stay there.

Hey, you there, Yankee chap.

Oh, howdy.

- Did you want me?

- I certainly do.

You caused me to crash

my flying machine.

I therefore intend giving

you a jolly good thrashing.

- Ready?

- Ready.

I suppose you think that's funny.

Well, pardon me.

You might wanna thrash

someone else with this.

Yes.

Got a cold, governor?

♪ Ooh-ooh ♪

You're late.

Ooh, Richard. Ooh, you

taste of castor oil.

Ew.

Did you fix the extra petrol tank?

Yes. And changed the oil.

Did need changing. You

were quite right.

Of course. I'm always right.

And now you're going to help

me grease the undercarriage.

- Whoops.

- Now, come on.

Right. You begin greasing here.

On the axle?

It could do with it.

Say, you've really got yourself

something here, don't you?

- Anything I can do for you?

- Well, I was,

I was hoping that you might let me

borrow a monkey wrench from you.

Monkey wrench?

Oh. Well, I can let you

have an adjustable

spanner if that's what you mean.

Well, I guess that's what

they call it in England.

- You're Orvil Newton, aren't you?

- That's right.

- I'm Richard Mays.

- Howdy-do.

I'll get it for you.

Oh. May I present Miss

Patricia Rawnsley?

Well, howdy-do.

Now, wouldn't you say this

constitutes a formal introduction?

Well, yes, I suppose so.

Do you have to do that

every time we meet?

Oh, please.

Well, I... Go on.

Hurry up.

Thank you.

Your monkey wrench, Mr Newton.

Well, thank you.

Thank you very much.

I'll bring it back just as

soon as I'm through with it.

Where'd you meet that fellow?

Oh, I met him here.

Oh. Good-looking chap, isn't he?

Is he? Oh, I didn't notice.

Come on, Richard. On

with the greasing.

Oh, thanks, dear.

Here. Just a wee dram

to warm me up a bit?

Oh.

Ingrid. You are working here.

My name is Marlene. I'm German.

But I've met you somewhere

before, I'm sure.

- Oh, it is possible.

- Oh, never mind. We have met now.

And I would like you to

know I adore Germans.

Howdy. May I sit down?

Let me make quite sure my skirt

is out of the way first.

How is the food?

Everything's off but

the chop and chips.

Oh. Well, well, that's

what I'll have then.

Can I order you anything?

Oh, no-no, thank

you. I'm just going.

Not bad, huh?

Oh. Oh, yes. It's a very

beautiful aeroplane.

- No, I meant me.

- Oh.

Oh, is that you? Oh.

Well, I don't normally carry

my photograph around.

It's just that, well, Mr

Gascoyne of the Daily Post,

well, he wanted it, you see.

Oh, please begin.

That's a Wright biplane, isn't it?

- No, that's a Curtis.

- Oh.

Is that the one you

take passengers up in?

It's got an Anzani engine in

it, developing 70 horsepower.

And you brought it all

the way from Arizona?

Well, you must be very rich.

Well, I'm sorry to

disappoint you, ma'am,

but we came all the way

across by cattle boat.

We're in hock way

up to our eyebrows.

Now, if I don't win that race, I'm

going to lose my plane

and everything.

Say, do you know that

you are very beautiful?

Oh, yes, I know I am.

I also have a very good

figure, I'm rich...

and I'm in love with an

extremely handsome man.

Is he in love with you?

- Well, I think so.

- Well, hasn't he told you?

Well, no. No, not exactly.

I mean, yes. Yes, he has.

- Hmm.

- Well, let's talk about you.

All right. What do you

want to know about me?

Would you take me up?

Well, sure. Anytime.

Tomorrow?

All right. First thing

in the morning, huh?

Say,

you have flown

before, haven't you?

Yes. Yes.

Hundreds of times.

Well, I just love it. I...

Oh, I have to go now.

Until tomorrow then.

I'll be looking forward to

seeing you outside my hangar.

Yes. Sorry to keep you waiting.

I've brought the car to the door.

Been sitting with that

American, have you?

Yes. He was telling

me all about Arizona.

Oh, you were quite right, Richard.

He is very good-looking.

Well, I didn't fancy the

way he was looking at you.

Richard, I do believe

you're jealous.

Me, jealous? I've never

been jealous in my life.

If I catch him looking

at you again like that,

I'll give him a good hiding.

Oh, don't be so pompous.

[Man Yelling In German]

[Phonograph: Frère Jacques Plays]

[Man Yelling, Indistinct]

Who's first off this

morning, Courtney?

Mr Dubois, sir.

Oh, he's one of the dangers.

I know, sir. He's got a better

flying machine than you have.

I don't admit that.

But if he has, it'll

have to be nobbled.

You're not going...

You're not going to

sabotage it, governor?

I certainly am not. You are.

Get back. Get back.

[Men Speaking French]

Bonne chance, Pierre.

Okay. Bon voyage, Pierre.

[Man Speaking French]

I think the Frenchy's taking off.

- Shall I call the lads out?

- No.

It's a lovely day. He'll be all

right. He knows what he's doing.

You all right, Chief?

[Shouting Command In German]

Halt.

Today we fly, Herr Rumpelstrosse.

You will taxi across

the field, take off,

fly one circle and return.

Understood, Herr

Colonel. Taxi across

the field, take off,

fly one... Aaah.

Oh. Aaah.

Ach, Schweinehund.

Take up your flying

machine at once...

and show those French idiots

what a German officer can do.

Jawohl, Herr Colonel.

[Shouting Commands In German]

[Shouting Commands In German]

[Speaking German]

[Speaking German]

On the double.

Eins, zwei, drei.

Rumpelstrosse. Come back.

Herr Rumpelstrosse. [In German]

[Yelling In German]

Rumpelstrosse, you fool.

Stop playing the games.

Aaah.

How can I stop this damn thing?

Get out of the way. I can't stop.

Oh, go away. Idiotic instructions.

Stop in the name of the... Oh.

Come back here.

Hey. Just a minute.

Here. Here, what...

Go faster. Put your foot down.

Leave my fire engine alone.

- Hey. No.

- Look out.

Where's that flying machine from?

Somebody do something.

Herr Rumpelstrosse,

no. Not again. Aaah.

Hey, Orvil, where you going?

Orvil, you're supposed

to be practising.

Follow that flying machine.

Herr Colonel, what shall I do now?

- Look in the book, fool.

- I already did so.

- What's he trying to do?

- Stop it, I suppose.

Oh, isn't he brave?

Oh, well done. Whoops.

Oh.

We're heading for the wall.

Come on. We gotta jump off.

Stop. Stop. Stop the plane.

He's stopped him. Hear. Three

cheers for the American.

Hey, Orvil, have you gone crazy?

- What do you think you're doing?

- Somebody had to.

You're supposed to be flying.

Hey, put that man

down. You hear me?

Bravo, Orvil. Well done.

It's another German. Can't stop.

Rumpelstrosse.

Herr Colonel. Come back.

Rumpelstrosse, save me.

Rumpelstrosse.

Rumpelstrosse. Hang on. Hang on.

Hey, Orvil, what you

doing? What's that

contraption you're

sticking on there?

It's a scoop. Produces more

pressure up in the engine.

Yeah, well it might blow up the

engine. Ever think of that?

You ever think that

cigar might too?

Ah.

No, I need the speed. All these

monoplanes around here...

are a lot faster than

this old buzzard.

Since we've been here,

I been looking around,

- getting some new ideas.

- Yeah.

May I come in?

Oh. Well, how do you do?

Boy, you sure are pretty.

I waited as long as I

could this morning.

Oh, I wanted to apologise,

but I just couldn't get away.

Why not?

My father insisted

on coming down...

to watch everyone practise.

What's he got to do with it?

- He's Lord Rawnsley.

- Lord who?

- Oh. Didn't you know?

- No.

But this is his race.

Ha. Well, I guess

he's got every right

in the world to

watch it then, huh?

Oh, I get it.

Well, he won't allow

you to fly, will he?

What'd you ask me to

take you up for then?

You want me kicked

out of the race?

Why didn't you ask

that fellow you're

supposed to be in love

with to take you up?

Oh, I couldn't. He gave my father

his word that he wouldn't.

Richard's a man of principle.

Oh, yeah?

I asked you to take me flying...

because I like you.

Oh?

I like you very much.

And I'm dying to fly.

Well, I have to go now.

Just a second. Look, I'm

going all out to win.

Now, do you think I have a chance?

Well, that's entirely up to you.

Isn't it?

Well, yeah. I guess it is.

I'll see you tomorrow at Dover.

Those are the rules,

gentlemen. Now for the route.

First day, first leg...

London to Dover.

Emergency landing fields

here, here and here.

First aid stations

here, here and here.

Refuelling points here and here.

What is all this fuss about?

Why do we have to go to Dover

by road? Why can't we fly?

Good heavens. You

can't expect these

machines to fly 62 miles non-stop.

You've got to reconnoitre by road.

None of you foreigners know which

railway lines to follow anyway.

On my left, landmark number seven.

The level crossing five

miles west of Tunbridge.

Mark it on your maps, gentlemen,

and follow the railway

line to Dover.

It's a hell of a long

way to the other side.

- Yeah. What do you think?

- I don't know. What do you think?

Can you swim?

Look. You can see France.

Yes, but there's an awful

lot of water in-between.

It is impossible to

cross, Herr Colonel.

Nothing is impossible

for the fatherland.

Aren't you afraid of getting

"drownded," governor?

Sorry to disappoint you, Courtney.

If anybody's going

to get his feet wet,

it isn't going to be me.

I say.

Pardon. Pardon moi, Monsieur.

Est Ce qu'il.

Landing field, Calais, Oh.

What's going...

Oh, I say. Oh, boy.

[Band Playing Strauss'

"Blue Danube Waltz"]

They're all enjoying

themselves, sir.

I should hope so.

It's costing enough.

Hey, waiter.

Thank you.

Mr Newton. Orvil.

- Wanna drink to my health?

- What, the seawater?

No, I mean champagne.

That was a very charming gesture.

It is most strange.

I have been to every seaside

resort all over the continent,

but never have I

seen a German dive.

Perhaps their skulls are too thin.

Come, Rumpelstrosse.

We are going to dive.

Come in, Colonel. The

water is magnificent.

You don't like our

little joke, Colonel?

Schweinehund.

Newton, may I have

a word with you?

Why, sure.

- What's on your mind?

- I think I should mention...

that if you continue

to make advances to

my fiancée, I shall

knock your block off.

Champagne?

Well, she's not.

Officially engaged to you.

It's an understood thing between

Lord Rawnsley and myself.

But Patricia hasn't agreed,

and until she does, well, I'll

make all the advances I want.

You really are being

most tiresome.

What are you doing?

Are you two fighting

over me? Oh, good.

I say. I say. The Japanese

chap has arrived.

It's Yamamoto.

You know he's flown all

the way from Japan?

- Really?

- Yes.

We don't have the facts yet, sir.

Don't argue with me.

We must get to the landing

field and welcome him.

Come along, everyone.

Lieutenant Parsons, Royal Navy.

- How do you do?

- How do you do, sir?

Mr Richard Mays,

Coldstream Guards.

Excuse me.

Yamamoto, excuse me, sir.

First-a class-a flying machine.

Thank you.

- May I?

- Of course.

Now that the Japanese are here,

nobody's going to stand a chance.

He's right. This'll be the

one to beat, governor.

In that case, we'll have to nobble

the man and not the machine.

Perhaps a little cascara

in his chop suey.

Shut up.

Excuse me, sir. May I

have a word with you?

You must've had a

remarkable journey.

Ten thousand miles, wasn't

it? Did you fly it all?

Of course. First I came by

mule train to Yokohama,

then by ship to Vladivostok...

to catch the

Trans-Siberian Express.

Good heavens.

From Moscow, overland to

Paris, then to Dieppe,

where I took the cross-channel

ferry to Folkestone.

Quite a remarkable journey.

But at Folkestone I boarded my

machine and flew all the way here.

Four miles. Amazing.

- Orvil.

- Oh, hello.

I've been looking all over

for you. Well, here I am.

- Listen, I've got an idea.

- Yeah?

While everyone's still here,

you know what we could do?

I know what we could do and

I know what I'd like to do,

but do you think we dare do it?

Motorcycles go very much

If we left now, we could be back

at Brookley before everyone else.

- And then?

- Then...

you could take me up in

your flying machine.

Oh. You're really

determined to get

me into trouble, now, aren't you?

Don't you think I'm worth it?

All right. Come on.

[Chattering In French]

Hello. Mon Capitan.

Oh. Colonel.

The name of your second, please.

My second? Who wishes

to be my second?

Oh, Jean Pascal.

Colonel Baron Manfred

Von Holstein...

demands satisfaction

before the race.

- I suggest at dawn tomorrow.

- Anything you wish.

But you are not serious?

This is 1910, you know?

I'm aware of the date.

Tell the idiot I agree.

He agrees.

The choice of weapons is yours.

Do you wish to use pistols,

sabres or rapiers?

Balloons.

- Balloons?

- And blunderbusses.

You are trying to make

the fools of us again.

On the contrary. There is

an historical precedent.

N'est Ce pas?

A similar duel between a Frenchman

and German took place in,

- 1817.

- Is right.

1817.

The Frenchman won.

In that case, I accept.

Come along, everybody. Let's

get back to the motors.

I expect you'll be flying back.

Come along, Richard.

Where's Patricia? I thought

she was with you, sir.

Well, of course she is...

What the devil is my

daughter doing in that

contraption? Going back

to Brookley, I think.

You don't think she's

persuaded him to take her up?

I absolutely forbid it. Stop him.

Stop him at once.

Absolutely useless.

Faster. Richard. Faster.

I'm doing nearly 40 miles

an hour as it is, sir.

Come down at once. I

absolutely forbid it.

Marvellous.

- It's fun, isn't it?

- Yes.

Oh, look, look. Look,

there's Father.

Let's give him a fright.

Oh, rats. I broke a wing strut.

You take over the stick and

keep it steady, will ya?

Oh, no. I can't.

Okay.

I said keep it steady.

Orvil, help.

Orvil.

I can't keep it straight.

Orvil. Help me.

I can't do it. Hurry.

Did that girl fly the

machine herself?

Yes.

- Are you all right, Patricia?

- Of course I'm all right.

How dare you take my daughter up.

He isn't to blame.

This race was organised

to help flying,

not for brainless boneheaded

nincompoops to give joyrides.

I tell you, Father,

it was my fault.

It didn't occur to

you, I suppose, that

if you'd crashed with

a woman on board,

you would have put

flying back 20 years.

- You might've killed her.

- Now, look,

I knew exactly what I was doing.

And I know what I'm doing.

Oh, Richard.

Patricia, come with me.

Yes, Father.

Niven, I'll have that machine

scratched from the race.

Certainly, sir.

Oh, not now, Not in

front of everyone.

- I am entirely to blame.

- I know that.

This is the last time

you'll go up flying...

and this is the last time

you'll ride a motorcycle.

Yes, Father. And that includes...

the one you have

hidden in the garden.

But... Get into the motor.

Oh.

She's at it again...

disobeying my instructions.

I don't think so.

It's the American.

The American? What's he doing

prowling around in my garden?

- You suppose he has a gun?

- Why should he, sir?

Well, the fellow's from

the Wild West, isn't he?

- It's only a motorbicycle, sir.

- Oh.

He's trying to get back

into the race, just

as I've been telling

you for some time.

Well, he's not going to. He

may have changed your mind.

Nothing is going to make

me change mine. Nothing.

Well, go and tell him so.

Well, don't stand there.

Anyone thinks you're

afraid of the fellow.

Yes, sir.

I'm sorry, Newton. But Lord

Rawnsley's quite adamant.

Not only are you out of the race,

but he expects you to

remove yourself...

and your flying machine from

Brookley as soon as possible.

Are you sure you told him

that I had to see him?

Look, if I don't get back in that

race, I'm gonna lose everything.

Boy, we don't even have enough

money to get back to London,

much less Phoenix, Arizona.

You should have thought

of that before.

Let's face it, old chap.

He only has one daughter.

Yes, but... Aw, shucks.

Well, I wanna thank you

for trying to help me.

- What are you going to do?

- Oh, I don't know.

I guess I'll have to

sell my flying machine.

Oh, I'm sorry.

But at least you're in the

right place to do that.

Well, goodbye, and the

best of luck to you.

- You know your way out.

- Thanks for everything.

Orvil, I'm terribly sorry.

Oh, well. You were worth it.

Winning the race meant

a great deal to you,

didn't it?

If I'd have won it, I'd

have been somebody.

I might've been able

to go up to any girl,

even a rich and a beautiful one,

and say to her what

I wanted to say,

ask her what I wanted to ask.

Only it can't happen now.

Oh, please forgive me.

I've been very, very selfish.

I'll never forget you, Patricia.

- Goodbye.

- Oh, no. No. Wait.

I'm going to talk to Father.

It won't be easy,

but I'm going to get you

back into the race.

Well,

He'll soon change his mind...

when he hears what the American

ambassador's got

to say about this.

Well, does he know the

American ambassador?

No.

Neither do I.

But Father doesn't know that.

[Man Shouting In German]

Achtung.

[Shouting In German]

No one knows better

than you gentlemen

of the international press that...

I guess a lot of

innovations have been

introduced by the

various competitors.

Oh, yes, indeed. I... Well,

take young Parsons of the

Royal Navy, for instance,

the fellow alighting now.

He's got a marvellous

new naval idea for

stopping his flying machine. Look.

What's that?

It's a flying machine, I think.

Yes, it must be a flying

machine. It's got, propellers.

- Any other questions?

- That's one out.

You guarantee this one will

fly better than the last?

There was nothing wrong

with my ornithopter,

just rotten piloting,

if you ask me.

You'll like this one.

Just start the engine, and

you're off, all right?

Contact.

Oh.

Gentlemen, prepare your weapons.

Gentlemen, I count 10...

and then you will fire.

One, two,

three, four,

five, six.

Seven,

- [Speaking French]

- Eight,

nine... nine.

Get back to your position.

Monsieur Dubois.

Schweinehund, you are not

following the rules.

- We always follow the rules.

- No. You didn't.

The French always follow

the rules. Vive la France.

This time I'll count to five.

One, two, three,

four, five.

Fire.

Sabotage. Sabotage.

You idiot. [Cursing In Italian]

Ooh la. Ooh la.

Ooh la. Ooh la. Ooh la la.

Ooh.

Colonel. Rumpelstrosse.

Hello. "With only

16 hours to go...

"before the start of the

greatest race of all time,

"temperatures have reached

boiling point here at Brookley.

"Not surprising perhaps,

"when so many different

nationalities are involved.

"You will be glad to know that the

slight technical difficulty...

"which it was thought would keep

Orvil Newton out of the race...

"has now been ironed out.

"Tonight, along with

the other competitors,

"he is attending a small

eve-of-the-race reception,

"a gathering which one hopes

may foster the spirit...

"of peace and goodwill

amongst the aeronautists."

That's the idea. It

won't take a minute.

If you could just

turn round too, sir.

Could we just get your photograph?

Sir, if you turn this way...

Yes. Hand-to-hand, hands across

the sea. That's the idea.

Now, if you could just

give us a big smile.

That's the idea. Now, hold it.

I always thought that the

English were noted...

for their sense of fair play.

- Oh, we are, indeed. Yes.

- I'm ready, gentlemen.

Well, you punched me

when I wasn't looking.

My dear fellow, if you continue

to pursue a certain party,

I shall take the

greatest pleasure in

punching you when you are looking.

Well, you're gonna

have your hands full,

because I'm gonna marry

that certain party.

I'm afraid that's going

to be rather awkward,

because I'm going

to marry her also.

Gentlemen, could we have

a nice smile, please?

Thank you so much.

Oh. I beg your pardon.

Ooh. Buzz off.

Hello. Care for a glass of wine?

No, thanks, old chap. I only

drink whiskey and water.

Oh. Sir Percy. Very

kind. Is that mine?

Thank you very much.

Serves him right, the

greedy blighter.

Come, Courtney. We've got work to

do. We can't do nothing tonight.

There's guards all over the place.

Besides, everybody's going

to sleep by their planes.

Not everybody.

Yamamoto's still inside,

and. I've given the Frenchman...

the address of a very

lovely young lady.

Oho-ho. I'll bet she's a bit

of all right, governor.

Well, you should know.

She's your daughter.

But, governor, she's an

innocent young girl.

Not is, Courtney, was.

Come on.

Now, drop me at the

American's hangar,

then pop into Yamamoto's and

see what you can do with this.

What are you gonna

do to the Yankee?

It's no business of

yours, Courtney,

but if you really want to know,

I'm going to arrange that one

of his wheels falls off.

That's a bit dirty,

isn't it, governor?

If he can't land on one wheel,

he shouldn't be in the race.

Yeah, but he might kill himself.

There are plenty more Americans

where he comes from.

Now, sir, just one

without your cap.

Certainly not. I'm

a naval officer.

Oh, well. Perhaps a

bit of a smile, sir?

Oh, very well. Just

a bit of a one.

Lieutenant Parsons,

where have you been?

Everybody's been waiting for you.

You've not got your

logbook filled in

or your starter's

forms or anything.

- Meet Nelson, my passenger.

- You can't take that with you.

Why not?

It'll muck up my starter's forms.

And for another, no one has

yet taken an animal aloft.

Nelson doesn't go, neither do I.

Absolutely out of the question.

Go on.

Oh, very well then,

fill these forms.

Well, that's everybody,

all 14 of you.

Oh, no, it isn't. Where are

those blasted Germans?

Over at the hangars,

old man. I don't think

they know anything about

your starter's forms.

Rumpelstrosse, the great

moment has arrived. Come.

Herr Colonel, it is no good.

I'm a sick fellow.

I cannot fly.

You must fly.

For the emperor and

the fatherland.

For the EMP...

Excuse me.

It's going to be a

busy day for our lads.

All spectators away from

the flying machines.

Spectators away from the

flying machines, please.

- Ought to be starting them, sir.

- Nonsense.

I haven't wished the

competitors good luck yet.

What's the Japanese

for "good luck"?

I have it here, sir. One moment.

Here we are.

[Speaking Japanese Poorly]

Thank you, sir.

Good luck.

Get out of it.

Aren't you sitting

the wrong way round?

Of course I'm not.

You take me for an idiot?

This is my latest invention.

It's an idea I had in the bath...

when sitting with my

back to the taps.

You see, the wind

resistance on the tail...

is less than it would

be on the wings.

Heh. I shall most

likely be in Paris...

before any of this lot

have even got to Calais.

It's pathetic, isn't it?

I don't know what

he's talking about.

Neither does he, sir.

Well, let's see, now...

what was the French for

"give us the money"?

Ah, bonne chance, Monsieur Dubois.

Ah, Merci, Monsieur.

Wrong frog, sir.

Bonne chance, Monsieur Dubois.

Ah. Hello, mademoiselle.

Really, Monsieur Dubois.

Forgive me, mademoiselle.

I was carried away.

The spirit of the occasion,

sir. The entente cordiale.

If you ask me, too much

entente and far too cordiale.

The trouble with

these international

affairs is that they

attract foreigners.

Achtung.

[Speaking German] Yes.

But I thought Captain

Rumpelstrosse

was your pilot, Herr Colonel.

I am taking his place.

He is indisposed, sir.

I didn't know you could fly.

Oh, there's nothing a

German officer cannot do.

[Speaking German]

So, "'Number One. Sit

down." Ah, so...

[Speaking Italian]

Surely, you're not taking your

family with you, are you?

You always make-a the joke.

They come to wish

their papa goodbye.

No, no. Sophia, no. No,

no, no, no, no. Sophia.

I see you have another

new flying machine.

Presented to me personally...

by his majesty the King of Italy.

Generale Parlonni. Fsst.

Fsst. [Speaking Italian]

Well, good luck to you

and the King of Italy.

Thank you, milord.

Thank you, milord.

No, no, Sophia.

Sophia, no, no, no.

Can you tell me where

you come from?

Phoenix, Arizona.

Good luck.

If it wasn't for my

daughter's persuasiveness...

and my native sporting instinct,

you'd be out of this race.

Fortunately, I am a

very reasonable man.

Good luck to you.

At least if he breaks his neck,

my daughter won't be with him.

- Good luck, Orvil.

- Oh, thank you, Patricia.

Say, will I get to

see you in Paris?

There's something

I want to talk to

you about something

very important.

Oh, yes, I'll be there.

Mm. We're going over on

Father's private yacht.

Richard.

Oh. Well... Oh.

I'm not going to wish

you luck, my boy.

- I expect you to win without it.

- Well, I'll do my best, sir.

Thank you.

Well, good luck, me dear

fellow. Thank you, sir.

Good luck, Richard.

Well, thanks. And thanks

for all your help too.

Listen, Patricia, as soon as I get

to Paris, I've got to talk to you.

It's very important. You'll

be there, won't you?

Yes, I'll be there. Bye.

Bye-bye.

There they are, Courtney.

I've done everything

you said, sir.

Good.

Right, now get down to

Dover and carry out

the rest of your

master's instructions.

Oh, can't I just wait and

see the nip take off?

All right.

Don't think you're

gonna get treats

like this all the time, Courtney.

I say, the wind's

getting up a bit, sir.

- We're 20 minutes late as it is.

- We've just got to start.

I can't start without

Lord Rawnsley.

Well, can you start it

quickly when he does arrive?

Of course. I've only got

to do this to start it.

Look. They're off.

I didn't tell them

they could start.

A knife.

Get me a knife.

You ain't going to

commit Hari-Kari?

Of course not, you bloody fool.

I've got to cut my

way out, haven't I?

All right, Courtney, shoot

off. You've had your treat.

- Yeah...

- Well, go on.

Away you go.

[Shouting In German]

Mama. Mama, he's up.

Yes, but he's got

to get down again.

[Singing Aria In Italian]

Oh, Dio. Oh, mamma Mia.

[Curses In Italian]

[Muttering In Italian]

This is indeed an unwarranted

intrusion into our privacy.

Be good enough to remove yourself

and your machine immediately.

Sisters, return to your work.

- Un momento.

- What is it?

I cannot leave unless

I have-a some help.

I need-a men to hold down the

tail so I can take off. Fsst.

Men are not permitted here.

No men, no take off.

Mother,

perhaps, the sisters...

- Certainly not.

- A pity.

We are the first

aviators to make-a

the race from London to Paris.

We are not interested

in worldly matters.

I understand, Mother,

but it is a pity...

that the race. It will now

be won by a Protestant.

Protestant?

Sisters, don't stand

around gaping.

This good Catholic needs our help.

Brava. Superiore.

Oh. Ooh.

Don't push.

What's the idea? Damn

silly thing to do.

Nearly frightened the

life out of the memsahib.

I'm terribly sorry, sir,

but I had no alternative.

Fuel pipe blocked.

You haven't got a pipe cleaner I

could run through it, have you?

Why, we haven't got a

pipe cleaner, have we?

Oh, wait a minute. Would that do?

That's just the thing.

Thank you very much, madam.

I'm a competitor in

the Daily Post Air

Race. I suppose

you've read about it.

- No. I only read the Times.

- That's right.

[Singing In Italian]

Hold on, please.

I think I'll get one

of those, Muriel.

I shouldn't, Willy. You're near

enough to your wings as it is.

Come on.

Right over here. Could we

just have a photograph...

Oh, I say. There's the French

chappie. Very good effort.

Well done, sir. We'll

take care of the machine.

Well done.

Hey. Hey, you. No.

Come on. Quick. Over here.

Thank you very much.

[Speaking German]

Thank you very much.

Hey. Hey. Hey. [Speaking French]

Assassin. Assassin.

[Speaking French] [Indistinct]

[Continues Speaking French] Hey.

[Speaking French] Ah.

Whoo.

- Are you all right?

- Yeah, I'm all right.

It's my flying machine

I'm worried about.

Looks like you're out of the race.

I wouldn't say that.

Say, do ya think

they got any spare

wheels on this landing field?

Well, possibly, but it'll take

all night to repair that.

Is there anything wrong

with working all night?

Well, no.

- All right then.

- Good luck.

- Any more to come?

- Let's see now.

Of the 14 starters,

eight have landed,

two crashed on take-off,

three crashed on the

way here, and one...

is on his way to Scotland?

Ah.

Marlene, what are you doing here?

Marlene? No, Françoise.

I am Bulgarian.

But aren't you... I mean, haven't

I met you somewhere before?

- It is possible.

- I see.

Have a drink? D'accord.

Your attention, please.

Your attention, please. I have

a sensational announcement.

Sir Percy Ware-Armitage

has taken off for France.

He is crossing the channel

even now in the dark.

Stop mucking about. Useless lot.

Oh, evening, sir. Great

honour having your

eminence on board our

little brig, sir.

I say, careful of that wing.

Courtney.

I say, I hope it isn't

going to be rough.

Argh. Smooth as a billiard table,

sir. You did bring the money, sir?

Oh, I never discuss

that sort of thing.

You'll have to take

it up with my man.

Courtney, are these

people to be trusted?

Yes, governor, if you give

them 10 guineas each.

Ten guineas? I can get a

chambermaid for a year for that.

Do they guarantee to get me

over to France before dawn?

Yes, governor.

Courtney, there are 10 of them.

Do you realise this is going to

cost your master 100 guineas?

A hundred and ten.

You'll be paying me

the same, I fancy?

Well, you fancy wrong,

Courtney. Impudent oaf.

Any more of this blackmail, I'll

have you thrown out

of your cottage.

- Now buzz off.

- Sorry.

- Go on. Off you go.

- Just a joke.

- I say, Courtney?

- Yes, governor?

You'll be hearing

more of this matter

when I return from

la belle France.

Good heavens. Sir Percy is flying

the channel at this moment.

In the dark? He must

be mad. He won't

be able to see the railway lines.

What railway lines?

I never thought he

had the courage.

If we go on deck, sir, we might be

able to hear him pass overhead.

Or drop into the sea.

Five guineas each, wasn't it?

Ten, or we go straight

back to England.

Outrageous. I shall never

hire your boat again.

Hey. The tide's in.

It'll be out in a couple

hours. Back on board.

You don't think I'm

gonna wait till

daylight to be caught

by the French?

You'll have to get your feet wet.

You dirty rotter.

I had hoped that I should be

dealing with a gentleman.

So had I. All ashore.

Goodbye.

Just look at those

magnificent men...

daring the elements,

challenging the gods, trying...

nay, hoping to fly their machines

across no less than 22 miles.

Yes, that's what I

said 22 miles of sea.

Welcome to Calais, Monsieur.

Give me a hand, will you?

No, no, no. Put me down.

Don't do that. Go away.

What are you doing?

I've gotta get to

Calais to compete in

the race. Put me down,

you ruddy idiots.

Don't be silly. I

haven't got the time.

I've got to get to Calais

to continue the race.

Bon voyage, Monsieur.

Are you all right,

Lieutenant Parsons?

Don't worry. We'll

soon have you out.

Can you swim?

There is nothing a German

officer cannot do.

The race is not over

yet. We've got to

get them refuelled

and off to Paris.

Richard Mays,

Orvil Newton away from

Calais at... 8:50.

La américain. You can vive who you

like, they haven't got a chance.

The fabulous, sir Percy took

off for Paris two hours ago.

He's so far in the lead, nothing

can stop him. Nothing at all. Ha.

Vive, sir Percy.

What am I saying? He's

a most ghastly person.

Buzz off.

Go on. Bug off.

Blast it.

Driver.

Driver. Stop the train.

Arretez le train.

Blast.

Look. Go.

Hey, you. Where can I get some...

Françoise, what are

you doing here?

Pardon, Monsieur?

- You are not Françoise?

- No, Yvette. Why?

Hey.

Where can I get some gasoline?

At Amiens. It is five

kilometres from here.

Huh.

Be a good fellow and bring

me as much as possible.

The honour of France is at stake.

- But, Yvette.

- You must go. Go, go, go.

All right. All right, but I

will be a good 30 minutes.

We have 30 minutes.

Excuse me. Can you see anyone yet?

Yes. Ponticelli is first

round the Eiffel Tower.

There are two more on his tail.

This is going to be a close

finish, very close indeed.

Count Ponticelli's still

ahead, followed by...

Orvil Newton, Richard Mays.

Jump.

And here they come now.

Here's the winner.

It's Richard Mays.

Richard Mays of England.

You get ready to jump now.

Ponticelli. Ponticelli.

You all right?

- Are you all right?

- I'm all right.

Emilio. Emilio.

Emilio.

Patricia?

Oh, Richard. Oh, Richard. You won.

Oh, Richard. You won. You

won. You won. I'm so pleased.

- What happened to Ponticelli?

- Well, his machine caught fire.

Orvil was marvellous. He had

to stop to pick him up.

He could have won though.

Hey, Richard. Richard.

Richard, congratulations.

Well done, Richard.

Congratulations.

Well, you deserve

it more than I do.

It was a wonderful thing you did.

You'd have done the same thing

if you'd have seen him.

Well, you did it.

Let's call it a tie.

We'll share the prize.

The city of Paris salutes

the gallant victor.

Pierre Dubois is coming.

Pierre.

You remember me, don't you?

Yes, of course. You

are... You are... Betty.

Betty. Of course. Oh. How

could I ever forget?

Every time I look at

you, my heart sings.

Oh.

Will you pardon me?

I better have a look

at my undercarriage.

It's been taking an awful beating.

I think we ought to go and

find somewhere to put...

We must have your photograph

by your machine, Monsieur.

Over here. This way.

And now you stop flying, huh?

- Do I have to?

- You have to.

Not for me, but for bambinos.

By now they're used to it.

- Another one?

- Huh.

In that-a case, I give up.

- Emilio.

- Sophia.

Turn around.

- Whoops.

- Oh.

So ended the 1910 air race.

The winner's time: 25

hours, 11 minutes.

Today the same distance

can be covered

by supersonic jets

in seven minutes,

but it can take longer.

May I have your attention, please?

We regret to announce

that the departure

of all planes from

London to Paris...

have been delayed again,

owing to bad weather.

Buses are waiting outside to

take you back to your hotels.

Will you all come

this way, please?

Will you all follow me?

♪ Those magnificent men ♪

♪ In their flying machines ♪

♪ They go up tiddly up up ♪

♪ They go down tiddly down down ♪

♪ They enchant all the ladies

and steal all the scenes ♪

♪ With their up tiddly up up ♪

♪ And their down

tiddly down down ♪

♪ Up, down ♪

♪ Flying around ♪

♪ Looping the loop and

defying the ground ♪

♪ They're all frightfully keen ♪

♪ Those magnificent men in

their flying machines ♪

♪ They can fly upside with

their feet in the air ♪

♪ They don't think of danger ♪

♪ They really don't care ♪

♪ Newton would think he

had made a mistake ♪

♪ To see those young men and

the chances they take ♪

♪ Those magnificent men in

their flying machines ♪

♪ They go up tiddly up up ♪

♪ They go down tiddly down down ♪

♪ They enchant all the ladies

and steal all the scenes ♪

♪ With their up tiddly up up ♪

♪ And their down

tiddly down down ♪

♪ Up, down ♪

♪ Flying around ♪

♪ Looping the loop and

defying the ground ♪

♪ They're all ♪

♪ Frightfully keen ♪

♪ Those magnificent men in

their flying machines ♪

♪ Those magnificent men ♪

♪ In their flying machines ♪

♪ They go up tiddly up up ♪

♪ They go down tiddly down down ♪

♪ Those magnificent men ♪

♪ In their flying machines ♪