[intro music]
Downloaded from YTS.MX
Official YIFY movies site: YTS.MX
[wind whooshing]
[bells chiming] [wind whooshing]
[soft music]
[thunder rumbles] [soft music]
[birds chirping] [soft music]
[wind whooshing] [birds chirping]
[footsteps approaching] [birds chirping]
[thunder rumbling]
[soft music]
- Then I saw a flame come outta his machine.
It grew bigger and bigger.
Mick was no longer kicking his rudder.
His nose dropped slightly
and he went into a slow right hand turn
and hit the ground in a burst of flame.
Poor Mick,
those hunters had shot my major down in flames.
- What happened then?
- What the devil are you two reading?
- We've just been reading about Mick Mannock.
[footsteps approaching]
He died unbeaten in the sky, proved 'em all wrong he did.
All those who said he would never be a fighter pilot.
- So what happened to him?
- He broke one of his own rules,
followed a kill down behind enemy lines
and German ground fire got him.
[soft music]
Just got lucky that day, that was all.
They say every man has a bullet
with his name on it, don't they?
- That's what they say.
- Tell us the story Mom.
Tell us about the bullet that almost got Brendan.
- You must have heard that story a thousand times already.
Haven't you two had enough stories for one night?
[soft music]
[book thuds]
[Mrs. Finucane exhales]
[soft music]
They were dangerous times then in Dublin.
You were just a baby, not yet 12 months old.
I remember it was a cold day,
especially cold for that time of year.
You were tucked up in that old pram, all snug and cozy.
We were on our way home.
We'd just been out shopping.
And as we approached the house,
all of a sudden
I heard a crack of gunfire
and all hell broke loose.
A fierce battle was being put between the Irish rebels
and the English soldiers
and we were right in the middle of it all.
Right outside our front door.
Bullets flying in all directions.
Pew, pew, pew, pew, pew, pew, pew, pew, pew.
I grabbed you up outta that pram
and threw myself on top of you.
It's a wonder I didn't crush you.
And of course being pregnant with you,
I nearly had you there and then.
Our front door seemed
so far away.
So I crawled to the only bit of shelter I could find
that old pram.
It was then
I saw the bullet hole
[soft music]
it must have missed you by less than an inch.
And do you know what the chances were
of that bullet missing you by less than an inch?
- A million to one? - Yes.
A million to one.
So it might be true
that every man has a bullet with his name on,
but it's the fickle winds of fate
that guide that bullet.
Now go to sleep.
[mouth kissing]
[soft music]
[dramatic music]
- Okay, let go. - Are you sure?
- Just let go.
- But you can't ride a bicycle Greg.
- You know they say that learning to fly
is just like learning to ride a bike.
- Yeah, but much harder.
- Just let go, will ya?
[bicycle tires reeling] [soft music]
Woo.
[mouth rumbling] [soft music]
Woohoo
[mouth rumbling] [soft music]
Ah.
[soft music]
Ah, I don't know.
[tires screeching]
- Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Greg!
[tires reeling]
- I'm okay.
- I think you broke my new bicycle.
Dad's gonna kill me.
[whimsical music]
[boys grunting] [whimsical music]
[Andy exhales]
- Your mother tells me you pair
are after getting into another fight in school.
- He tried to take Ray's bike.
[birds chirping]
- Well, did you give as good as you got?
- Better.
[birds chirping]
- Hey listen, we Finucanes,
we don't go looking for a fight,
but when the fun comes knocking on our door
and by God we give them a fight to remember.
That's the way it's always been.
Go on.
[footsteps thudding] [soft music]
Oh, and I might as well tell you this now
I'm after getting a promotion at work
so we'll be moving
[soft music] [birds chirping]
to London.
[soft music] [birds chirping]
[soft music]
- [Mr. Atkins] Mr. Finucane?
[soft music]
Mr. Finucane?
- It's Finucane Mr. Atkins.
- Yes. Well.
I pay you to do accounts not to daydream.
- [Brendan] Yes sir.
- Oh dear I'm late.
Opera tonight.
Mrs. Atkins has been looking forward to this for weeks.
Lock up after you.
Where'd it go, will you?
[keys jingle]
- Yes sir.
Have a good night.
[door opens]
[door closes]
[typewriter typing]
- Tickets please.
Tickets please.
Tickets gentlemen. Thank you.
Thank you sir. Thank you.
Ticket sir?
Ticket please, sir?
Ticket. Thank you very much. Thank you.
Thank you.
[footsteps thudding]
Next up St. Pauls.
- Excuse me.
[soft music]
[oven door closes]
- So you want your mother doing your dirty work for you now?
I thought I'd raise my son to be
a big, strong, proud Irishman?
To stand on his own two feet.
Not hide behind my skirt.
- Mom, mom come on.
You know how things have been between me and him recently.
It might just be easier coming from you.
- Nothing worth having has ever come easy.
You're too much alike, that's always been the problem.
[hand smacking]
A good smack is what the pair of you need
all this squabbling all the time.
- Have they let him know about the job yet.
And you let me go on there about joining the RAF
knowing that I'm the only person in the house now
with a paying job is a crazy idea anyway.
I'll go get changed.
- Do you know I'll always remember taking you
to that air show at Baldonnel.
I paid 10 Bob and watched you go up in that plane.
You were so excited.
And when you landed,
you came running right up to me
and you grabbed hold of my hand
and you said to me, "This!
"This is what I want to do."
Don't you worry about us.
We'll manage.
We always do.
[door opens]
[soft music]
[door closes]
Bren has something to tell you.
[soft music]
- I wanna join the RAF dad
if they'll have me.
- I see
- They're offering short service commissions
for successful applicants.
I'll get to fly planes and be paid for it.
[soft music]
- Have you any idea what they'd say back home
if they found out that one of Andy Finucane's boys
was thinking of joining the British-
- Joining the RAF won't make me some kind of a deserter,
but the Irish and English aren't fighting anymore.
These are different times now.
Dad,
this is what I want to do.
I wanna fly.
- And what happens if they turn you down? Hmm?
You think Mr. Atkins is just gonna take you back?
- If I fail the course, I'm not coming home.
So you needn't worry.
- You're always one with your head in the clouds.
[soft music]
I suppose you're with him on this.
- I'm old enough to make my own decision.
[dramatic music]
- Yes, I suppose you are.
[dramatic music]
[soft music]
[footsteps approaching]
- I was wondering when you'd show up.
[footsteps thudding]
[chair creaking] [Priest exhales]
Your father was in here earlier,
same Look on his face too.
Told me all about you
wanting to join the British Air Force.
- It's The Royal Air Force.
Sorry.
It's just, it's the Royal Air Force.
- Anyhow.
I tell you what I told your father
when he was sitting there.
[Priest exhales]
You know, for the life of me, I can't remember who it was.
Anyway, someone once said
that the cost of not following your heart
is to spend the rest of your life wishing that you had.
And he should know more than most,
what with him one moment, the big freedom fighter
leading the charge against English
with the devil there himself by his side
[soft music]
and then suddenly decided he's going
to go and marry an English woman. Hmm.
What I wouldn't give to be a fly on the wall
when he told his father that.
[soft music]
But you know, I think maybe he's worried about you too.
What with the paper's saying
that we might be at war with Germany soon.
But I told him, "I'm sure old St. Kevin
"will be looking after ya."
Aye, him for sure having a soft spot for the birds
and the creatures of the air. Hm.
I'm sure he'd be very proud of our Dublin flyer.
Anyway, be off with you.
I have the Lord's work to do
and he can be a very impatient man.
[footsteps disappearing] [soft music]
[drawer opens]
[drawer closes]
- I heard you were leaving us today?
- Oh Jean.
[gentle music]
I was gonna pop around just after,
after I finished packing.
[Jean chuckles]
- Oh here.
[lock latches]
But I'm glad you were going to say goodbye.
We are neighbors after all. - Yes, of course.
I've just been busy here
sorting things out and packing, you know.
[soft music]
You look nice.
- Thanks. But I always dress like this for work, so.
[soft music]
- Well?
- Well I have to go or I'll be late.
Just wanted to wish you good luck.
[soft music] [footsteps thudding]
- Can I?
[Brendan sighs]
Would it be all right
if I wrote to you
sometimes?
- I'd like that.
[gentle music]
- I better go,
train to catch.
- Oh, just a moment.
[footsteps approaching]
[soft music]
There. That's better.
[soft music]
Do make sure that nothing happens to you.
- Ah. What's gonna happen to me?
- I have to go or I'll be late.
[soft music]
- You'll be off then.
[soft music]
- You take care now son.
And write to us as soon as you can.
[soft music]
- You be a good boy now. Okay?
You too.
Mom's gonna be keeping me updated
on all those dancing lessons of yours.
So I'll be wanting a dance when I get back.
Keep at it. Okay?
[soft music]
- It sounds like riding a bike flying those things,
maybe try landing this time, huh?
[hands tapping]
[soft music]
- Good luck, boy.
And remember- - I know dad.
Failure is unknown in the Finucane household.
And I meant what I said if I do.
[dramatic music]
- Go. Fly Finucane.
[dramatic music]
[airplane engine roaring]
- Excuse me.
Do you mind telling me what do you intend to do
about that hedge that's coming towards us?
[airplane engine roaring]
[plane crashing]
[cow mooing]
- Switch the engine off please.
[plane engine idling]
Well, Mr. Finucane I can tell you this.
You most certainly are not the next best thing.
No indeed.
You are the original.
[both laugh]
- Why don't you just give up Paddy, ey?
Let's face it God never intended an Irishman to fly, did he?
Oh, don't look so sad.
[both laugh]
Oi, oi, oi, steady on lads.
What's all this about then? Eh?
Now listen. My little four leaf clover,
I know that blockhead of yours,
likes to take a little knock or two, doesn't it?
But trust me, you do not wanna get into it with him.
See this? This is Roy Battler Lane
Worcester Amateur boxing club's champion.
How many years is it now, Roy? Two?
- Three.
- [Dickie] Three.
- Come on Bren.
[both laugh]
[hands punching]
- Let's go Roy, come on you got him. All right.
Hit him, hit him.
[dramatic music]
- Johnny come on.
Swing it, swing it, swing it.
[hand punches] [dramatic music]
[hand shakes]
Oh shit.
Jonesy.
[dramatic music]
- All right Joe Lewis,
station commander would like to see you in his office.
Now, Mr. Finucane.
[feet running]
- Pilot's abilities,
400 out of 750.
Officer qualities,
450 out of 750.
[pages ruffling]
In navigation you managed to achieve 77%.
[paper ruffling]
These scores are indicative.
You're a pilot officer who's average, at best.
And some of the flight instructors tell me
you're a bit of a loner.
Keep to yourself a bit.
I'll be frank with you, Finucane,
the only reason you are still here
is because you're so bloody determined to succeed.
You are a fighter.
We're at war now.
We're going to need fighters.
You're to be posted to an operational training unit
in Harridan,
for a two week conversion course on spitfires.
Let's see how you do in a fighter aircraft.
But first, I want you to take a few days leave.
Go home,
see the family,
take some time for yourself,
get some rest.
All right?
- There's no plane in the world like a spitfire
thing of beauty to look at.
Sure is.
That Rolls Royce Merlin engine of hers.
1,040 horsepower it is.
That means a top speed is 374 miles per hour
and she can go as high as 37,000 feet.
- The way you talk about that plane makes me jealous.
[radio playing]
It must look so beautiful from up there.
[soft music] [birds chirping]
- It is.
[soft music]
- Look at these.
[soft music]
I've never seen yellow roses in the wild before.
[soft music]
It was such a perfect day.
- Good luck.
[light flickers]
It's like a grand old soft day in Ireland.
[gentle music]
[rain pours]
[thunder rumbles] [Jean laughs]
- You can keep your grand soft days. Thank you very much.
- Oh. It's nice and cozy in here.
Well it's drier than it is out there.
And we do have the place all to ourselves.
- Hmm.
[gentle music]
♪ You got me smiling
♪ You got cawing like a duck
♪ Will you be the one
♪ I hope
♪ Darling I'll bring you
♪ Out of the cold
♪ Darling just everyone smiles like you ♪
♪ When they're in love
- They say that the yellow rose is the flower for newlyweds.
[gentle music] [rain pours]
That it symbolizes friendship,
love.
[gentle music] [rain pouring]
[radio playing]
You are staying the whole weak, aren't you Bren?
- No.
I'm afraid not.
I have to get back.
[soft music] [rain pours]
I'm staying for the weekend though.
- Only the weekend? I thought-
- They need trained fighter pilots.
We have to be ready. You know.
[soft music] [rain pouring]
These yellow roses
[gentle music]
They're worth fighting for, aren't they?
I mean, it's all worth fighting for,
isn't it?
[soft music]
- What's it like Bren, to fly?
[soft music]
- It's like,
[Brendan exhales]
I don't know.
It's like,
it's like something's pulling you up
off the earth into the sky
and soon you're so high up
that there's nothing above you anymore.
[airplane engine roaring]
The Earth is so far below that
[airplane engine roaring]
it's like you're not a part of it anymore.
[airplane engine roaring] [soft music]
It's like,
[airplane engine roaring]
It's like you've been set free.
[gentle music]
[airplane engine roaring]
- [Radio] Damn it Finucane.
You are coming in too fast.
[airplane engine roaring] [Finucane panting]
[airplane engine roaring]
[Finucane pants]
[airplane engine roaring]
- The ground's never quite where you expect it to be,
is it Finucane?
And damn it!
If you are not satisfied with the approach and landing,
you bloody well go round again.
I don't care how many attempts at landing a pilot makes.
Could be 10, could be a hundred.
I don't bloody well care
as long as he gets the plane down in one piece.
Understood?
- Sir?
[airplane engine roaring]
[suspenseful music] [sirens wailing]
- France has fallen.
The Battle of Britain has begun.
[suspenseful music]
Well what are you waiting for, man?
Get back up there.
- Sir.
[feet running] [suspenseful music]
[dramatic music]
[airplane engine roaring]
[guns firing]
[airplane engines roaring]
[missile fires]
[airplane engine roaring]
[gun fires]
[airplane engine roaring]
[dramatic music]
- [Pilot] They're all over me.
They're all over me.
[gun fires] [airplane engine roaring]
[guns firing] [radio chattering]
[guns firing] [airplane engine roaring]
[airplane engines roaring]
[guns firing]
[airplane engine roaring]
[suspenseful music] [airplane engines roaring]
[suspenseful music]
[airplane engine roaring] [suspenseful music]
[airplane engines roaring]
[suspenseful music] [guns firing]
[plane explodes]
[guns firing] [suspenseful music]
You come back from a show
and find it very hard to remember what happened.
[guns firing] [airplane engine roaring]
Maybe you have a clear impression
of three or four incidents.
Some tiny link in the forgotten chain of events comes back.
[airplane engine roaring] [suspenseful music]
[guns firing]
[plane explodes]
[guns firing]
[soft music]
The reason is everything happened so quick.
A tremendous amount of thinking, action, emotion.
On my last flight I shot down two Me's
and the next day, one more.
Our guns are being kept nice and clean
under some fine Irish linen.
So they're always ready to shoot true and straight.
[bells chime]
[soft music]
I'm now a bonafide flying officer.
- And I put it all down to that Irish linen for sure.
[Mrs. Finucane chuckles]
It's a grand life and I know I'm lucky
to be among the squadrons that are carrying out the sweeps.
I have just heard about Ray being recalled back from leave.
I thought it was pretty tough on him
as he was only home for a few days.
All my love to everyone.
Your loving son Bren.
[soft music]
I do hope he's finding some time to relax.
[soft music]
♪ As back to they're billets
♪ They crawl
♪ No pain no promotion
♪ This side of the ocean
♪ So cheer up my lads
♪ Bless 'em all
- So Trixie, what is a girl like you
doing in a war like this then ey?.
- I don't know, why any of us are here?
[bar music]
Maybe deep down there is a piece of me
that hates enough to want to be a part of it.
It's the same for all of us,
isn't it?
[bar music]
- I just wanted to fly. [chuckles]
Right, fly everywhere.
There was a lecture in my school
all about the RAF, you know and he said something
and I've never forget it, right?
It's always been in my mind.
He said, [chuckles]
he said, "I often think that those who fly
"are the greatest people on earth."
There he is the man of the hour.
How many's that now Bren?
Five, six?
No, hang on, don't tell me, don't tell me.
Six kills and two probables.
Woohoo, who'd have thought you had it in you, ey?
Ooh, you know what they say?
It's the quietest ones who always hate the most.
Oh, come on. Hey. Hey. There's nothing wrong with that.
Yeah, it's good honest emotion.
Nothing wrong with it.
- I don't hate them.
[bar music]
When I'm up there, I'm aiming at the machines
not at the lads inside.
[bar music]
It's just a game.
That's all.
[bar music]
Oh yeah.
Pit yourself against them.
Beat him to the position so that he's your target.
Get him before he gets you.
It's my skill against his.
That's how it is for me.
- I'll tell you this for nothing, this man
is living proof
that even the most ham-fisted pilots
can make the best fighters.
Ain't that the truth?
[Roy chuckles]
- Well, fighter always comes before pilot doesn't it?
- It does
To us.
The gladiators of the sky. [laughs]
- The knights of the air.
- [Dickie] Oh. To us, the knights of the air.
- [All] Knights of the air.
[suspenseful music]
- That's German bombers.
[suspenseful music]
- Southampton.
- Didn't you say you have family at Southampton once Bren?
- My aunt and uncle.
- I'll get my car.
[suspenseful music] [feet running]
[fire crackles] [suspenseful music]
- How can you see all this and not feel hate?
I do feel hate.
I do.
And I will until every last German
has been shot out of the sky
[suspenseful music] [fire crackling]
[suspenseful music] [airplane engine roaring]
[Brendan moans] [guns firing]
- Ireland may have declared itself neutral in this war,
but by God the Irish are the most
belligerent neutrals I ever saw.
I'm recommending you for a DFC.
Congratulations Acting Flight Lieutenant.
You are also to be given command of a flight
in 452 squadron.
They're Australian.
Decent fellows, a little green around the gills
but I think you'll be the man to whip them into shape.
[Kaminski laughs]
- Come on boys.
[crowd cheers]
Come on down there.
Come on there.
[crowd cheering]
- All I did was try to explain the rules of rugby sir.
[crowd chatters]
- He's down. I've got him.
[crowd chatters]
- Right.
Where's me hat?
[upbeat music]
- Welcome to 452.
[upbeat music]
Trustcott's the name. But everyone calls me Bluey
and I know it's not strictly uniform protocol, sir,
but do you mind?
- Cricket man, are ya?
- Yeah. Was captain of the high school team,
but more of a football man these days.
- Footballer.
[soft music]
Career going well then?
[soft music]
- The redheaded bullet, they called him.
He was the half-forward flanker for Melbourne.
And I will never forget.
Hey, you remember the grand final against Collingwood?
- Yeah, of course, - Of course you do.
'cause you were getting a bit
of a thrashing that day, weren't you?
Right up until the third quarter
where he bloody well goes and kicks the greatest goal
I've ever bloody seen.
I mean that must have been a hundred yard kick at least.
- Yeah. - Yeah. What a kick?
- You were in your glory then mate.
And you should've heard the crowd.
There must've been a hundred thousand people you reckon?
- Something like that, so many people.
- Showed some guts that day. - Yeah.
- Guts and sheer bloody minded determination.
That's what took the day.
The meek may inherit the earth my friends
but they'll never win a game of football
- [Man] Too bloody right.
- Well there's might be the earth,
but ours is the sky.
- I'll drink to that. - [Crowd] Cheers.
[glasses clanking]
- Is it true you shot down the Jerry's number one.
Gallant?
Some of the boys were saying it was the Polish fella
Dropinsky.
- Yeah, he fights with real heart that one
doesn't take any prisoners.
He'd have made a bloody good football player.
[all laugh]
- He fights like a Pole.
We're lucky to have them on our side.
- Oh, let's hope if you get 'em Kaminski, eh?
- Nostrovia.
- Hey, what did they give you that DFC for?
[all laugh]
- Come on, Nick, he's just a little slow.
You don't keep up with the war much do you mate?
He'd been going home for a bloody year
before he even knew it was happening.
[all laugh]
- A whole year?
- Well you see Mick is from a little place called Timboro.
- Where's that?
- It's in the middle of bloody nowhere.
[all laugh]
- And they don't have newspapers there?
- They got 'em, but his mom and dad were hiding 'em.
Broke the wireless too.
He only found out when he went into town
and saw the posters to join the Air Force.
Ain't that right?
- Yeah.
- Yeah. Well I'm sure you're gonna be a real asset
to the Air Force mate.
Your parents will be proud. - Yeah.
- Thank you sir.
I'm sure I've got a lot of catching up to do yet though.
[bar music]
- Ah. Right.
[bar music]
[glass thuds]
I'll see you boys at 0600 hours.
- Oh what for?
- We'd like to get a couple hours practice in
before breakfast.
- Jesus.
- Besides some of us have some catching up to do.
- Oh bloody help Mick.
[upbeat music]
[airplane engine roars]
[soft music]
[airplane engine roars]
- You've got 109's on your tail.
[airplane engine roars]
You won't see him until he's opening fire on your arse.
[soft music]
[airplane engine roars]
So if you ever get left behind in the formation,
you better weave like hell.
[airplane engine roaring]
I'm with 452 Squadron.
There are a bunch of Australians
and my first impression of them is, what a bunch.
They're raw lads willing to put their backs into it,
but they seem to like to do things their own way.
- Ah, come on Finnu, you can't be serious.
Every time we walk past that flag,
we've gotta flaming well salute?
- There are two things we expect you to understand
in the Royal Air Force.
The first is the English language
and the second is discipline.
Now I think you all have a fairly good grasp of the first
and the second
you will learn.
[airplane engine roaring]
So you'd better pull the bloody finger out.
[airplane engine roaring]
- Alright lads, you heard the squadron leader.
Let's show him how we bloody well salute.
[footsteps thudding]
Attention.
[feet stomping]
[airplane engine roaring]
- Now that flag might not mean anything to you,
but I will have discipline in my squadron.
Am I clear?
- Permission to speak, sir?
- What is it Truscott?
- Most of us joined this squadron
because we knew that sooner or later
the war was gonna come knocking at our doors too.
And by standing here we'd stand a better chance of winning.
But even if that wasn't the case,
I think most of us would still be standing here
'cause of that bloody flag. Sir.
[soft music]
- All right, you're dismissed.
[soft music] [feet stomping]
[footsteps thudding] [soft music]
- That bloody Finney's becoming a large royal pain
in the arse.
- No. Finney's all right.
He's just been spending too much time
with those bloody pom officers.
Poor sod's starting to think he's one of them.
♪ Tangerine
- Look at the state of those buttons.
Have you not ironed that shirt and those shoes?
Have you no self-respect, man?
You may think that the RAF has a reputation
for not looking after that uniform.
But by God, I'll have clean shoes in my squadron.
[all laugh]
- That's pretty good, mate.
Yeah, maybe if he got a little whistled
once in a while, he'd loosen up a bit.
- Now boys drink clouds the mind.
you need to stay sharp and focused oh you do.
I'll not have anyone getting pissed.
[all laugh]
- What do you think he means when he says
"Pull your finger out?"
Like pull it out from where?
[all laugh]
- I don't know, Mick
But I can tell you where he can bloody well shove it.
[radio playing]
[throat clearing]
[radio playing]
[footsteps approaching]
♪ Tangerine
♪ When she dances by
- I think now might be a good time
to discuss battle tactics, don't you?
[radio playing]
Over a few beers, maybe.
[radio playing]
- You paying, sir?
- Only if you're getting the second round.
- Great, sounds good to me boys.
[crowd cheers]
- Oh, just one more thing, Raife,
for Christ's sake, just call me Paddy.
Everyone else in this bloody country does.
[footsteps disappearing] [radio playing]
[footsteps approaching]
[hand taps]
[radio playing]
It's just like being in the ring, you know
some pilots are all better to their left than their right.
But you always have to take your play off the other fella,
you know, don't hang around just bam, bam and out.
Now don't just take a happy swing at anyone who comes by.
You'll find yourself outta position within 10 seconds.
And remember, an overenthusiastic right thumb
can lead to a shortage of ammo
and a shortage of ammo when you're surrounded
by a dozen 109's, can lead
to acute embarrassment, gentlemen.
And never let anyone harmonize your sites.
It's a simple job.
And if your site is out, your next victory is out.
Now, according to the met office, we're keeping the weather.
So an early start tomorrow gents.
Up at a sparrows fart.
[birds chirping]
[airplane engine roaring]
- You all right?
[airplane engine roaring]
I just had this dream last night
[airplane engine roaring]
that I prang the control tower.
- That wasn't a dream mate.
No, that was a bloody premonition.
One of us is bound to do at some point.
[airplane engine roaring]
- Now the Spit, she's just like a thoroughbred racehorse.
No different.
[airplane engine roaring]
A little skittish and hard to handle on the ground.
[airplane engine roaring]
And occasionally she has a mind
to try and take you somewhere you didn't wanna go.
[plane door opens]
Practice makes perfect.
No more so when it comes to target practice.
After all, what's of more value against the huns?
The crack flyer
or the crack shot?
- Well, I guess we all better be bloody crack shots then.
- Well at least a crack shot can deal effectively
with anything you can lure within range.
Sure all the other fellow can do is take evasive action.
It is no use being a skillful pilot
if you are not a successful fighter.
The hard, vital core of that spitfire
is in its guns.
It's what she's made for lads.
Likewise for you idiots.
[airplane engine roaring]
The whole of a fighter pilot's training
is directed towards that one moment.
[airplane engine roaring]
When he has his enemy in his sites.
[airplane engine roaring]
- Bandits. Seven o'clock.
- Okay.
- Now you fellas are gonna see
just what this war is all about.
[airplane engines roaring]
- In selecting your target,
it is a golden rule to choose one and go for him.
[airplane engines roaring]
Wait until his wing tips overlap the horizontal
graticule lines, aim for the center of the fuselage.
[gun fires]
Don't look up to see the result.
Keep perfectly still and do it again.
[gun fires]
[airplane engine roars]
And believe it or not, things will start happening.
[airplane engine roars]
[guns firing]
[airplane engine roars]
[gun fires]
[airplane engine roars]
[gun fires]
[bullets clanking]
[airplane engine roaring]
Keep together. Keep together.
[airplane engine roaring]
About three o'clock.
Keyhole squadron break right.
[airplane engine roars]
[guns firing]
If in trouble, keep turning
and work your way down the deck.
Whatever happens, we have to stick together.
Lone wolves make very easy targets.
They're always the ones who get it first.
[airplane engine roaring]
These 109's are fast.
[airplane engines roaring]
But you take them up to 18,000 feet
the spit can turn twice as fast.
[airplane engine roaring]
[gun fires]
[airplane engine roaring]
[guns firing]
[water splashes]
[airplane engine roaring]
- [Radio] Calling keyhole red leader.
Bandits spotted, angels 20 heading north wield.
[soft music]
[airplane engine roaring]
[dog barking] [airplane engine roaring]
[dog barking]
[airplane engine roaring]
- Bloody hell. - Yeah.
I got a bit of a prang I'm afraid
- By Christ sir, you must have some luck with you.
No wonder they call it the luck.
- Don't fecking say it, chief.
- I saw you get a squirt at that bugger, sir.
- Bloody great.
- How did you manage to shoot at that angle?
You must have been at the top of your climbing term
when you fired those cannons.
- It was fired more in hope than anything else.
- That was 500 yards, I reckon Paddy.
- You lucky bastard.
- Did you get one Blue?
- One certain, one probable.
- [Brendan] Anyone see me land?
What'd it look like?
- Blimey, no wonder they call 'em the demolition squad.
[upbeat music]
[soft music]
♪ Tangerine
[door opens]
♪ She is all they claim
[lighter flickers]
♪ Tangerine
[soft music]
- Just giving it a little spit and polish sir.
[soft music]
- You're some man Chiefy.
[upbeat music]
In every squadron there is a plane
that is something more than a pattern of steel and wood.
[upbeat music]
[airplane engine roaring]
More than instruments and mechanism.
It's a living, graceful thing
that carries the spirit of the squadron.
[bomb explodes]
[upbeat music]
The 452 Squadron.
It's the flying sham.
[airplane engine roaring] [upbeat music]
[guns firing]
[upbeat music]
[guns firing]
[upbeat music]
[airplane engines roar]
[guns firing]
[airplane engine roars]
[bells chime]
[upbeat music]
[airplane engines roar]
[guns firing]
[upbeat music]
[guns firing] [plane explodes]
[upbeat music]
- Look at that boys.
They're all going home for lunch.
[upbeat music] [airplane engines roar]
[radio playing]
[bell chimes]
[feet running] [airplane engine roars]
- Mick. Come on.
- No, no, it's my lighter. I can't find it.
- Bloody leave it.
- It's my lucky lighter. - Come on.
[footsteps thudding]
[airplane engine roaring]
[clock ticking]
[airplane engine roars] [soft music]
[footsteps approaching] [soft music]
- It was under his bed.
[soft music]
It was under his bloody bed.
[soft music]
[lighter flickers] [soft music]
[telephone rings]
[upbeat music]
- Show on chaps. See you all there in five minutes.
Briefing in 20.
Blue, you're my number two.
- Alright, all right.
- Chissa tell Chiefy I want those aircraft ready
for takeoff at 1450 hours.
Chissa?
[upbeat music]
Is everything alright?
[upbeat music]
- Yeah, yeah, yeah. Absolutely.
[upbeat music]
- All right.
[upbeat music]
- You all right mate?
- Yeah, yeah. No, I just need a smoke.
[soft music]
[door closes]
[airplane engine revving]
[lighter flickers]
[airplane engine roars]
[Chissa exhales]
[airplane engines roaring]
- [Paddy] Red leader to base
no sign of enemy fighter escort.
Requesting permission to engage?
- [Base] Red leader, you are clear to engage. Good hunting.
[airplane engine roaring]
[guns firing]
[airplane engines roar]
Keep those eyes peeled now.
[airplane engine roars]
[gun fires]
- Okay Paddy, I've got him.
[airplane engine roars]
[Paddy laughs]
[airplane engine roars]
[airplane engines roar] [guns firing]
[Paddy panting]
[guns firing]
[airplane engine roaring] [suspenseful music]
[airplane explodes]
[airplane engine roars]
- Three o'clock Blue.
About six of them.
- I see 'em, Paddy.
- [Pilot] For Christ sakes will you all just shut up
and give the rest of us a chance?
[guns firing] [airplane engines roar]
[dramatic music]
[airplane engine roars] [guns firing]
- They're all over me.
[dramatic music]
[guns firing]
[bullet fires]
- Bloody hell mate.
[airplane engine roars]
[suspenseful music]
[guns firing]
[plane explodes]
[guns firing]
[plane explodes]
[guns firing]
[plane explodes]
[airplane engines roar]
All right boys,
let's go home.
[airplane engines roars]
[upbeat music]
Just look at that view boys.
Now that's something worth fighting for.
[soft music]
[airplane engines roar]
[soft music]
[airplane engines roar]
[dog barks]
[soft music]
[airplane engine roars]
[soft music]
[airplane engines roar]
- Woohoo. The flying Shamrock.
[soft music] [airplane engines roar]
- [Radio Announcer] From dawn to dusk
over occupied France, despite the German resistance.
- I was listening to that.
- A woman like you should be out
having fun, meeting new people.
[Jean exhales]
Not stuck in here every weekend
listening to that thing.
- Father please, just don't start this again.
- What your father is trying to say is,
yes, we understand
you have feelings for the boy.
- Feelings?
- But look, you are still so young.
The both of you
far too young to be so in love when the-
- Well we are in love mother.
So you're just going to have to deal with it.
- You're too young to know what love is.
And I suppose that Finucane boy,
well, he's more in love with flying round
and being a war hero than he is in love with you Jean.
I mean,
I like the boy of-
- What do you know about being in love anyway?
- No, no wait.
- You have never looked at mother the way he looks at me.
[soft music]
- Jean?
You know Mrs. Baxter down the road?
She had a telegram this morning.
It was her son, George.
You know, he's only just got married.
That poor girl.
A widow at 22.
Don't you see?
We're only trying to stop the heartache.
- What was it that Tennyson said?
Better to have loved
and lost
than never to have loved at all.
[clock ticking]
[soft music]
[upbeat music]
[guns firing]
[airplane engines roaring]
[bullet fires]
[airplane engine roars]
- I can't see them.
[airplane engine roars]
[bullets firing]
[guns firing]
[bullets firing]
[airplane engines roar]
[Paddy pants]
[Paddy moans]
[airplane engines roar]
[guns firing]
[plane explodes]
[Paddy moans]
[airplane engine roars]
[Paddy pants]
[heart throbs]
[curtain opens]
- Little Birdie told me today is your birthday.
Happy birthday Squadron Leader.
Oh, congratulations.
I read in the newspaper
that you were to be awarded a second bar to your DFC
and the distinguished service order.
[footsteps thudding]
Oh, it must be wonderful to have so many people write to you
from all over the world too.
- Most of them are marriage proposals.
- Oh.
♪ Happy birthday to you
♪ Happy birthday you little Irish bastard ♪
♪ Happy birthday to you
- [Soldiers] Yay.
- I'm sorry sister. We just, we've missed him is all.
- Oh no, it's quite all right.
Well I'll come back later and I'll check up on you.
[footsteps thudding]
- Sister. - Thank you.
[footsteps disappearing]
[book thuds]
- Feast your eyes on that.
A lovely two page spread on the RAF's finest.
A bunch of crazy Aussies led by an even crazier Irish fella.
You couldn't make it up.
How's the leg?
- Ah. Hardly gives me any bother.
- How you managed to land without a crack up Paddy
I'll never know.
You certainly did have all the luck
of the Irish on your side that night.
- Yeah. Anyway, how are you lads?
- Yeah. Yeah. Alright.
Yeah, Chissa got himself shot down three days ago.
And um,
well yesterday Jimbo's luck ran out
on a bloody training exercise
with that replacement Sergeant Williams, mid-air collision.
Can't think of a worse way to go.
- Here, what's all this?
[all laugh]
Oh, from a land girl
somewhere among the turnips.
My dearest Brendan, [chuckles]
I want to feel your breath on my shoulders
and hear your laugh.
You can't imagine how much I want you
at this present moment.
I can't wait to feel your touch. [laughs]
- There's more.
[paper ruffles]
Oh, this one is from a blond admirer, Ms. Betty Davis.
- I don't suppose there's one
from a Miss Rita Hayworth in here, is there?
- No, he's not that lucky.
[Raife chuckles]
Ah, you know you're gonna break a million hearts
when you finally pop the question
to that Shelia of yours, don't you?
[Paddy chuckles]
Oh, come on.
For some reason she thinks you're the ants pants mate.
[door knocking]
- Men.
- Sir.
Right, we'll be off then mate.
We should be back by six.
- I'll be seeing you boys soon.
- Look after yourself.
- Sir.
- Come on boys.
[footsteps thudding]
[door closes]
How are you feeling, Paddy?
- Don't worry sir.
I'll be up and outta this bed in no time at all.
[Captain chuckles]
- Well, the doctor seems to think that leg of yours
might need some time to heal.
- Well, if Bader can fly with no legs,
I think I can manage with one.
- Hmm.
Spitfire Paddy.
Hmm. You know, even the Americans are asking
to borrow some of our Spitfires
and the prime minister.
The old boys pushing the air ministry
to form a whole Shamrock wing.
And I think we'll get one too.
But in the meantime,
your to begin command
of the Hornchurch wing.
- Sir.
- Happy birthday wing commander.
[birds chirping] [footsteps thudding]
- Well done Wing Commander, that's two laps today.
- Ah, yeah.
See, all you had to do
was gimme a pair of wings.
I'll be flying outta here
by the end of next week.
[crutches clank]
- Look, Mr. Passion Pants.
- He's quite the ladies man.
Though his charms don't seem to work on matron.
She doesn't approve of our Mr. Passion Pants.
"This is a hospital. It's not a country house weekend,"
is what she's always saying.
[birds chirping]
How's your tea?
- Hmm.
[cup clanks]
It's lovely.
- You're a terrible liar.
[both laugh]
It's perfectly dreadful.
I'm sorry, it's the best that we have.
[nurse sighs]
[birds chirping]
You know, it's rather wonderful what we can do today
with surgery.
Things have come a long way in the last couple of years.
You won't believe some of the treatments
that we're able to do now.
It's quite remarkable.
[birds chirping]
♪ Though I walk through the valley shadow of death ♪
♪ I will fear no evil
♪ For thou art with me
♪ Thy rod and thy staff
♪ Comfort me
- Well done boys. Well done. That's it.
We are done for today.
[footsteps thudding]
- Up the shamrock.
- Now now boys, remember where you are.
You are in the house of the Lord
and if there's any shouting to be done in here
it will be done by me.
[footsteps approaching]
Those boys think you are going
to be winning this war single handed.
- Yeah. Why wouldn't they?
That stuff they read about me.
Finucane, scourge of the Luftwaffe.
Tell you what they won't read in the papers,
at most nights you wake up in a cold sweat
and there are days that you just feel like,
like you're a walking graveyard.
I tell you what though,
if I could end this muck single handedly, I would.
I swear to Christ I would.
Sorry.
- This war's being staged for the world to see.
And I'm afraid before it's over
many more are gonna have to take up the gauntlet.
Some say it's a calling,
a crusade you might say.
[soft music]
May not even near its standard rear
against the cause of freedom.
Oh, the Shamrock, the green
immortal Shamrock
chosen leaf.
Of bard and Chief.
It's in your blood.
[soft music]
Anyway, how's Jean?
I haven't seen her for a while.
- Oh, she's grand.
Just busy with work I imagine.
- Yes. I should imagine so.
I mean the minister's work is vital to the war effort.
So when are you two gonna make it official?
Now, normally I'd be here telling you
that marriage isn't something you rush into.
Isn't that what you both want?
- Of course it is.
What good is it having a beautiful wife at home
when there's a German sitting on my tail wind?
The shamrock will only keep me safe for so long.
- Yeah well don't put your faith in lucky charms.
- I'm not, it's not that I'm afraid to die. I'm not.
It's just
I won't be a burden to anyone.
[soft music]
It wouldn't be fair.
- Trust in tomorrow, yea as little as you may.
But trust in love.
But look we all know, love bears all things.
Hopes all things.
[upbeat music]
♪ Blue skies
♪ Smiling at me
♪ Nothing but blues skies
♪ Do I see
♪ Blue birds
♪ Flying on high
- Hey Blue?
♪ And nothing but blue birds
- Did you hear about those Japanese?
They didn't take no prisoners.
- Yeah, I can say the same thing about you mate.
♪ Never saw the sun shining so bright ♪
♪ Never saw things going so right ♪
♪ Noticing the days hurrying by ♪
♪ When you are in love
♪ My oh they fly oh
♪ Blue days
♪ All of them gone
♪ Nothing but blue skies
♪ From now on
♪ Blue skies smiling at me
♪ Nothing but blue skies
- I often think, quite often being in my choir?
Well will he never beat the crack shop than he is?
[Mrs. Woolford laughs]
Oh, I remember all the times I'd catch him
flicking those paper pellets down on some poor
unsuspecting member of my congregation.
You was on that big hat,
Mrs Blyton used to wear to mass.
You remember it?
[Mrs. Woolford laughs]
- Now dear, remember
you promised you'd stay away from the punch this time?
- Yes Dear.
- Oh Father.
Have you seen our notice board?
We have an orchestra coming.
Now I must invite you to meet the founder, Nigel.
I think I saw him over there.
I'm sure he'd be so intrigued to hear about your choir.
If I could steal you away.
[footsteps thudding]
- I don't suppose you've seen my fiance anywhere, have you?
- I think I saw him going into the hallway. Yes.
- Father, don't worry, I won't tell mother.
- There you are. - Oh hello.
- Show us the ring.
- Oh, it's beautiful. - [Woman] It's gorgeous.
[band playing]
♪ I like New York in June
♪ How about you?
- And what are you looking so self satisfied about?
- Mum didn't I tell you those two
will end up getting married?
- Well. ♪ How about you?
- They certainly make a very grand couple,
don't they? - Grand. Very grand.
Where's the old bugger?
- Hey, what you doing out here mate?
You know that party's for you, right?
Or did you forget?
- I don't like all the fuss.
Besides, I have to give my good dancing leg
a rest now, don't I?
Congratulations.
Squadron leader.
- Yeah. I reckon those extra stripes
will look good at the end of these arms, ey?
I owe it all to you mate.
Well good luck with the 602 squadron Paddy.
I hear those Canadians are a bit rough around the edges.
- Ah, don't worry about that. I'll smooth them out.
- Yeah, well,
I'm want you to take that.
[band playing]
I'll be wanting it back mind, next time I see you.
- Yeah, I'll look after it for you.
- Well then let's see how it looks.
[Paddy sighs]
There we go.
Now you look at fair dinkum Aussie.
[band playing]
[footsteps approaching] [women giggling]
Hello ladies.
- Hello handsome.
[footsteps thudding] [ladies giggling]
[footsteps thudding]
[soft music]
[footsteps approaching]
- It's a good turnout.
- It is.
I was just,
I was wondering what old Dave would think about all this.
Andy Finucane's boy in the RAF.
- Well apparently Churchill wants a whole Shamrock wing now.
- My God.
Is that right? - [Jean] Oh, there you are.
[footsteps approaching]
- I best be going back inside,
I promised his mother a dance.
- Ah.
[footsteps thudding]
- You two seems to be getting on well.
- Yeah.
- So he's finally warmed up to the idea
of you being- - A turncoat?
- Such a beautiful night
- That it is.
I mean all those stars,
they don't hold a candle
to the brightness of your cheeks.
- Alright Romeo.
- Oh was that Shakespeare?
- Mm.
- Thought that was me.
Oh, would you look, even the moon's
trying to hide her face now.
[Jean laughs]
- You know,
I hate to think that out there
somewhere,
someone's writing up orders
that will take you away from me, again.
- You're sure about this?
- I mean- - No regrets remember.
- No regrets.
- Tell me about Australia again.
- I thought-
- Woman can change her mind, can't she?
- Okay.
[Jean chuckles]
Well, me and Bluey
we're gonna start our own business.
- Hmm.
- Chartered flying.
That's the one for us.
I know Bluey's got it all worked out.
Of course we haven't decided on a name yet.
- Well Bluey seems to think it's going
to be called Truscott and Finucane.
- Oh, does he now?
- Don't worry, I set him straight.
Finucane and Trustcott is going to be the name.
After all I'm going to be a Finucane now, you know?
- It's gonna be a good life.
Best part,
is that we'll have time.
[soft music]
- Can't we just go
run away together?
[soft music]
- I wish we could.
But erm,
our guests,
you know
they're depending on us.
- I know.
[soft music]
[both laugh]
- Oh, look at you.
- Yeah, my bad leg and all.
- Mm. I like it.
[soft music]
Shall we?
- Yeah, I'll er-
I'll follow you in, I'll just be a minute.
- Well don't be too long now Mr. Finucane.
[footsteps thudding]
[soft music]
- Heard you boys were on the graveyard shift last night?
There you go lad,
- Cheers Sarge.
[birds chirping]
We can close up today then Bill.
- He's been testing her all morning.
He just told me to take the crash pad out.
- Ey? What for?
- He's been testing those new mark nines.
He said the first thing they did
was remove the bloody headrests.
- So what's he gonna have between his head
and the armor plate behind then?
- Nothing.
- Hey Sarge, you reckon it's gonna be a big show today?
- I don't know lad.
I don't know.
The orders are in gentlemen.
Our target is a German army camp at EÉtaples.
This will be a fighter ramrod.
Now this is going to be a pretty big show chaps
the largest of its kind
and the Hornchurch wing are leading it.
Wing Commander.
- According to the latest weather reports,
we can expect some light flack I'm afraid.
But the good news is, there should be some scattered clouds
at 2000 to 3000 feet.
So, perfect visibility over target.
81 and 154 squadrons will take off at 1150 hours.
122 Squadron will also be joining us.
The route, east from the Thames to Pevensey Bay
heading out over the channel at naught feet.
Right on the deck chaps.
We'll be getting air support from the north Wield wing
and we should reach the target...
Well, we should arrive just in time for lunch.
[all laugh]
Now I want you all to study those photos.
Take note of where the officer's mess is
because if anyone hits that target
there will be almighty hell to pay.
'Cause I'm saving that target for myself.
- Make sure you serve 'em up a nice round of hot lead, sir.
[all laugh]
- Alright. Alright.
Any questions?
We leave at 11:50.
[suspenseful music]
[airplane engine roaring]
- Okay, chaps, remember keep those eyes peeled now.
- [Pilot] Roger.
[suspenseful music]
[airplane engines roaring] [suspenseful music]
[guns firing]
- [Radio] We've just been hit.
I see them, two of them hiding above the hills.
[guns firing]
- Keep on course lads. Keep on course.
[airplane engines roaring]
- It's reading you sir.
Sir?
- I know Yellow tube,
but I can see she's running a temperature.
[airplane engine roaring]
I'm turning out.
- [Radio] Roger.
[suspenseful music]
- I'll be hot on your tail sir.
- [Radio] We'll get 'em good for you sir.
- Yeah, you better.
Or they'll be trouble when you get back.
[airplane engine roaring]
[guns firing]
- I killed the bastards.
[airplane engine roaring] [suspenseful music]
- Come on old girl.
Come on.
[airplane engine roars] [suspenseful music]
[airplane engine roaring]
Butch.
Get as high as you can.
I'm gonna have to ditch her in the drink.
- Roger Wilco. Sir.
- That thing will sank like a bloody stone.
[Paddy panting]
[airplane engine roaring]
- Okay, this is it chaps
[suspenseful music]
[airplane engine roaring] [Paddy panting]
[suspenseful music] [airplane engine roars]
- [Jean] No regrets remember.
- [Brendan] No regrets.
[suspenseful music]
[water splashes]
[suspenseful music]
- I can't see him.
[suspenseful music]
I can't see him.
[airplane engine roars]
[soft music]
[wind whooshing]
[gate opens]
[footsteps approaching]
[door knocking]
[soft music]
[door opens]
[soft music]
- Which one is it?
- Bren.
[soft music]
I'm sorry.
[soft music]
[Mrs. Finucane sobs] [soft music]
[footsteps thudding]
- Mr. and Mrs. Finucane sir.
- Yes. Thank you Sergeant. - Thank you sir.
[footsteps thudding]
- Thank you both
for coming.
We have some photographers from the press waiting.
But first I just wanted to tell you both, personally,
how very sorry I am for your loss.
It was all just- - They said it was
a million to one chance.
The bullet that got him.
That's what they said, isn't it?
The newspapers.
- Yes. He was a remarkable man. Mrs. Finucane.
A remarkable man.
We will be in his debt, always.
- Thank you.
[soft music]
- Mr. and Mrs. Finucane?
Have you anything to say to our readers?
[soft music]
[camera flashes]
[airplane engine roars]
[soft music]
- [Poet] May Valour ne'er
his standard rear
[airplane engine roaring]
against the cause of freedom
Oh, the Shamrock,
[airplane engine roaring]
the green and immortal Shamrock
[soft music] [airplane engine roaring]
[airplane engines roar]
[soft music]
[upbeat music]
♪ Bless 'em all
♪ The long and the short and the tall ♪
♪ Bless all the sergeants
♪ And the W01's
♪ Bless all the corporals
♪ And they're blinking sons
♪ 'Cause we're saying goodbye to them all ♪
♪ As back to their billets they crawl ♪
♪ You'll get no promotion
♪ This side of the ocean
♪ So cheer up my lads
♪ Bless 'em all
♪ The long and the short and the tall ♪
♪ Bless all the Sargents
♪ And WO1's
♪ Bless all the corporal's and their blinking sons ♪
♪ 'Cause they're saying goodbye ♪
♪ To them all
♪ As back to their billets they crawl ♪
♪ You'll get no promotion
♪ This side of the ocean
♪ So cheer up my lads bless 'em all ♪
♪ You'll get no promotion
♪ This side of the ocean
♪ So cheer up my lads
♪ Bless 'em all
[upbeat music]