I recall the main reason for Walton's score being sidelined was that there wasn't anything like enough of it to fill an album, and therefore was a missed "commercial opportunity" for the producers. Even as an 9 year old watching the film for the first time, "Battle in the Air" leapt out of the screen, and made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. It stood apart from the rest of the score, although I didn't know why for many years. To hear it placed with the rest of his score is a joy, and yet Goodwin, with his powerful leitmotifs, also hugely contributes to the finished product we all know and love. In the end, the combination of two very different talents was a masterstroke of film scoring, but it's Walton's set piece which raises it to immortality.
It’s easy to see why Ron Goodwin said he wanted this left in the film when he took over the score music. It’s essentially a musical dog fight and a genius piece at that.
The use of this incredible masterpiece in the movie is breathtaking. The music tells the story with the only spoken words “Come in Blue 3?” No engines noises, no gun noises, just this piece of music describing the sheer terror those brave young aviators went through. Lest we forget.
respect for the sitting crowd... there so much energy in this and I still see those Heinkels on fire from the movie, that I'd literally do some moshpit to see this live
Tragically some RAF pilots died some horrible deaths trapped in the cockpit burning alive all the way to impact. There were instances where they had left their radio in transmit and you can only imagine what those poor fighter controllers heard.
Superb rendition of the Battle of Britain theme the best I have heard ever. Around 7.00 minutes and the ending parts are simply the best. Greetings from India, Thanks for posting this Epic Suite. God bless.
Thanks Robiddybob29...I appreciate the information. I was in England many years ago and a highlight was a visit to the RAF and Battle of Britain Museums. Amazing. Once we're "through this virus mess," if you're visiting Ontario, Canada, do go to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum at Mt. Hope airport near Hamilton, Ontario. See the Lancaster, Avenger and many more great vintage aircraft. You can book a ride in many of the planes. Have a look at their great web site.
For me the best films about the World War Two are: The Battle of Britain, Tora Tora Tora, Patton , Das Boot and Der Untergang and its soundtracks are magnificent.
Just before the climactic air battle scene in the movie 'The Battle of Britain' , two you pilots arrive at the air field just as there is a squadron scramble . Another more experienced pilot asks the two ,' how many hours in spits '? 9 and 12 comes the answer. 'Well, just stick to me like glue'. And off they go. One of the pair doesn't make it back from combat .
Proud of all the gallant Poles who braved the prejudice of the RAF to get the chance to get back at the Nazis. 303 Squadron especially! Polska Forver! 🇵🇱🇬🇧👏🤟😆😆😆
A abertura e vários temas desse filme,foram utilizados na Radionovela ALFA 2016 e Teatro De Mistério e Teatro De Terror,ambos de Hélio Do Soveral,na Rádio Nacional RJ... 18/07/2020
My understanding is tha Sir Larry insisted the Walton's work be included 'or else !' He was right if course ! As incredible as Goodwin's soundtrack is for the film it's also right that Walton's highly evocative, stirring and emotionally moving score us included also ! I think an short 20 mins "epilogue' should have be included on its original theatrical showing in cinemas ! Now we can include it, or not our selves of course. Would be wonderful if Cinenas now could be encouraged to reshow Classic Movies such as the Battle of Britain including enhanced sound reproduction , Dolby Atmos surround etc ! If I had my own Cinema It would have an interesting resume of work for 'all' ages and discerning movie / music lovers !
Olivier and Walton were old friends since Walton scored Olivier’s films Henry V and Richard III, Olivier said he would walk away if his friend’s music was not part of the film.
Film music which mostly never was. It occurs to me that the music budget for this film must have been blown out the water - Walton had already finished writing the score when he read in the paper that it wasn't going to be used ( apart from the Battle in The Air sequence). As someone else has commented Ron Goodwin's replacement score written at short notice made it a very different film.
"All those yrs in England seem to have left you none the wiser! We're not easily frightened besides we know how hard it is for an army to cross the channel the last little corporal to try it became a cropper! So don't dictate to us until your marching up white hall and even then we won't listen!
Today is Battle of Britain Day, 2022. I’m walking the streets of London, very grateful there are Union Jacks down The Mall instead of swastikas and goose-stepping Wehrmacht…..
They would never have been able to successfully invade Britain. A war game was held in the 70's and the Wehrmacht lost very badly with horrendous casualties.
Music copyright in theory means that this music is claimed by some Brazilian arm of Sony who bought mgm and then sold mgm to Amazon? My father uploaded his first YT video of some outdoor event, had this music live in the background, his entire video was instantly claimed.why there isn’t a revenue split based on time the audio is in the video is crazy? Nearly all public events and outdoor video is getting entirely claimed by these corporations like they own our public events / environments and all video uploaded with even the faintest of BG musical audio.
It is a superb piece of work but didn't work as a film score. Enter Ron Goodwin, brought in by the movie producers and you have a musical score which worked with the movie action in a way which has never been equaled.
Ron Goodwin's varied film scores have been issued on an excellent CD. He had an ability to complete commissions in a prompt reliable fashion, surely a great incentive to employ his talents for any producer whose money is bank-rolling hugely expensive film costs.
Let’s not forget. We stood alone and beat the shit out the superior German air machine. Alone? Without the yanks, who only entered the war, when they got there ass kicked at Pearl Harbour. I’m so proud to be British. Without the sacrifice of the many brave men and women who gave their lives to the rest of Europe could be free, and not speaking German? Pity, France and the rest of them forget this fact
There is an error in the roll call of pilots at the end of the film. It lists one Israeli, which is nonsense. He was of course Palestinian. This, the film makers must have thought, would be incomprehensible to people who have no knowledge of the history.
@@smithwesson7765 mate, bullshite to that..... the Seppos only joined in when they were attacked by the Japanese in Hawaii.... please check out the support Germany had with the Bund in the US beforehand. They were only looking after their own interests like they have always done. Don’t forget it was the Aussies who were the first to stop the Germans (Afrika Korp and Erwin Rommel) in North Africa.....just saying...
Only half of it! The last half of this piece was rejected. From 6:05 and to the end, was not in the movie!! Ron Goodwin made almost all of the music for the movie. Not William Walton.
@@hotel3667 Wrong! All of Walton's score, with the sole exception of "Battle in the Air", which Malcolm Arnold conducted, was thrown out. "Battle in the Air" survived because Sir Lawrence Olivier informed the producers that he would have his name removed from the film credits if that cue was not retained. Later on, however, parts of the rejected Walton score were re-inserted for the film's re-release and the DVD as well.
No piece of music better conjures up a gaping endless sky and the pure terror and fear of aerial battle than this. The sense the apprehension and the confusion in the music is tangible, the immediacy of decision and instinct; the determination of faith the sheer gallant bravery of barely experienced young men on the edge of panic as they did their duty. So many young men - barely into manhood - experienced the absolute terror and the elation of battle thousands feet in the air with their survival being down to no more than sheer guts and a reliance on their machines. So thank God we had the Spitfire and the Hurricane, not to mention the Lancaster and others powered by the cutting edge of technology of the time, the Rolls Royce Merlin; and thank God too for the survival of the few, with never ending gratitude especially to those heroes who didn't make it!
A superb crit of a superb piece of music accompanying a superb pice of cinema. One of my favourite pieces of film: incredibly moving and you are right, it conjures up all the jeapardy those young chaps faced to retain our freedom. Never forget what they did for us.
@@noelhall945 Definitely not-they were losing all the way through. No fighter airfield, radar station, aircraft factory or training establishment was seriously disrupted by anything the Luftwaffe did. It's a feature film, not history.
Jimmy Gentile The war wasnt only about abolishing fascism, but to conquer sales markets. We could have, if we had intended so, prevented this war from breaking out without doing one shot, but we didn't want to." - Winston Churchill to Truman (Fultun, USA March 1946)
I think the ultimate compliment to this music would be that every single allied pilot who fought in the Battle of Britain, those who survived and those who died, undoubtedly feels this music accurately portrays the hope, the fear and the joy they felt in giving their all to serve their fellow man. It's been almost 79 years now, may you all rest in peace....
For those who prefer the Walton Score to the Goodwin, the deluxe edition of the DVD has the option of choosing which score you get whilst watching the movie. A good excuse to watch it twice
In the very early 1960s, I used to buy and collect movie soundtracks on vinyl records. The Battle of Britain was among my favorites! I had so many records, that I probably wore out quite a few needles! But composers in those days were far more imaginative and if I may say so, more superior than today's! For every epic film in those old days, there were many composers that were very good and whose music is unforgettable! I'm 70 years old at this writing and many movie soundtracks themes are ingrained in my brain's memory banks! I hope I never contract Alzheimer's disease because if that happens, all that beautiful music will be lost forever!
Who said Walton couldn't write a decent tune ? This is top drawer stuff from perhaps Britains finest 20th century composer. Highly evocative, wonderfully orchestrated & very storing. What's not to like ? !
@Paul Putnam Who suggested Wa;ton was tuneless? Anyone who enjoys the Spitfire Prelude and Fugue, or Crown Imperial, has all the evidence needed to refute that.
Honestly, before coming here by curiosity, I didn't even know the existence of William Walton. And, sincerely, if this piece is an example of what he did, I've got a good reason to listen to his other works. Great Britain always had great musicians, and I assume it's a sure bet to say that William Walton is one of them.
@@OlivierGabin Check his 1st Symphony. A monumental work that stands as one of the great symphonies. Brydon Thomsons reading is on RUclips & is considered one of the best.
Walton or Goodwin? Which is the best score. Answer: Neither. They complement each other. Mind you, how Goodwin could come up with these masterpieces at such a short notice is beyond me. Walton makes the film grand, dangerous and important. Goodwin makes it thrilling, fun... and German!
Basically, the choice of the music for the film was made by its producer (the money!). Both composers were brilliant at their craft and Goodwin was to write the famous theme for "Where Eagles Dare"....one of the very best of its kind.
@@songsmith31a Well, then, the producers were complete idiots when it came to replacing most of Walton's score with Goodwin's music. When Sir Laurence Olivier threatened to have his name removed from the credits, he producers relented and retained Walton's "Battle in the Air", which was conducted by Malcolm Arnold. However, Walton's complete score, later restored for the DVD release, is a fine one -- worthy of reassesment.
Did I hear that beautiful sound of Merlin's thrusting those Spitfires high in the sky with those brave pilots in control keeping our land safe again...……..
There's a bravura concert performance of his "Spitfire Prelude and Fugue" by the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Russia conducted by Alexander Humala to be found elsewhere on RUclips. Check it out..
Rob Tro - You did forget the South Africans who produced some real, great heroes such as Sailor Malan & Marmaduke Pattle plus others;, those who gave the enemy a really good kick up the pants over England & elsewhere. ALFRED ( who knew Gerry Stapleton - just a little but enough to be impressed).
Walton was able to capture the dramatic essence of the films he wrote his music for. There are many stunning examples. I'm just delighted there are so many examples on RUclips.
As the commentary said, Walton's score was dropped for the film, and only the first bit of the suite called "Battle in the Air" (I think) was used as accompaniment to the fiercest battle scene, depicting the climax of the Battle of Britain on 15th September. This was explained (deplored) years ago in a television programme about film music made with André Previn when he was based in London (70s?). So you will listen in vain for most of this if you watch the motion pic. The producers own fault, really. I'm sure they wanted something much more 633 Squadron but chose a Tchaikovsky rather than a John Williams.
I think there's no lack of clever descriptive film music writing in Ron Goodwin's score. The producer made a commercial decision, no more, no less. I accept Previn's own film contributions from his Hollywood days but it's all subjective and there's also a certain aspect of arty-farty snobbery to be found. I recall Previn's own mean words about popular MGM singer Kathryn Grayson in his autobiography and wondered then (and now) about their motivation, not least because she always pleased in her various film role performances for that famous studio..
What is it, that I listen to this piece of music and am transported to all the tension and drama of an air battle over the skys of Southern England in 1941?
More than 50 years after I watched the film at the cinema, the music still gives me goosebumps!
Bloody Hell! 54 Years!! Still watching it on DVD.
It's sometimes on PlutoTV -- can also get it on demand there. Free, but with ads.
It's unforgivable. I lost my temper. And the maddening thing is that he's right. We're on our own. We've been playing for time. And it's running out!
Right is relative. Keep good to yourself.
The maddening thing is, he's right.
Its 2 lumps you take isnt it?
So don't threaten or dictate to us until you're marching up Whitehall...even the we won't listen
Don't you yell at me, Mr. Warwick! 😁
does anyone else listening to this suite, see the dog fight scene from the film in their mind's eye?
Close your eyes to see !
Yes, this is a soundtrack that actually needs no film.
I recall the main reason for Walton's score being sidelined was that there wasn't anything like enough of it to fill an album, and therefore was a missed "commercial opportunity" for the producers. Even as an 9 year old watching the film for the first time, "Battle in the Air" leapt out of the screen, and made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. It stood apart from the rest of the score, although I didn't know why for many years. To hear it placed with the rest of his score is a joy, and yet Goodwin, with his powerful leitmotifs, also hugely contributes to the finished product we all know and love. In the end, the combination of two very different talents was a masterstroke of film scoring, but it's Walton's set piece which raises it to immortality.
It’s easy to see why Ron Goodwin said he wanted this left in the film when he took over the score music. It’s essentially a musical dog fight and a genius piece at that.
Goodwin had absolutely no input as to what cues from Walton's score were retained.
All I can see is spitfires on fire in mind hearing this and seeing the movie 20 times on tv
The use of this incredible masterpiece in the movie is breathtaking. The music tells the story with the only spoken words “Come in Blue 3?” No engines noises, no gun noises, just this piece of music describing the sheer terror those brave young aviators went through.
Lest we forget.
One of the best war films ever made!
It's wonderful to actually see how this magnificent music is made! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
respect for the sitting crowd... there so much energy in this and I still see those Heinkels on fire from the movie, that I'd literally do some moshpit to see this live
They did this wonderful piece proud. That 'wait' at 09:50 makes me draw breath and stand still.
2:30 "Come in Blue 2?" I remembered that one for all these years lol
Tragically some RAF pilots died some horrible deaths trapped in the cockpit burning alive all the way to impact. There were instances where they had left their radio in transmit and you can only imagine what those poor fighter controllers heard.
Superb rendition of the Battle of Britain theme the best I have heard ever. Around 7.00 minutes and the ending parts are simply the best. Greetings from India, Thanks for posting this Epic Suite. God bless.
Brilliant; what would film be without great scores like this?
Sinatra singing Spitfires in the Night. Hell !!! This is It!
Boomsa Daisy it's enough to make You weep. ✌️👍👌🥁🎸😎
An atonishing piece of music, brilliantly played.
This is what it means to be British.
Battle in the Air is always relentless, you feel your pulse quicken. Plus the moment as a pilot bails and his chute fails to open.
That shot was accidental! The parachute was meant to open but didn't - but they kept the sequence in anyway.
The first time I heard this it lost me in my thoughts then the music changed
Aeroplanes everywhere and the film said it all thank BoB day 2020
Seen the film many times, heard this music score, its brilliant to see the people play, enjoyed it very much great.
never forget what these guys did
Thanks Robiddybob29...I appreciate the information. I was in England many years ago and a highlight was a visit to the RAF and Battle of Britain Museums. Amazing. Once we're "through this virus mess," if you're visiting Ontario, Canada, do go to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum at Mt. Hope airport near Hamilton, Ontario. See the Lancaster, Avenger and many more great vintage aircraft. You can book a ride in many of the planes. Have a look at their great web site.
Thanks for the pointer. I’m going to take advantage of going to that museum when I’m there in Canada. Many thanks
I was there a few days ago. It's a fabulous museum. Rides however can be quite expensive !
Daga Daga Daga - don't fly straight and level in the combat zone.
Spring Chicken to ShiteHawk in one easy lesson! :)
Chuffing marvellous! Thank you.
For me the best films about the World War Two are: The Battle of Britain, Tora Tora Tora, Patton , Das Boot and Der Untergang and its soundtracks are magnificent.
You forgot A bridge too far.
"TAKKA TAKKA TAKKA TAKKA TAKKA!!"
Simply spine tingling stunning
Member of the best club in the world.
Put that cigarette out , cant you smell gas ?.....Don't you yell at me Mr Warwick.
is everything up?? the lot sir reserves??? none sir that's what i've just just told the prime minister
"Winston would pick a day like today to come"
Just before the climactic air battle scene in the movie 'The Battle of Britain' , two you pilots arrive at the air field just as there is a squadron scramble . Another more experienced pilot asks the two ,' how many hours in spits '? 9 and 12 comes the answer. 'Well, just stick to me like glue'. And off they go. One of the pair doesn't make it back from combat .
Where are you red 2, I can hardly see you.
You're right. Prices for rides at CWH are expensive but when you consider the operating costs of the planes, etc. I can understand it.
It gets dark pretty quickly! epic song, "come in Blue 2?"
Proud of all the gallant Poles who braved the prejudice of the RAF to get the chance to get back at the Nazis.
303 Squadron especially!
Polska Forver! 🇵🇱🇬🇧👏🤟😆😆😆
And a toast to all those who decided to make the UK their home after the conflict. 🙂
Highest scoring Squadron in the BoB
@@richardhoffmann179Under the command of Johnny Kent a Canadian from Winnipeg.
Great battie of Britain theme,,,
After the intro, close your eyes and imagine a serial killer in your bedroom...this is the soundtrack to your doom.
just don't stand there ----GET ONE UP!!!!!!!
"It's a squadron scramble sir???" "Don't bet wet we've only just come down, get me the duty controller" boom! Out the door he goes.
A abertura e vários temas desse filme,foram utilizados na Radionovela ALFA 2016 e Teatro De Mistério e Teatro De Terror,ambos de Hélio Do Soveral,na Rádio Nacional RJ... 18/07/2020
My understanding is tha Sir Larry insisted the Walton's work be included 'or else !' He was right if course ! As incredible as Goodwin's soundtrack is for the film it's also right that Walton's highly evocative, stirring and emotionally moving score us included also ! I think an short 20 mins "epilogue' should have be included on its original theatrical showing in cinemas ! Now we can include it, or not our selves of course. Would be wonderful if Cinenas now could be encouraged to reshow Classic Movies such as the Battle of Britain including enhanced sound reproduction , Dolby Atmos surround etc ! If I had my own Cinema It would have an interesting resume of work for 'all' ages and discerning movie / music lovers !
Olivier and Walton were old friends since Walton scored Olivier’s films Henry V and Richard III, Olivier said he would walk away if his friend’s music was not part of the film.
Film music which mostly never was. It occurs to me that the music budget for this film must have been blown out the water - Walton had already finished writing the score when he read in the paper that it wasn't going to be used ( apart from the Battle in The Air sequence). As someone else has commented Ron Goodwin's replacement score written at short notice made it a very different film.
The DVD I have of the film has an alternative version with the Walton music.
So does mine. Not a patch on Ron Grainer though. Ironic that a Brit could write a more authentic German march than the Germans could ....
@@shanewaterman4125 The Walton score was vastly superior. He's a proper composer.
Great battie of Britain
he------ just blew up!!
"You saw Canfield go down????" Q sad doggy.
there's one on on your tail Andy!! Bail out Andy !! get out!!
JUMP!
Dont fly straight Simon...... daka daka daka daka
if there is one thing we have learned it is that Hitler's gaurrentes guarrentee nothing.
"All those yrs in England seem to have left you none the wiser! We're not easily frightened besides we know how hard it is for an army to cross the channel the last little corporal to try it became a cropper! So don't dictate to us until your marching up white hall and even then we won't listen!
Wow
Today is Battle of Britain Day, 2022. I’m walking the streets of London, very grateful there are Union Jacks down The Mall instead of swastikas and goose-stepping Wehrmacht…..
They would never have been able to successfully invade Britain. A war game was held in the 70's and the Wehrmacht lost very badly with horrendous casualties.
@@richardhoffmann179….I’m aware. I’m expressing I felt on that particular day.
"Come in, blue two."
Here we go stick to me like glue
Chocks away!!!!
🇬🇧🇫🇷🇭🇲🇮🇪🇭🇷🇳🇿🇵🇱🇿🇦🇺🇸🇨🇿🇦🇱🇨🇦
Hurricane, Spitfire, Defiant, Blenheim, Wellington, Hampden, Whitley.
You're missing the Canadian flag. But thank you for acknowledging those nations that participated.
Mates, thanks for recognising the Aussie contribution........
Defiants DID NOT take part in the Battle of Britain - they were the most useless kite ever
@@harrybeau1712
Ffs...
Google... "Defiants in the Battle of Britain".
Come in Red Two .........
Music copyright in theory means that this music is claimed by some Brazilian arm of Sony who bought mgm and then sold mgm to Amazon? My father uploaded his first YT video of some outdoor event, had this music live in the background, his entire video was instantly claimed.why there isn’t a revenue split based on time the audio is in the video is crazy? Nearly all public events and outdoor video is getting entirely claimed by these corporations like they own our public events / environments and all video uploaded with even the faintest of BG musical audio.
It is a superb piece of work but didn't work as a film score. Enter Ron Goodwin, brought in by the movie producers and you have a musical score which worked with the movie action in a way which has never been equaled.
Ron Goodwin's varied film scores have been issued on an excellent CD. He had an ability to
complete commissions in a prompt reliable fashion, surely a great incentive to employ his
talents for any producer whose money is bank-rolling hugely expensive film costs.
Come in blue 2
“Right red section here we go…..”
Who are those french horn player?
I recognise a cellist. Ben is that you?
Never heard the main theme.
¿How can you quit cold Turkish turkies?
Put it on 1.25 playback speed, thank me later.
Very good.
Aber meine Herren ich war Jagdflieger! Aber ich war kein Feigling!
Beethoven would have unleashed all the bees on one violin string?
Spring chicken to shitehawk in one easy lesson.... dakka dakka dakka
Let’s not forget. We stood alone and beat the shit out the superior German air machine. Alone? Without the yanks, who only entered the war, when they got there ass kicked at Pearl Harbour. I’m so proud to be British. Without the sacrifice of the many brave men and women who gave their lives to the rest of Europe could be free, and not speaking German? Pity, France and the rest of them forget this fact
Thanks for holdin the fort until we could do some ass kickin of our own m8.
Tomato 🍅 Heinz Aller!
There is an error in the roll call of pilots at the end of the film. It lists one Israeli, which is nonsense. He was of course Palestinian. This, the film makers must have thought, would be incomprehensible to people who have no knowledge of the history.
A Jewish Palestinian
@@richardhoffmann179 Correct. The people now called 'the Palestinians' never admit there were Jewish and Arab Palestinians during the Mandate.
The film itself was average at best apart from the aerial scenes and, obviously, the music from Walton and Goodwin.
Americans say they won the war single handedly. Everyone else says otherwise
Steer 2-3-0
Repeat please
Without the Yanks you'd be saluting swastikas in Whitehall. Just saying.
@@smithwesson7765 mate, bullshite to that..... the Seppos only joined in when they were attacked by the Japanese in Hawaii.... please check out the support Germany had with the Bund in the US beforehand. They were only looking after their own interests like they have always done. Don’t forget it was the Aussies who were the first to stop the Germans (Afrika Korp and Erwin Rommel) in North Africa.....just saying...
@@smithwesson7765the Wehrmacht would never have successfully invaded
This has got to be some of the best movie music ever composed
We fully agree.
Only half of it!
The last half of this piece was rejected. From 6:05 and to the end, was not in the movie!!
Ron Goodwin made almost all of the music for the movie. Not William Walton.
On DVD you can choose to watch the whole movie with the William Walton soundtrack in full!
Together with Lawrence of Arabia, Dambusters, Born on the fourth of July and plenty more.
@@hotel3667 Wrong! All of Walton's score, with the sole exception of "Battle in the Air", which Malcolm Arnold conducted, was thrown out. "Battle in the Air" survived because Sir Lawrence Olivier informed the producers that he would have his name removed from the film credits if that cue was not retained. Later on, however, parts of the rejected Walton score were re-inserted for the film's re-release and the DVD as well.
No piece of music better conjures up a gaping endless sky and the pure terror and fear of aerial battle than this. The sense the apprehension and the confusion in the music is tangible, the immediacy of decision and instinct; the determination of faith the sheer gallant bravery of barely experienced young men on the edge of panic as they did their duty. So many young men - barely into manhood - experienced the absolute terror and the elation of battle thousands feet in the air with their survival being down to no more than sheer guts and a reliance on their machines. So thank God we had the Spitfire and the Hurricane, not to mention the Lancaster and others powered by the cutting edge of technology of the time, the Rolls Royce Merlin; and thank God too for the survival of the few, with never ending gratitude especially to those heroes who didn't make it!
Well Said!!!!! Well Said!!!!
Brave Knights of the air defending the realm.
And how those who survived their first sorties quickly became veterans. “How many hours on Spit? …stick to me like glue.”
A superb crit of a superb piece of music accompanying a superb pice of cinema. One of my favourite pieces of film: incredibly moving and you are right, it conjures up all the jeapardy those young chaps faced to retain our freedom. Never forget what they did for us.
I can see the Spitfires, 109s , Heinkels, Larry Oliver and Christopher Plummer in my minds eye...just an outstanding film...
GOERING: If we lose now, we deserve to have our arses kicked out!
@@Mdebacle pilot tell s we need spitfire sq gorring form film
We either stand down or blow up
"Never was so much owed by so many to so few" 🇬🇧
10 july to 31 october 1940 battle of britain
Never in the field of human conflict, was so much owed by so many, to so few. Winston Churchill.
Battle of Britain, a war film that acknowledges the enemy making a strategic mistake, allowing a victory. Love this film.
Its how wars are won.......
Just one more day, and it is said the Germans would have won the Battle.
@@noelhall945 Definitely not-they were losing all the way through. No fighter airfield, radar station, aircraft factory or training establishment was seriously disrupted by anything the Luftwaffe did. It's a feature film, not history.
Check out Quora for the real history of the battle. The Luftwaffe wanted to hit London on day one, but were prevented.
Any one else playing the film in there heads as they are listening to the music?
brian wheway ..I am, and remembering watching this wonderful film at my local cinema in London...Many, many years ago.
Just before this starts:
'Is everything up?'
'The lot, sir.'
'Reserves?'
'None.'
'That's what I've just told the prime minister.'
Yep I can see all the parts. Planes blowing up, parachutes not opening and of course the bomber crashing into the see at the end.
GOERING: If we lose now, we deserve to have our arses kicked out!
Repeat please :D
We will remember these young men from all corners of the world.
Cheers all you aircrew and everybody who took part 🇬🇧🇬🇧👌👌proud to be British 🏴🏴🏴 .
British
🏴 British? Is that not the English flag?
A lot of truly great heroes at that time who did no less than save the whole free world.
Jimmy Gentile The war wasnt only about abolishing fascism, but to conquer sales markets. We could have, if we had intended so, prevented this war from breaking out without doing one shot, but we didn't want to." - Winston Churchill to Truman (Fultun, USA March 1946)
So our contemporary politicians can give it all back in the name of diversity.
Nonsense
(to dernbuy I mean)
James Brock look it up. Churchill said it
Beautiful piece! Definitely did a wonderful job of helping one to feel the tension of aerial combat. Bravo!
Twister051 ...Correct my friend. In every particular.
I think the ultimate compliment to this music would be that every single allied pilot who fought in the Battle of Britain, those who survived and those who died, undoubtedly feels this music accurately portrays the hope, the fear and the joy they felt in giving their all to serve their fellow man.
It's been almost 79 years now, may you all rest in peace....
For those who prefer the Walton Score to the Goodwin, the deluxe edition of the DVD has the option of choosing which score you get whilst watching the movie. A good excuse to watch it twice
Thank you for posting this info. I didn't know before. Will get the DVD right away.
I love the Walton Score but within the context of the movie Goodwin works better. We have room for both Britain at its best.
Who needs an excuse to watch it twice?
The whole movie is Magnificent, but the Battle in the Air segment goes way beyond that!!!
In the very early 1960s, I used to buy and collect movie soundtracks on vinyl records. The Battle of Britain was among my favorites! I had so many records, that I probably wore out quite a few needles! But composers in those days were far more imaginative and if I may say so, more superior than today's! For every epic film in those old days, there were many composers that were very good and whose music is unforgettable! I'm 70 years old at this writing and many movie soundtracks themes are ingrained in my brain's memory banks! I hope I never contract Alzheimer's disease because if that happens, all that beautiful music will be lost forever!
Who said Walton couldn't write a decent tune ? This is top drawer stuff from perhaps Britains finest 20th century composer. Highly evocative, wonderfully orchestrated & very storing. What's not to like ? !
@Paul Putnam Who suggested Wa;ton was tuneless? Anyone who enjoys the Spitfire Prelude and Fugue, or Crown Imperial, has all the evidence needed to refute that.
Honestly, before coming here by curiosity, I didn't even know the existence of William Walton. And, sincerely, if this piece is an example of what he did, I've got a good reason to listen to his other works.
Great Britain always had great musicians, and I assume it's a sure bet to say that William Walton is one of them.
Another great Walton piece of music is the charge of the French knights from the Olivier film Henry the Fifth.
@@OlivierGabin Check his 1st Symphony. A monumental work that stands as one of the great symphonies. Brydon Thomsons reading is on RUclips & is considered one of the best.
Red three this is red one. Much closer I can't hardly see you
Red two you must keep up with me
Right Red section here we go stick to me like glue
Walton or Goodwin? Which is the best score. Answer: Neither. They complement each other. Mind you, how Goodwin could come up with these masterpieces at such a short notice is beyond me. Walton makes the film grand, dangerous and important. Goodwin makes it thrilling, fun... and German!
Basically, the choice of the music for the film was made by its producer (the money!). Both composers
were brilliant at their craft and Goodwin was to write the famous theme for "Where Eagles Dare"....one
of the very best of its kind.
@@songsmith31a Well, then, the producers were complete idiots when it came to replacing most of Walton's score with Goodwin's music. When Sir Laurence Olivier threatened to have his name removed from the credits, he producers relented and retained Walton's "Battle in the Air", which was conducted by Malcolm Arnold. However, Walton's complete score, later restored for the DVD release, is a fine one -- worthy of reassesment.
Did I hear that beautiful sound of Merlin's thrusting those Spitfires high in the sky with those brave pilots in control keeping our land safe again...……..
Goose bumps, its like being back in the cinema in 1970 watching this with my dad for the first time.
When listening to this I practically watch the movie in my head. Especially 00:01 - 05:56
I've just done exactly that!
Where are you red 2, I can hardly see you
A fabulous piece of music.
Walton's superb music for the Battle in the Air is one of the greatest of all in sound films.
There's a bravura concert performance of his "Spitfire Prelude and Fugue" by the National Philharmonic
Orchestra of Russia conducted by Alexander Humala to be found elsewhere on RUclips. Check it out..
A ballet of death, with no less than free men's destiny at stake.
Battle of Britain...British, Canadian, Polish, Australian, French and even some American pilots saved Britain. My apologies if I've forgotten any.
I am glad you mentioned the Polish pilots they really DID hate the Germans, you forgot Indian pilots ( part of the British commonwealth )
Don't forget the Czech's, Belgians, New Zealanders, Rhodesians, Irish, South Africans.
South African pilots - in particular Sailor Malan who changed RAF tactics after his experience in France before BOB
Only 7 Americans and 1 of them died
Rob Tro - You did forget the South Africans who produced some real, great heroes such as Sailor Malan & Marmaduke Pattle plus others;, those who gave the enemy a really good kick up the pants over England & elsewhere.
ALFRED ( who knew Gerry Stapleton - just a little but enough to be impressed).
Walton was able to capture the dramatic essence of the films he wrote his music for. There are many stunning examples. I'm just delighted there are so many examples on RUclips.
As the commentary said, Walton's score was dropped for the film, and only the first bit of the suite called "Battle in the Air" (I think) was used as accompaniment to the fiercest battle scene, depicting the climax of the Battle of Britain on 15th September. This was explained (deplored) years ago in a television programme about film music made with André Previn when he was based in London (70s?). So you will listen in vain for most of this if you watch the motion pic.
The producers own fault, really. I'm sure they wanted something much more 633 Squadron but chose a Tchaikovsky rather than a John Williams.
EH??? Ron Goodwins music is way better than William Waltons!!!!!
I think there's no lack of clever descriptive film music writing in Ron Goodwin's score. The producer
made a commercial decision, no more, no less. I accept Previn's own film contributions from his
Hollywood days but it's all subjective and there's also a certain aspect of arty-farty snobbery to be
found. I recall Previn's own mean words about popular MGM singer Kathryn Grayson in his
autobiography and wondered then (and now) about their motivation, not least because she always
pleased in her various film role performances for that famous studio..
Visited the RAF and Battle of Britain museum during my holiday in England. Do go see both. Fantastic.
"Blue 2? Come in, Blue 2!"
"Rabbit Leader to Rabbits"
Red leader standing by
Wrong film
@@PapaMav rabbit leader, top hat control, bandits at angels 15
@@jameswroe2403 Roger Turkey Control
What is it, that I listen to this piece of music and am transported to all the tension and drama of an air battle over the skys of Southern England in 1941?
Fantastic