Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines is a British comedy film released in 1965, directed by Ken Annakin and starring an ensemble cast of British and international actors. The film is set in 1910 and tells the story of a group of eccentric aviators from around the world who compete in a race from London to Paris.
The film was a major production, with a budget of over $6 million, and featured a large cast of over 60 speaking roles. It was shot on location in England, France, and Germany, and featured a wide variety of aircraft, including replicas of early biplanes and monoplanes.
Despite the challenges of filming such a large-scale production, Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its humor, its impressive aerial sequences, and its nostalgic evocation of the early days of aviation.
The film was also notable for its pioneering use of “computer animation” (a term that was not yet in use at the time), which was used to create the opening credits sequence and several other visual effects shots.
The making of the film was not without its challenges, however. The production suffered several setbacks, including a near-fatal accident involving one of the aircraft, and a dispute with the French government over the use of military airspace.
Despite these challenges, Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines remains a beloved classic of British cinema, and its depiction of the early days of aviation continues to inspire and entertain audiences today.