High Flight (1957)

At RAF Cranwell, a group of flight cadets begins their rigorous three-year training to become Royal Air Force pilots. Among them is Tony Winchester (Kenneth Haigh), who makes a bold entrance by landing his civilian aircraft—accompanied by his girlfriend—directly on the RAF runway, narrowly evading a de Havilland Vampire jet piloted by Wing Commander Rudge (Ray Milland). Winchester harbors resentment toward Rudge, as his own father, Rudge’s former commanding officer, died protecting Rudge during the Second World War. This tension fuels Winchester’s rebellious attitude and influences his strained relationships with both Rudge and his fellow cadets. Other cadets, such as the inventive Roger Endicott (Anthony Newley), add levity and complications, particularly when Endicott’s radio-controlled flying saucer crashes into a tea party hosted by a bishop (Ian Fleming). Winchester’s disregard for teamwork nearly costs him his life after he disobeys orders and flies into a storm. Rudge, recalling his own decisive involvement in Winchester’s father’s fate, gives the young man a second chance, assigning him to the precision aerial team bound for the Farnborough Airshow. Deployed temporarily to a forward base in West Germany, Winchester risks crossing into hostile territory near the East German border and is nearly shot down. Rudge ultimately rescues the wounded cadet, bringing him to a crash landing at their home base. Through these trials, Winchester learns the value of teamwork and finally understands his role in the RAF. Cast: - Ray Milland as Wing Commander Granite Rudge - Bernard Lee as Flight Sergeant Harris - Kenneth Haigh as Anthony "Tony" Winchester - Anthony Newley as Cadet Roger Endicott - Kenneth Fortescue as John Fletcher - Sean Kelly as Cadet Day - Helen Cherry as Louise Dawson - Leslie Phillips as Squadron Leader Blake - Duncan Lamont as Weapons Corporal - Kynaston Reeves as Air Minister - John Le Mesurier as Commandant - Jan Brooks as Diana - Frank Atkinson as Parker - Ian Fleming as Bishop - Nancy Nevinson as Bishop's Wife - Grace Arnold as Commandant's Wife - Hal Osmond as Barman - Bernard Horsfall (film debut) as Radar Operator Runtime: 89 minutes.