First of the Few, The

Date: 1942
Director: Leslie Howard
Production Company: British Aviation Pictures

Stars: Leslie Howard, David Niven
Location(s): Cornwall, Hampshire

Region(s): ,

Storyline:

An aircraft designer feels he has achieved all he wants with his revolutionary mono-planes but a holiday in Germany shortly after Hitler assumes power convinces him that it is vital to design a completely new type of fighter plane.

Additional Information:

Screen captures uploaded by Phil Wilkinson from source material provided by John Tunstill

Also known as ‘Spitfire’ (US Title)

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We are aware that there are films on the site that were added when the criteria for the inclusion of locations was very different from today and, as a result, there may be scenes missing from some productions. Please do not forward additional screen captures to us but bring the detail to our attention, for we do, and are, 're-addressing' these older entries as time allows.

  • Capture 1
  • 'Now' required

A Squadron Leader (Peter Howard-Williams) at the fictional Seafield airfield. RAF Ibsley, north of Christchurch in Hampshire. Information from the South-Central-Media website.

  • Capture 2
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Squadron Leader Geoffrey Crisp (David Niven) speaks with an injured Pilot Officer (T.W. Gillen). No scenery, just a shot to show one of the stars.

  • Capture 3
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In flashback to the 1920's, Geoffrey Crisp arrives at the home of R.J. Mitchell (Leslie Howard) and his wife Diana (Rosamund John). An obvious matted studio set which, judging by the house and echo from the actors voices, went on to be used in The Woodentops!

  • Capture 4
  • 08 Jan 2026

And finally, a stock or second unit shot of the Houses of Parliament.

Neil Kenny returned to Albert Embankment and couldn't quite get the original angle so settled for this view encompassing the whole vista.