Battle of Britain is a 1969 British war film directed by Guy Hamilton. The film depicts the events of the summer and autumn of 1940, when a young Royal Air Force fought against the German Luftwaffe in order to gain control of the skies over Britain. The film features a star-studded cast, including Michael Caine, Trevor Howard, Christopher Plummer, and Laurence Olivier.
The film begins with Nazi Germany's strategy to invade Britain, aka Operation Sea Lion, which requires the Luftwaffe to gain air superiority. The Luftwaffe launches a massive aerial assault against the RAF, hoping to cripple their air power. The British develop tactics to offset numerical inferiority, such as flying in formations known as "Finger Four." and using radar to track and intercept incoming enemy planes. The film also depicts the efforts of ground support crews to repair and keep the planes airworthy.
As the battle rages on, the Luftwaffe and the RAF both suffer heavy losses. The British people unite to support their pilots, who become known as "The Few." Finally, the RAF emerges victorious, forcing Hitler to call off the invasion of Britain.
The movie not only depicts the air battle itself but also shows the human side of the conflict as it depicts the experiences of the pilots whose bravery and sacrifice ultimately turned the tide of the war. The film was praised for its realistic depiction of the battle, utilizing authentic World War II aircraft. It also highlighted the role of the British people and their unity in facing the Nazi threat.