"Whittle – The Jet Pioneer" DVD

As nobody else has offered a review I’ll put my two pennuth in.

I bought my copy on DVD from Nicholas Jones at the unveiling of Jet Age’s superb Gloster E28/39 replica last June.

Documentary made by Quanta, written and directed by Nicholas Jones, produced by Glynn Jones and Nicholas Jones. The documentary runs for approximately 70mins.

Narrated by Dave Austin there are many clips from a filmed interview of Sir Frank done about 1989/90 which was, I think, televised on one occasion.. There are also interview pieces by Hans von Ohain, Eric Brown and Sir Frank’s son Ian.

It is the story of Sir Frank and runs in chronological order with old still photos, old film and modern film. Intending, I guess, to be THE film about Sir Frank I think it has fallen into the trap of using film of ‘now’ (ie RAF DH.125s at Cranwell, film of Rugby with today’s railway trains, people in punts at Cambridge University) that, in 10 years time, will make the work look dated. The other ‘grumble’ is use of photos/film ahead of the story line so that, for example, when talking about the first engine you are looking at later ones. This is understandable (and probably unavoidable) due to the lack of photos of the first engine unit.

Modern film that will not date is used of currently preserved aeroplanes and engines taken at Hendon, Cosford, S. Kensington and Duxford – occasionally injecting some colour into the period historic filmstock.

It is sympathetic to Sir Frank and gives, understandably, his view of the contentious issues – such as the relationship with Rover. However the German development work is acknowledged and given, I think, a fair airing.

On a personal note I was delighted to see film of the placque that I designed, got made and screwed to the wall of his birthplace (in 1982?) and I have yet to slow the film through the memorial service at Westminster Abbey to see if I can spot myself (bragging over 🙂 ).

I paid the DVD price (£17.99) so go on spend a fiver on the download, I don’t think you’ll be dissappointed.

Roger Smith.

I heard that the Germans did one first but it was unreliable – but the DVD is a British production and the Americans took the credit – further a copy was sent to Russia who copied it and marketed their own version….;)

TT

I like this cartoon.