Production
Authentic period aircraft were used instead of models or special effects to recreate the aerial sequences. In part, this was because 633 Squadron (No 633 Sqn) was the first film shot in colour in Panavision widescreen format, a choice that made the use of archival footage problematic.
In the novel on which the film was based, Roy Grant was British. Robertson, a US actor, was cast because he was popular internationally at the time and because an American central character improved the production's access to finance and worldwide audiences. Additionally, Robertson was an experienced pilot, owned a Supermarine Spitfire and was personally interested in making the film as an accurate portrayal of wartime flying. Although he was refused permission to fly for the purposes of the film, his scenes stand out as a realistic depiction of operational flying. When Robertson expressed reservations about the script, director Walter Mirisch engaged US scriptwriter Howard Koch, resident in London, to rewrite the film to placate him.
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—Karl Marx (1818–1883)