Main content
This programme is not currently available on BBC iPlayer

The First of the Few

Biopic that chronicles the true story of how two of the most remarkable men in aviation history - visionary Spitfire designer RJ Mitchell and his test pilot Geoffrey Crisp - designed a streamlined monoplane that led to the development of the Spitfire.

1 hour, 54 minutes

Last on

Thu 31 Mar 201613:45
BBC Two

Credits

RJ MitchellLeslie Howard
Geoffrey CrispDavid Niven
Diana MitchellRosamund John
Commander BrideRoland Culver
Miss HarperAnnie Firth
Mr HigginsDavid Horne
Sir Robert McLeanJH Roberts
Squadron Leader JeffersonDerrick de Marney
Mabel LovesayRosalyn Boulter
MacPhersonHerbert Cameron
Lady Lucy HoustonToni Edgar-Bruce
Major BuchanGordon McLeod
Mr Henry RoyceGeorge Skillan
Willy MesserschmittErik Freund
Von StrabenFritz Wendhausen
KrantzJohn Chandos
Von CrantzVictor Beaumont
DirectorLeslie Howard
ProducerGeorge King
WriterMiles Malleson
WriterAnatole De Grunwald

Broadcasts

  • Sat 5 Jul 200822:35
    BBC Four
  • Fri 13 Mar 200913:00
    BBC Two except Yorkshire
  • Sun 12 Sep 201011:30
    BBC Two except Wales (Analogue) & Yorkshire
  • Sat 22 Oct 201113:50
    BBC Two Northern Ireland, Wales & England only
  • Thu 31 May 201211:35
    BBC Two Wales, England & Northern Ireland only
  • Sat 13 Apr 201307:05
    BBC Two except Wales (Analogue) & Yorkshire
  • Tue 27 Aug 201313:30
    BBC Two except Wales (Analogue) & Yorkshire
  • Sat 16 Aug 201413:50
    BBC Two except Wales (Analogue) & Yorkshire
  • Fri 8 May 201506:20
    BBC Two Northern Ireland, England & HD only
  • Thu 31 Mar 201613:45
    BBC Two except Wales (Analogue) & Yorkshire

Related Links