Film Number

2647

Title

THE FIRST ACROSS. ALCOCK AND BROWN

Producer

BBC North

Date

1969

Gauge

16mm

Colour

b/w

Sound

sound

Running Time

29 mins 19 secs

Description

Film about aviation pioneers Alcock and Brown, who were the first men to fly uninterrupted across the Atlantic. Traces their early careers and interest in aviation. Both lived in Manchester whilst young. Their homes in Old Trafford, Chorlton and Fallowfield are featured, as is Manchester Central High School and Manchester Technical Institute. St Annes, where Alcock went to school is also featured. The film features Archive footage of early aviation, World War 1 and Alcock and Brown in a variety of locations. There is a reconstruction of the first uninterrupted Atlantic crossing from Newfoundland to Clifden in Ireland which took place between 14 -17 June 1919. One of the men who first reached the 'plane on landing is interviewed as is Alcock's brother Eddie. The Science Museum in London - which houses the plane - is seen as is the Savoy Hotel in London, where a celebration lunch was held. The film also deals with Alcock and Browns lives following their Atlantic crossing. Commentary is provided by newscaster Richard Baker.