Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines
| Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines -or How I Flew from London to Paris in 25 Hours and 11 Minutes | |
|---|---|
| Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Ken Annakin | 
| Written by | Ken Annakin Jack Davies | 
| Produced by | Stan Margulies | 
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Christopher Challis | 
| Edited by | Gordon Stone Anne V. Coates | 
| Music by | Ron Goodwin | 
| Production company | |
| Distributed by | 20th Century Fox | 
| Release date | 
 | 
| Running time | 138 minutes | 
| Country | United Kingdom | 
| Languages | English Italian German French | 
| Budget | $6.5 million | 
| Box office | $31 million | 
Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines or How I Flew from London to Paris in 25 Hours and 11 Minutes is a 1965 British epic period comedy film that satirises the early years of aviation. Directed and co-written by Ken Annakin, the film stars an international ensemble cast, including Stuart Whitman, Sarah Miles, Robert Morley, Terry-Thomas, James Fox, Red Skelton, Benny Hill, Jean-Pierre Cassel, Gert Fröbe, and Alberto Sordi.
Set in the year 1910, the film follows a fictitious air race from London to Paris, with a £10,000 (equivalent to £1,300,000 in 2023) prize, intended to prove that Britain is "number one in the air". The film is noted for its spectacular flying scenes, featuring dozens of period-accurate, life-sized working aeroplanes. It was shot in 65 mm Todd-AO by cinematographer Christopher Challis, and features a film score composed by Ron Goodwin.
Released in the United Kingdom by 20th Century Fox on 16 June 1965, the film was both a widespread critical and commercial success. It was nominated for three BAFTA Awards, winning for Best British Costume Design – Colour, as well as an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. The film also received three Golden Globe Award nominations, including for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.