Making the movie "Memphis Belle" ~ 1989

[Randy Haskin]

The fake tower looks like Duxford's.

[JDK]

The fake tower looks like Duxford's.

Funny that! DX has a 'new' glasshouse on the top, but otherwise, it's a standard model.

Which of the B-17s in the photo aren't real?

I think just two.
Top one on the left face the camera head on?
Right side top one rear left 3/4 view?
Jerry

PS: Is his Jeep still in the film markings?

Note to self - don't ask questions when you don't know the answers...

There's a similar but different photo in the AtB feature showing a couple of the 'flats' in the background - I think you are right, but it's an unfair Q.

Jeep - dunno. That's from the AtB feature.

Cheers,

PS: Is his Jeep still in the film markings?

It was in a variation of the same markings in 1996 at Bury St Edmunds when I photographed it.

[JDK]

Just dug out my files. Here's a selection of memorabilia I kept (we had a load more we gave away).

The unopened dogtag bag contains a set of dogtags with Memphis Belle on them. The NFT ticket was for a special screening with David Putnam and Catherine Wyler taking questions afterwards - very interesting and worthwhile.



I've got a set of MB 'wings' somewhere. Yeah, I'm a pack rat.

There was a lot more out there!

I'll scan some of my pics and some of the official stills if there's interest.

[Randy Haskin]

I think I still have one of the big movie posters and the inflatable B-17s that they gave away at the Premiere of the movie in Seattle (at the home of N17W, the MoF).

[JDK]

I think I still have one of the big movie posters and the inflatable B-17s that they gave away at the Premiere of the movie in Seattle (at the home of N17W, the MoF).

Bob Richardson, the then owner of N17W died before the film was released, but after filming, IIRC. His was of course the only genuine F in the film, the other's being retrofitted G models. IIRC, he and Tallichet flew their aircraft for the filming.

[Mike]

Bob Richardson, the then owner of N17W died before the film was released.......... IIRC, he and Tallichet flew their aircraft for the filming.

Quite correct, and I had the pleasure of flying with both of them during the filming. That was quite a summer, it's hard to believe that it was 20 years ago now.

[PeterA]

Let's hope I'm right this time.

Duxford by the look of the backdrop.

Memphis Belle filming/prep?

Peter

Image: Late Robert Rudhall collection.

[JDK]

Thanks Mike.
Wasn't Tallichet a vet with operational history?

Memphis Belle filming/prep?

Yup! Think I was there then. One of the French B-17s, Pink Lady, IIRC. There's were a few engine problems and one cowling lost in flight (and returned)!

[Speedy]

I think I still have one of the big movie posters and the inflatable B-17s that they gave away at the Premiere of the movie in Seattle (at the home of N17W, the MoF).

Hey...I have one of those too! You know, we find a couple more inflatables, and we could do a remake of the movie!

[CH2Tdriver]

Thanks for that link! It's a great site. It's sad to see so many being torn down today after all this time. I've been inside the one at the Yorkshire Air Museum back in '99.

I'd like to try and see a few more and I'll use this site as a guide for my next UK trip (hopefully) .

Pete

I couldn't find it in the Google image. Was there a WW2 Control tower still extant at the time of the movie, or was that a recreation by Hollywood?

If it was not a real tower it sure looked convincing, or I'd hate to think they demo'd a real one.

Binbrooks control tower was there during filming, it wasn't demolished until 1995, but it had been much modified from it's wartime configuration.

Linky here for info on Binbrook's tower, including a photo of the Memphis Belle film fake tower.
http://www.controltowers.co.uk/B/Binbrook.htm

[mustangdriver]

Tallichet flew B-17's in the 100th BG. I always wished I could have been there for the filming.

[F4U-7]

A little bit of useless trivia for you all....

As noted David C. Tallichet was a USAAC vet flying B-17s.
David Tallichet was a brother-in-law to William Wyler director of Ben Hur, Little Foxes, Memphis Belle, Thunderbolt, Wuthering Heights etc. etc. etc. Wyler married Tallichet's sister in 1938.
Catherine Wyler was the associate producer of the Memphis Belle remake and daughter to the illustrious Mr. Wyler.
Catherine Wyler asked her uncle to fly his B-17 over to England for the movie !!!

[Connery]

Tallichet flew B-17's in the 100th BG. I always wished I could have been there for the filming.

Same here! I was actually stationed in the UK (RAF Croughton/Upper Heyford) during the filming and they asked for enlisted troops to come out to be in the movie as the ground crews. My supervisor wouldn't let me take the time off

[Jiggersfromsphilly]

...getting back OFF TOPIC...


IMHO, Band of Brothers is the hands-down best motion picture story telling of a non-fiction book made by/for English-speaking people. No knowledge of foreign language motion pictures, so no offense meant towards those.

Having read and enjoyed the book many years ago, I appreciated the way they told the many stories from the original Band of Brothers source book in an interesting and engaging way that is also respectful and still feels "real" after many viewings. I especially enjoyed the juxtaposition of the actual veterans speaking on-camera in every episode.

Motion pictures can tell a story different than a book can and vice-versa. I thought the HBO series Band of Brothers combined the best of both...and we are richer for it.

Unfortunately Brother Ambrose took some liberties with the truth. Why let that stand in the way of a good story. The producers and directors also took liberties with some of the facts too. Its a shame as the true stories would have been so much better than the condensed or fictitious ones in the mini series.

.