On filming Empire of the Sun - by Mark Hanna

[JDK]

Some time ago there was a discussion (here: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=42059&start=30 ) that touched on aspects of the filming of the Mustang sequences in Empire of the Sun. Some time ago, I dug out the article by Mark Hanna from Warbirds Worldwide Journal No.2, back in 1987, and with kind permission recently given by Sarah Hanna at the Old Flying Machine Company, I've reproduced it, and the pictures, in its entirety, on my blog.



It's an interesting article, and worth, I'd suggest, grabbing a tea, cocktail or brew according to preference, and sitting back for a read of the way things were...

"...Next was my turn. G-PSID – Tugboat - has an electric bomb release which pickles both bombs simultaneously. Being an Air Defence pilot with no bomb dropping experience since my 1980 Hunter Weapons Unit course, I thought I had better try what I know and set up an academic 10° dive attack As the target disappeared under the nose I pickled, paused and pulled and got a couple of 100 yard short bombs - considerably better than my aimed averages on the Hunter back in 1980 I might add! The next trial was Ray’s remaining bomb. This, we had decided, would be from a level skip-bomb attack. with the release height being 25 to 30 feet, a-la-Venom Pilot Attack Instructors Course of 1956 I believe. The result was a bomb skipping once, bouncing to about 10 feet and then straight through the target. Having explained to the film people that skip-bombing was an approved World War II tactic they eagerly took up the suggestion that we could place bombs right through the front doors of any target they chose - with the mock Japanese hangars being the preferred targets!"

Read the whole article here: http://vintageaeroplanewriter.blogspot. ... f-sun.html



Regards,

[Speedy]

P-51 Mustang...Cadillac of the Skies!

One of my favorite flying scenes...heck, one of the best MOVIE scenes of all time. Not ashamed to say it brings tears to my eyes every time to see Jim's reaction.

Thanks for posting that.

[Mike]

................it brings tears to my eyes every time to see Jim's reaction.

and whovever thought he'd one day become Batman!

A great movie. Sad to think that all 3 of the pilots (Ray, Mark and Hoof) and 2 of the 3 Mustangs (G-PSID/'Tugboat' and G-HAEC/'Missy Wong from Hong Kong') are no longer with us.

I can well remember modifying the paint scheme on the nose of 'Tugboat' as we swapped cowlings around between aircraft after they got back from Spain after the filming (a story for another day)

[JDK]

Glad it was of interest, Speedy. Feedback, comment and any corrections welcome.

But Mike, Batman's not real... Saying that, I don't think I've ever actually watched Empire of the Sun! I've always found the behind the scenes stuff on aviation films far more interesting than the final product. Guess that's just me.

Anyway, I've added an appreciation of Mark Hanna, the writer, here: http://vintageaeroplanewriter.blogspot. ... -1999.html

There's also a discussion, with background on the Mustangs and some other stuff of interest on the Key forum from 2007 here: http://forum.keypublishing.com/showthread.php?t=67641

Regards,

[Forgotten Field]

A younger Spielberg at his best. One of my favorite scenes, the Japanese singing, and the wonderful Welsh lullaby "Suo Gan," are very moving:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tztl6ZEjrw4

[APG85]

Great movie!

[Django]

Thanks for sharing James.

Man, those Mustangs look good in 23rd FG markings.

Here's the scene...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ouJ_WyS9v8