Film No. 76. THE SHAMROCK SPITFIRE (Palace Aust. British Film Festival) (2024). 14th Nov.

 

Film No. 76 (2024) November 14th.  4:00 PM  LUNA CINEMA, Cinema 1,  Windsor, Nedlands.

"It's no use being a skilful pilot if you are not a successful fighter!" (Paddy addresses his Australian command as he sets his leadership standards).

 WINNER: Best Narrative Feature (Dominic Higgins) Chicago Indie Film Awards.

If the first words that come to mind after viewing a film are, "when Mills and Boon meet Reader's Digest"  is that necessarily a slight on that film? Usually, but in this case, no!

The story of an Irish patriot becoming a squadron leader of note in the RAF's war effort, as Hitler pressed for air supremacy in 1940/41 is a story worth telling. Brothers Dominic and Ian Higgins have created a unique Boys Own style of bringing the heroics of Brendan "Paddy" Finucane to life in, THE SHAMROCK SPITFIRE. An Irishman, the youngest ever (21YO), to rise to the rank of Wing Commander, leading Squadron 452 (mainly Australians) into Battle of Britain mayhem, is a story worth telling. I'm not sure the lightness of style works here.  

TSS was made to a strict budget. It is light and fluffy. Fliers of the time would be rolling in their graves no doubt at such a depiction. But the view the Higgin's have decided to present is unique; highly unique. It didn't suit my tastes! 5 GUMS.