They Flew Alone

'Star, News, Standard! Late night final! Star, News, Standard...'

This is Pauline Gower speaking, women's section of the ATA.

Put me through to the taxi pilot in charge of Anson N4469.

Oh, hello. Is that Mrs Crosbie?

I'm afraid things seem pretty bad.

She must have run out of petrol by now.

Unless she's made a forced landing, there can't be much hope.

ENGINE JUDDERS

ENGINE CUTS OUT

Mrs Johnson, your daughter must wear the hat. It's part of the uniform.

I'm quite sure she'll benefit by the school curriculum as all our pupils have done.

We move with the times.

In spite of that, my girls learn to be modest and self-effacing

and above all that a woman's place is the home,

and always to be like the others.

Now, Amy, put it on.

-Amy, love, put it on, do.

-Amy!

HEADMISTRESS: Very nice. Now, Amy, go to your classroom.

The trouble with Amy is that she's original to a fault,

but that can be dealt with.

-Good morning, Miss Brand.

-Come to my room.

How often have I told you you must be like the others?

I am like the others, Miss Brand.

What is the meaning of this?

-If the others are like me.

-Amy Johnson, this is rebellion.

-Straw hats are old-fashioned and useless.

-But it's the right thing.

How can you hope to succeed in anything if you flout convention?

Vice Chancellor, I present to you Miss Amy Johnson,

-whom I certify as worthy to receive the degree of Bachelor of Arts of this university.

-Congratulations.

-And ad valorem duty would be payable on the apportion consideration for the sale of the book debts.

-Yes.

This analysis of yours is a really fine job.

The detail in it might have puzzled many a trained man.

Thank you very much.

-Have you ever thought of becoming a solicitor?

-No, I can't say I have.

-Shall I speak to your father about it?

-Well, I don't know what to say.

-I don't think I know what I want.

-It's bad.

-I've been a worry to them at home with my restlessness.

University seemed to lead nowhere,

nor the business college, nor the drapery.

This WOULD lead somewhere.

-I wonder.

-Think it over.

-I'm going to have lunch. Back at 2.30.

-Thanks very much.

PIANO PLAYS

-Girlie!

-Hello, Mother.

-Now, get your things off and I'll have Kitty make you a cup of tea.

-Not just yet.

-Just go on playing.

-You look tired and worried. Anything the matter?

-No.

-You're not ill?

-No.

Nothing wrong at the office?

No.

-Not exactly.

-What is it, love?

Mother...I know it sounds silly, but I just can't stand four walls.

I sit and look at them and I feel all shut in and I think, "Is this going to be my horizon?"

And then I go out on the embankment...

..and the sky and the wind and the gulls...

I watch them and I envy them. There's no four walls about them.

I'm learning to fly

and while I'm up in the air,

my restlessness, it seems just to disappear.

I know now what it is I've always been seeking.

I feel so free and so happy up there above the clouds.

ENGINE REVS

-Good afternoon, sir.

-Afternoon, Redmond.

-Is that girl with the ground certificate about?

-That's her.

-Which one?

-Johnnie!

Oh, hello. Congratulations on your ground certificate.

To be the first woman to get one, that's something.

Someone had to be first.

You have your C licence for engines, your A for rigging and your pilot's licence?

-Yes.

-Pretty hard work. Do you do anything else?

-I work in an office.

-Oh, really? What do you do with your spare time?

-I spend most of it here.

In the morning, from 7 till 9.15, and after the office, I come back,

but two nights a week, I'm a typist for the British Empire Air League.

You are enthusiastic about the air!

Yes, I am. After all, it's "the uninterrupted navigable ocean

"that comes to the threshold of every man's door."

-Is that yours?

-No, it's yours.

It's out of one of your speeches.

-Yes, of course. You've got a very good memory.

-It's worth remembering.

If I can ever be of any help, Miss Johnson, let me know.

Thank you very much, sir.

It's fantastic, Amy. I shall write and tell your father my views.

-It's sheer folly.

-Why should it be folly?

Was it folly when my grandfather sailed around the Cape in a windjammer?

Or when my father left a comfortable job to join the Klondike gold rush?

Don't trouble to write to Daddy. Nobody will listen.

I know he will understand.

Fly to Australia? That's a new stunt.

-It's not a stunt. I don't want publicity.

-Why come to a newspaper office?

-I want help.

You can make whatever use of it you like,

but I want to do something for aviation.

A crusader, eh?

-It's not something to be ashamed of.

-PHONE RINGS

Hello. ..Yeah, let it go.

It's an interesting idea.

-You really think so?

-Very interesting, Miss...

-Amy Johnson.

..seeing the world at someone else's expense.

-I'm sorry I've wasted my time.

-YOUR time?

Flying to Australia!

They all tell me, Lord Wakefield, that it's not a job for a woman,

but I've had you in mind ever since you said you hope one day to see a woman win the Schneider Trophy.

-Well...

-You see, my bosses have advised me to make a decision about my future.

Whether it's to be the office or aviation.

Well, I'm quite sure you mustn't go back to that office.

Let's see. There's a second-hand Moth Hope wants to sell.

That would give you more experience in flying,

-then come back and see me again.

-Thank you very much.

-Goodbye.

-Good day, sir.

And no more about flying to Australia!

Did you say the name was Hope?

-Yes, Hope.

-Thank you.

Flying to Australia!

But, Amy, where do you get such ideas from?

It's madness.

-That's what they all say. I didn't think YOU would.

-Well, I do!

You're not going to do it.

I am going to do it, Daddy.

No matter what anybody says, not even you, I shall do it.

Amy, I believe you will.

-What did you say that fellow wanted for his plane? £600?

-But, Daddy...!

I know, I know. All right, don't fuss.

-Well, goodbye, Daddy.

-Good luck, Amy.

Miss Johnson, we've had a weather report. There's fog over the Channel.

That's all right. I don't want to see the Channel!

-Now, don't worry.

-Who said I was worried?

-You go and get some sleep.

-I'll be off home to your mother.

-Give her my love.

We need a new angle on Spain... PHONE RINGS

Hello.

Amy Johnson? Who's she?

What?! Broken the record to India? Halfway to...?

Jackson, tell young Mason I want him here at once. Bill, tell Harvey to keep the front page open.

Where's Williams?

-Hello. Send Williams to me at once!

-Who's Amy Johnson?

Who's Amy Johnson?!

-MUSIC PLAYS, PHONE RINGS

-Hello. Mother, switch that off.

Speaking, yes. Amy, that's my daughter, yes.

-She's there!

-Where?

-India.

-Wh...

-And she's broken the world record!

-I don't believe it!

And she should be in... Where did you say? She should be in Karachi tonight. Thank you. Yes.

Goodbye.

Hee-hee!

I'm going to send her a telegram. Now, then, what shall we put?

Do you remember, Dad, when she was a tiny? She wanted to go north.

She started off without telling anybody.

When she was quite tired out, a motorist picked her up and brought her home.

She said she'd do it!

She has, too, lass. How's this?

"Good luck. Doing splendidly. Keep it up. Love..." There you are.

"Mother...

"..and Daddy."

Terrific sensation, Wakefield.

The whole world watching every mile of her flight.

It isn't only because a girl is doing something extraordinarily courageous.

She's driven a coach and four, or an aeroplane, through convention.

In a few short hours, she's opened a gap in the fence that's surrounded our young women for generations.

Now others will pour through it after her.

I can't see the end of it.

What that young woman has done

is the sort of thing that goes on for ever.

WIND WHISTLES

THUNDER RUMBLES

Please, God, keep my girl safe.

-Excuse me, please. If you don't mind...

-Congratulations, Mr Johnson.

-Eh, what have

-I

-done? It's our Amy!

Stand back. This man wants to get into his own home! LAUGHTER

-It is my home and there's where I'm going to hang up my hat.

-LAUGHTER

-Dad, there's nothing for lunch. Kitty really ought to do some shopping.

-She'd never get out.

-I'd never get back.

-Order on t'phone.

-They haven't a line to spare.

-I'd give 'em line to spare.

The house is surrounded by a seething multitude.

No-one can get in or out.

What are they all doing here? Round the house, down the street.

-They want to know when she lands.

-I said I'd let them know.

-Will you go up on t'roof and shout?

-I'll fly the Australian flag from her bedroom window.

-Oh.

LOUD CHEER

-I want to finish filling in my log. Will you give me your name, please?

-Mollison, Jim.

Thank you very much.

-My, you do fly well!

-Do I?

That's something I've got to settle down to when I get home again.

-What's that?

-Learning to fly.

-Well, how did you get to Australia? Swim?

-I did crash poor Jason at Brisbane.

-You didn't have much of a chance.

-I thought there was an air pageant on.

-They were all there to see you.

That's what I discovered later.

10,000 miles alone in a Gypsy Moth.

Do you realise now that there's not a place in this world that a man - or a woman - can't fly to?

They used to talk about uncharted seas...

but now it's uncharted skies.

And somebody's got to chart them.

Oh, blimey, what a job, eh?

Oh, I'm sorry to keep chattering away.

I never tire of listening to an air enthusiast. There aren't many of us.

To be in at the beginning of all this,

every new flight a voyage of discovery.

Do...?

-I'm sorry. I didn't hear that.

-You must be dead.

-I'm not a bit tired, really.

-You've got an official reception tonight.

-Will it be very posh?

Yes, the whole of Sydney will be there. Most of Australia too, if they could.

-Will you be there?

-Well, I'd like to be.

-I hope you will be.

-It's that part of it all that's so scary.

-Could I have a dance?

-All right.

-Make it two?

Swell. Oh, good Lord, we've overshot the airfield.

We're right over the harbour!

I can assure you that all my life I shall remember the wonderful welcome Australia has given me,

although I really feel that this great honour has yet to be earned.

In return, I want to try and do something for England,

so that out of my flight to Australia, I can get the youth of our country to become air-minded.

APPLAUSE

My message to youth is to abandon the slogan "Safety first."

There are lots of things to come before safety.

Our country must come first.

We must dream great dreams and see great visions.

We've got to breed a race of airmen comparable to Drake's sea dogs,

who'll go out to the skyways of the air and help to bind still closer the British Empire.

APPLAUSE

And I want to appeal to the youth of the Empire

to join with me in furthering the great cause of aviation.

Everyone can help. I don't ask that you should all learn to fly...

LAUGHTER

..but I do ask for your enthusiasm.

ENTHUSIASTIC APPLAUSE

Our great sailors won the freedom of the seas and it's up to us to win the freedom of the skies.

-This is something new on me, Jim. She's amazing.

-She's terrific.

APPLAUSE

You know, old boy, she does something to a man.

Makes one ambitious.

-It's disturbing.

-Disturbing?

-Mmm.

-I wish I'd done what she's done.

-You could.

-But I didn't, you see. That's the point.

She knew that she could do something and she did it. I know that I can do it, and what have I done?

What are you GOING to do?

I'm going to have that dance.

Now, look, ladies and gentlemen, really! Now, now, please, please, let the lady have a rest.

She must be very fatigued. Do let her have a rest. You'll see her later.

-What do YOU want?

-A dance with Miss Johnson.

-Miss Johnson's too tired to dance.

-I think she'll dance with me.

-I don't want to argue.

-I do.

-That's enough, sir, what!

-Jim, you can't argue with a general.

-Can't I?

-Oh, come and have a drink.

I don't know how you did it.

Seems an extraordinary thing for a young girl to think of.

Oh, do you think so?

-Would never have entered my head.

-Wouldn't it?

Sir Peter, the Air Marshal, said he wouldn't have gone up in that plane of yours for £1 million.

That's a lot of money.

It's not much use if you come a cropper, is it, what?

-But I didn't.

-No, by Jove.

Yes, it makes you think.

Look, I promised this dance to someone. Please excuse me.

Yes, it makes you think. The...

BAND PLAYS

Miss Johnson, this has just arrived.

"You must be proud of her. We wish she were ours."

That's the bit I like.

"Her head refuses to swell. Governor General."

Eh, come, Mother.

Here.

Never has a commoner had such a royal welcome.

Close on 5 million people are hoping for a glimpse of Amy Johnson.

There's a plane passing the control tower.

The plane taxis up. The crowd surges forward for a first glimpse of Amy.

Her father and mother are greeting her. It's a marvellous day for them.

There will be an official reception at the platform here.

Here with me are Lord Thomson, the Minister for Air, Lord Wakefield, Mayor and Mayoress of Croydon...

Oh, here she comes now with her father and mother and several very large policemen.

She's looking very happy. The Mayor of Croydon is officially welcoming her.

Welcome and congratulations, Miss Johnson. A great achievement.

-My dear...

-Thank you very much.

CHEERING Here is Amy to say a few words to you herself.

I'm sorry to be late and to have kept you all waiting.

I'm not a very good advertisement for aviation!

-I'll try and do better next time.

-LOUD CHEER

She's starting an important lecture tour. It's absolutely impossible.

-How can I cope with it all?

-You can't, so don't try. There were over 2,000 letters this morning.

Her Ladyship wants you to address her girls' club.

On the same day, you're wanted to open four bazaars...

-Accepting just one is unfair.

-..and an evening invitation.

If I say no, they'll think I'm stand-offish.

-Flowers...

-Put them with the others.

They're from Australia. There's a message, "Two dances still owing."

-Is that clear?

-Yes, it's quite clear.

-May I have that?

-You should be on your way.

-Put them in my room.

-There's a gentleman to see you.

-She can't see anyone.

I've already given instructions. I think you should see him.

-I fancy he's from the Lord Chamberlain's office.

-In that case, show him in.

Good morning, Miss Johnson. I must apologise for troubling you.

-Not at all.

-We want to help you on this anxious day...

-That's very kind.

May I interest you in a vacuum cleaner?

-What?

-Its performance on carpets...

-I haven't got a carpet.

-Oh, yes, Miss Johnson, a magic carpet.

-I have an appointment...

-The world at your feet...

-I'm late.

-..demands a magic cleaner.

-Excuse me.

TYRES SCREECH

-You're doing nearly 40mph.

-I'm late for an appointment at Buckingham Palace.

-Going to see the King(?)

-Yes. If you'll excuse me...

-Hey!

-Can't escape the law, you know.

-So it seems.

-Can I have your autograph, Amy?

-Oh, yes!

-Didn't expect that, did you?

-I can't say I did.

Eh, that's very handsome.

-How did you find the folks up at Buckingham Palace?

-Oh, they were grand. They make you feel at home.

There's nowt much wrong with them.

Before I started out for Australia, I used to picture my homecoming.

I thought I'd come back to the club, land in a corner of the aerodrome,

creep into the sheds, during the lunch hour if possible, and surprise my engineering friends.

I was going to allow myself one triumphant cry.

I'd say, "I said I'd do it and I did it," put on my overalls and get back to work.

You can't do as you please any more, Miss Amy Johnson, CBE.

-You're somebody.

-That means you can't always be yourself, or if you can, then you ARE somebody.

This has started something.

Somebody wants to fly from Australia to England.

Why not?

What shall I tell him?

Cable "Yes."

-Is it here?

-Yes. Would it be any good if I had a bet on it?

-On what?

-Mollison.

-What does it say?

-"Will back Mollison. Wakefield."

Remember, Jim, you're carrying petrol for 2,000 miles,

as much as she'd lift on a full-sized aerodrome.

-It's big enough, Mac.

-Those telegraph wires on the edge of the field are your chief danger.

You'll have to be off the ground well before them.

-Don't you worry. So long, pal.

-Good luck, Jim.

-A quick one for the road?

-No, not another drop till I get to England.

-That WOULD be a record!

-Let her go.

Goodbye, Australia. God bless Lord Wakefield. England, here I come.

She's wickedly overloaded, sir.

Overloading cost me my leg.

-He wouldn't listen.

-He's not a good listener.

-He's certainly taking a chance.

-He makes a habit of that.

Jim! Jim! Hang on, we'll have you out in no time.

-What happened, Jim?

-I crashed.

Make it personal and urgent, Mick.

I hear Mollison was left at the post.

-Yes, but you can put your shirt on him if he runs again.

-I will that.

-Congratulations, Mr Mollison.

-Thanks.

Give her a bran mash and a rub down. She deserves it.

-Magnificent flight, Mr Mollison.

-Thank you.

-May I say how glad we are to have you in England.

-I'm glad to be here.

-You must be tired.

-A bit. Have you a light?

-Yes.

-We've reserved a suite at Grosvenor House.

-Thanks.

-The one Amy Johnson had.

-She's not turned out for me?

-Oh, no.

-Is she still in the hotel?

-Oh, no.

-Well, where is she?

We've just had the news through. She's broken the record to Tokyo.

Oh.

At the moment, the world is noisy with the sound of breaking records.

We've only just recovered from the shock of Amy. And she did shock us in a way that does us good.

She flew east to Tokyo and the record went west!

Here's another. From Australia, home, one and a half days inside record time.

Everything that can be said about Amy's flights can be said about Jim's.

They had the same difficulties to conquer and overcame them with the same unconquerable genius.

So tonight, I ask you to drink to one of those shocking geniuses, Jim Mollison.

-ALL:

-Jim Mollison.

Better keep talking. Here are the...

-Good morning.

-Oh, excuse me, Miss Johnson, but when you think of all the things you flew over -

sharks and cannibals and bandits...

I had a letter asking bandits to treat me kindly for a ransom.

How very thoughtful. What about the cannibals?

Oh, the cannibals. Yes, now, that was a risk.

-I was afraid they couldn't read.

-Oh.

Was there anything else, dear? No?

I think that settles everything. Thank you so much. See you tomorrow.

My dear, she seems quite intelligent!

Oh, quite, quite.

-I know they're impossible, Amy.

-I feel like a monkey at the zoo.

Why can't they just say that I flew to Australia and let it go at that?

-You need this rest.

-I'm not tired and I hate resting.

-Radio, Miss Johnson.

-Thank you.

CHEERING

-He'll be surprised when he sees you here, Miss Johnson.

-I know how it feels to be met by someone you know.

Magnificent flight, Mr Mollison. Welcome to Cape Town.

Jim, you're wonderful!

CROWD CHEER

'The official time of the flight was 4 days 17 hours 30 minutes,

-'knocking four days off the previous record.'

-Incredible!

-He may be a good flyer...

-He's a great flyer! Did you hear that?

That's no reason why the press should marry him off to you.

-I don't see any marriage lines about that.

-I'm reading between the lines.

Well, don't. And please get off that map. You're up to your knees in the Pacific.

I came all that way and didn't even recognise her!

-She'll understand.

-Do you really think so?

-Keep still, Mr Mollison.

-Shut your mouth, or I'll knock your block off.

-Shut YOUR mouth, or I'll cut your throat.

-You win.

-PHONE RINGS

Mac, I'm in my bath.

Hello. Oh, is that you, Miss Johnson? Oh, he's fine.

-Mr Mollison!

-He'd only had two hours' sleep...

Hello.

Hello! I didn't expect to hear YOU.

-When am I going to see you again? How about lunch?

-I've just had tea!

-It's 4.30.

-I must have overslept. How about dinner?

-Fine. 7.30?

-No, make it 7 and we'll have a drink first.

-That's grand.

-But where are you?

Well, I'm here in the hotel.

Yes!

Look, I'll come down right away!

No, 7. Goodbye.

Mac...this calls for a celebration.

Give me the waiter.

-They look like a mechanic's. You can't lead a double life with your hands.

-Don't worry.

-He'd understand if anybody would.

-I like to look nice for myself.

-PHONE RINGS

-I'll take it.

Hello.

Mr Mollison asked me to let you know he'll be 15 minutes late.

Good luck to you, Jim.

Good luck, Jim. Goodnight!

He's really on his way this time. He's a card, isn't he?

Card? He's a grand slam.

I'm afraid I'm just a little late, but...would you tell Miss Johnson that I'm here?

I'm afraid you're a little too late, Mr Mollison. She's out.

Oh.

You'd better grow yourself another leg, old pal.

I need someone to kick me.

SHIP'S HORN SOUNDS

-Amy!

-Hello, Kitty!

-All the way from Africa!

-And just in time for tea!

Where are they? In here?

-Hello, Mother.

-Amy, love!

-Hello, love. This is nice. Are you rested, lass?

-Yes, I feel fine now.

-I'm starving!

-Good. We've got your favourite supper.

-Not poached eggs on haddock?

-Yes, love.

-Well, now...

-PHONE RINGS

Yes, she's here. Amy, it's for you, love.

Oh, thank you.

Hello.

Oh. Hello.

Hello. We never see each other except on the end of the telephone,

but would you dine with me again?

I can't very well, can I?

We never have, have we? But will you?

I've only just this minute arrived in Hull.

I've only just arrived in Paris.

Make it at Grosvenor House, 9 o'clock tonight.

Er...well...I... Hello?

Hello!

Hello?

Hello!

Oh!

-He's rung off. Wants me to have dinner with him tonight.

-Who does?

-Jim Mollison.

-Ask him to put it off till tomorrow.

-He's rung off and he's flying over from Paris.

-Paris?

-Sounds crazy to me.

-That's the way he is.

-Oh, I see.

-Do you think he'll make it in time?

-Oh, he'll make it.

-Can you?

I could if I started right now.

Well, you start right now.

-Well, I'm sorry, Daddy. Goodnight.

-Goodnight.

-See you tomorrow.

-Look at me. I came out just as I was.

-So did I. I was just going to get something to eat.

-So was I.

Now, what would you like? Caviar or oysters? Grouse?

-Poached eggs on haddock.

-Seriously?

-I was never more determined about anything.

-That's saying something.

I'll have the trout.

Well...

-Well?

-Do I apologise?

-What about?

-The dinner that we didn't have.

-Forget it.

-I knew you would say that. You know, it's funny how one knows some things, isn't it?

What are you smiling about?

"God be thanked, the meanest of his creatures have two soul-sides,

"one to face the world with, one to show a woman that he loves her!"

-Where did you get that?

-Browning.

-Oh.

-I'm afraid I'm not very good at saying things when I want to,

but he's pretty good, don't you think?

Yes, I suppose he is.

-Those last lines, "One to face the world..."

-Hors d'oeuvres, Mr Mollison?

-Oh, yes. Thanks.

It's all right, George. I'll see to that.

-Would you like an olive?

-Yes.

-Do you like sardines?

-Please.

-And do you like Russian salad?

-Thanks.

-Do you like me?

-Well, I don't know.

-Why don't you marry me and find out?

Why did you say that?

Shall we dance?

You know, you dance beautifully.

-Why did you say that?

-Oh, that. After all, one's come quite a long way to say it. Australia...

and when I got here, you weren't. And the Cape.

And that dinner party.

But we've forgotten all that, haven't we?

Really, what I mean is... but I do, I mean it.

Now it's your turn to say something.

Let's sit down.

Well?

I'll take a chance.

Waiter! Er...the wine list!

You know, Amy, walking's quite a good way of getting about.

Jim, you are a mad one!

Oh, Jim, there's tea over here.

Eh?

Oh, all right.

-Ah, dear, I could do with a lot more of this.

-Me too. It's marvellous to feel content.

You know, Amy, I'm beginning to regret it.

Regret what?

Oh, having to get ready.

Get ready? What for?

America.

-You mean flying to America?

-Yeah.

-East to west.

-Uh-huh.

-You'll be the first.

That's the idea.

-Jim, it's great. The Puss Moth, of course.

-I've got enough petrol to do 3,000 miles.

-200 gallons won't do it.

-I had the back-seat taken out and a special tank fitted.

-That means no wireless.

-'Fraid so.

-Are you taking a DG or a Sperry?

-That's an idea. These new directional gyros are good.

-More reliable than the old ones. Wish you'd get hold of one.

-I will.

Jim, I hope you'll be all right. Nobody's ever done it.

-Lindbergh.

-The other way, with the prevailing winds. Everyone who's tried east to west has disappeared.

-Hocker was only picked up by chance.

-I'm much too happy to go and commit suicide.

-Where are you starting from?

-Port Marnock, Thursday week.

-I want you to christen the plane. What shall we call it?

-We'll have to think about it.

What shall we call it?

-Jim, why do we do this?

-To fly a long way in a very little time is a grand way of making a lot of dough.

-If it was just that, I wouldn't let you go.

-Wouldn't you? Right now, I'm not very keen,

-but you wouldn't have me back out now, would you?

-No.

We do this because we have to.

We're a couple. We're made that way. Keep that under your hat, won't you?

So long.

-Take care.

-Good luck, Jim.

CHEERING

Now you realise what we felt like while you were off to Australia. That took 19 days with 18 landings.

I'm living it all again now. If only I didn't know all the things that might happen to him.

-I'm worrying about them all.

-Would you like me to stay with you tonight?

No, thank you. I'm better alone, then I can worry all I like!

It's has just come through on the tape, Mrs Mollison. He is there.

Oh, my dear, I am so glad!

Oh, Pauline! He's the very first, east to west. I must go up to my room. He's ringing me.

Soon I'll be talking to him.

-PHONE RINGS

-Hello.

No delay? I can't understand it.

This call should have been through two hours ago.

Try the athletic club. Thank you.

PHONE RINGS

Hello.

Hello!

BAND IS PLAYING

Mr Mollison, London.

Hello.

Hello, Amy!

Hello. Jim!

-Yes, it's Jim.

-Hello, London!

LOUD MUSIC ON PHONE

Darling, I'm so sorry about that telephone call.

That's all right, Jim. I won't pretend I wasn't hurt. I'd been anxious about you.

-I was all in at the time and you know how hospitable Americans are.

-Oh, I know.

-But now you and I can have a lovely long, quiet evening together.

-It may be long, but it won't be quiet.

They've cooked up a Jim Mollison night at the hotel.

BAND PLAYS "I Can't Give You Anything But Love"

Darling, do look what Jimmy's written. Isn't it too, too divine?

PHONE RINGS

Hello. No, he's not here at the moment. Can I give him a message?

Who...? Queenie?

Yes.

Oh, by the way, this is MRS Mollison speaking.

Yes.

Darling, you know you look SO sweet.

-Not now. We've got to get down. This is your night.

-It's so good to be home.

-Who was that you were talking to just now?

-Oh, just a girlfriend.

-Darling, I've got a great idea.

-What's that?

-A holiday. Just you and I. Sunshine, Italy, Spain.

-I've got to be moving.

-We've only just got here.

-I know but I've got to get ready.

-What for?

-My flight.

-Flight?

-It will make your flight look like a trip across the Serpentine - the Cape and back.

But...

Why the Cape?

-You flew to the Cape.

-But only to see you. You know that.

I shall fly there to break your record and then fly back to see you.

I think my record's pretty safe, don't you?

We shall see.

-How does it feel having your record broken by a woman?

-If it had to be beaten, I'd rather Amy did it.

She's made a more difficult trip than any man's ever done. Skill and grit. And she's crossed the Sahara.

That takes perfect navigation. You can take that from me.

She's a great girl, Amy.

CROWD CHEERS

-Congratulations on still another triumph.

-Thank you.

I've got a line through to London. Who would you like to speak to?

-Could you get my husband?

-Locate Jim Mollison. Mrs Amy Mollison calling from Cape Town.

PHONE RINGS

Hello.

Yes, yes. That's me.

It's Amy.

Put her through...

..to my bedroom.

Oh...

Excuse me.

Hello.

Hello, Jim. This is Amy. I've broken your record by seven hours.

I want you to be the first to know.

CHEERING CONTINUES

-Jim, I'm sorry about that telephone call.

-Oh, that's all right.

ENTHUSIASTIC CHEERING

-Try and look a little bit pleased about my homecoming.

-Homecoming? It's just another flying visit.

-What do you mean by that?

-It's not much fun, you being on one side of the world and me being on the other.

Then when you come back, I fly off somewhere else.

-I didn't know you felt like that about it.

-Well, you know now.

-What can we do?

-Nothing we can do. We're paid for it. It's our living.

-Can you tell us about your future plans?

-That's my last long-distance, record-breaking, solo flight.

-You're giving up flying?

-Oh, no!

-Then you'll fly with somebody?

-Yes, my husband.

-What will your first dual flight be? Where to?

-America.

-What do you say to that, Jim?

-America?

'This is Pendine Sands. Amy and Jim are about to start on their first dual flight.

'Unparalleled as solo flyers, together they should be unbeatable.

'The Atlantic east to west is considered the most difficult of all flights.

'If they succeed, Amy will be the first woman ever to fly to America.

'Seafarer is fully loaded with petrol.

'Even so, they'll need to make a beeline for their objective.

'They should land in New York in about 40 hours. What a beautiful, steady takeoff.

'Here's hoping they can dodge the flyer's nightmare, fog, which would take them off course.

'Goodbye, Seafarer. Bon voyage.'

-What was that?

-A cliff.

-That was a close shave.

-Yes.

-Nearly a bad start.

-And a quick finish.

Bishop's Rock. Heavy fog bank moving in from the west. Seafarer went over here 3.05pm, flying low.

Sure if they see land again, they'll never see it!

-What are you reading, Jim?

-A novel. I bought it for the trip.

-What's it about?

-I haven't the faintest idea. She's running smoothly.

-Yes, so far.

Wish this fog would lift.

-I'll take a turn.

-Thanks.

ENGINE THUDS

-What's that?

-The second tank.

-Switch over.

-We can't afford to lose a drop.

-ENGINE STOPS

-Airlock.

ENGINE STARTS UP

-Let me take over for a bit.

-Ta.

Hello, hello. SPEAKS OWN LANGUAGE

Hello, London. This is Greenland.

Svertons Bay, Svertons Bay.

No news. A cyclone has crossed their path about 2 o'clock. It must have hit them.

Fog reported in all directions.

Yes, Aquitania speaking.

No, seen nothing of them. We're moving dead slow. Thick fog.

Might be this way right through to Nantucket.

Nantucket lightship. Say, this fog's getting past a joke.

The old foghorn's been bellyaching for the last 24 hours. Any news?

Will the dawn never come?

Will you stop talking like a theme song? Here, have a draw.

It's the longest night I ever spent.

It always is, flying from the east.

How high are we?

Eight thousand.

Do the flashes show up any water?

-No. Shall I take her down a bit?

-No, we can't afford the petrol.

FOGHORN BLARES

Drifter Daffodil speaking. 46 north, 37 west.

Yes, fog here and a pretty bad 'un, too. You could cut 'im with a knife.

Not a sight or sound of 'em.

ENGINE HUMS

Hold on.

'Drifter Daffodil, 46 north, 37 west, just reported hearing plane directly overhead.'

-Dead on course.

-Dead on time flying blind.

-Some flying.

-Some navigation.

If they keep it up, they'll be here about 12. 40 hours flying on dead reckoning!

Gosh, some pigeons.

We're too far north. We must be off our course.

There must be land about.

Jim, Newfoundland!

Hello, Broadway! Here we come!

-They've done it!

-Lord love us!

SPEAKS OWN LANGUAGE

MORSE CODE BEEPS

Petrol's getting low, Jim. What about putting down?

-We're flying to New York.

-We've done it, Jim. We can refuel at Boston.

-I said we're flying to New York and we're flying to New York! I'll take over.

-OK.

-How far off's New York now?

-A few minutes.

-Think we'll make it?

-Sure.

ENGINE RUMBLES AND CUTS OUT

Pipped on the post. We'll have to put her down. Can you see anything?

No, not a thing.

That looks like a landing field.

We'll have to take a chance.

-Are you scared?

-Yes.

So am I. Hang on.

CRASH

Jim!

SIREN APPROACHES

Jim!

Jim!

MUMBLING

Jim!

Looks like it's right over here.

Hello!

Hello there! Give a hand.

-We've got to get him out of this swamp.

-Bring a stretcher.

-Go easy.

Where are we?

Connecticut.

Get a plane. We're flying to New York.

-Ssh, Jim.

-Here's the doctor. Let him through there!

-Show a light here.

-He's badly cut about the head.

-Mr Johnson...

-Hello. I can't stop now. Amy's on t'radio.

-How is she?

-She's there and she can still talk.

Mother!

Mother, she's going to speak on t'wireless from America.

Hurry up, darling, or we'll miss it.

'By courtesy of the American broadcasting companies, we are taking you over to New York

'where Amy and Jim Mollison are recuperating after their thrilling 39-hour flight across the Atlantic.'

'New York calling. Here's Amy and Jim Mollison. Amy?'

I want to send my love to everyone at home,

'especially my mother and father. We're quite all right.'

She's fine. You can't believe a word you hear!

After all, long-distance flying must involve a few risks.

It's bad luck that we failed in sight of our goal.

OK, Amy. Thanks a million. And now, Jim.

Don't worry him. He's got 107 stitches in his head.

Your friends will be interested. C'mon, Jim?

Er...I'm...

I'm sorry that we didn't get to New York, but...

here we are.

It was a record and...

Oh, yes, I'm glad that my wife was the first woman to fly to America...

-The stitches.

-Yes.

-107 stitches.

-And 107 stitches.

What stitches? Oh...what am I saying?

Doctor, please.

-Get out of here!

-All right, Jim.

Leave us alone! Get out! Take those faces out!

'We regret that owing to a sudden atmospheric disturbance, we must discontinue the broadcast.'

-Oh, there now, what a shame. Never mind, we did hear her.

-Aye, she's all right. Course she is.

At least, I hope so.

What makes you say that?

Eh, Mother, I'm worried about them.

-Why?

-I feel that things aren't right between them.

-What do you mean?

They aren't right. Somehow it seems inevitable.

What are you talking about?

You see, Mother, Amy and Jim are very remarkable people.

There's something of genius in both of them.

And they're both born to do their life's work...alone.

Now, this trying to get together and escape that loneliness...

They can't.

Doctor, these flowers must be delivered at once.

Oh. All right.

I'll just get a vase.

-Very sorry, darling.

-It's all right, Jim. Don't worry.

Jim...from President Roosevelt.

Here's Amy and Jim, fully recovered from their crash, having their first taste of American hospitality.

A ticker tape welcome down the great Manhattan Canyon. What a welcome!

The whole of America is listening in to the crowd cheering the two flyers

after their record-breaking hop from England.

-Great girl, isn't she?

-Yes, have this reply sent at once.

You have my warmest wishes for your success in anything you may undertake. Stop.

You will, I am sure, not make your bid for this further record

unless you are absolutely fit and fully recovered from the strain of your recent achievement. Stop.

You have done magnificently already. Wakefield of Hythe.

Well, here we are at Wasaga Beach, Ontario.

After several unsuccessful attempts to take off, Amy and Jim start their next adventure, Canada to Baghdad.

Here's hoping that Seafarer II will have a happier fate than Seafarer I.

If they do get away, they'll take with them the good wishes of millions

and a much bigger load of gas than they should carry. They're off!

It's a beautiful takeoff with that terrific load of gas. He's fighting to get her up.

They're OK now...

She's slipping towards the lake. Look out!

They hit the ground with a whale of a crack.

That must have done plenty of damage.

Seafarer's hobbling to a standstill.

Today was their deadline. The wind is due to change any minute.

That looks like goodbye to Baghdad.

Ace flyers from all over the world are lined up for the start of this

great race from England to Australia.

The Mollisons, Amy and Jim, after their bad luck in America and Canada,

are out to try and prove the truth of the old saying, third time lucky.

There they go now. Goodbye, Amy. Goodbye, Jim. Good luck.

HE WHISTLES TO HIMSELF

I'd like to take that judge who disqualified Pasha up for his first flight.

He's cleaned me right out.

-Jim, we've only a few hundreds left in the world.

-That's a lot of dough.

-It would be up in Edgeware Road.

-In Park Lane, it'll be gone before we can turn round.

-Don't turn round.

-Everyone's in town. For our game, we've got to keep in with the right people.

-Who are the right people?

-I'm sick of the social whirl. I want to get back to work.

-Never let work interfere with pleasure.

-Jim, we can't go on like this.

-Time, work and worry are made for slaves.

We've got to think of the future.

Amy, you've got a regular mind and you live in the future.

I've got irregular habits and I live in the present. There's no contact.

No, I'm afraid you're right.

Jim, I'm going to fly solo again.

What's that?

We've never made a really successful flight together and never a failure apart. It just doesn't work.

It's queer, you know.

-What does that mean?

-I was thinking of the time when you said you would never fly solo again -

and the time when I flew 1,000 miles just to have dinner with you.

You'd fly 10,000 miles for something you wanted, then when you got there, you'd want something else.

-PHONE RINGS

-Oh...do you mind?

Hello.

Yes.

-It's for you.

-Thank you.

Hello.

Oh, hello, darling.

BIG BEN CHIMES

AIR-RAID SIREN

-Where were you born?

-Sunderland.

-What year?

-1921.

-What kind of a job?

-Anything that's in the air.

-In the air?

-That's where I can be of most use.

I'm sorry, but flying in wartime's no job for a woman.

I thought we'd killed that prejudice.

I thought I'd helped kill it.

-You've done magnificently, but in peacetime.

-I see.

I'm sure we can find you something in an office.

-I'm not much good in an office.

-I'm sorry.

-Good day.

-See who that is? Amy Johnson.

-Who's Amy Johnson?

-Who's Amy Johnson?!

No, Mollison, you're not for us.

Individualism's all very well, but it can be overdone.

-Got to hunt with the pack. That means discipline.

-Yes, but...

You have ability and courage, but you'd be more nuisance than you're worth.

Not the right example for the young pilots...

-Amy!

-Pauline!

-What are you doing with that thing?

-Driving it.

-You ought to be with us in the ATA.

-I was told that flying in wartime wasn't a woman's job.

-I was told that by quite a lot of people,

-but here we are, 25 of us, ferrying machines all over the place. You ought to be with us.

-Sounds grand.

You know, you'd be very useful.

I'd love it, but how do you go to work?

-I'll see to it, but I'm afraid you'll have to pass a test.

-A flying test?

-Yes.

-You know, just another bit of red tape.

-Yes, I understand.

-Do you think I'll pass?

-Well, you never know!

-No, you never know!

# Noel, Noel...Noel, Noel... #

-Be a strange Christmas this year, darling.

-Not much peace on Earth and goodwill about it.

-Amy, love!

-Hello, Mother.

-Hello, Daddy.

-I was just thinking about you. My, you're looking grand!

-Aye, and she's looking happy, too.

-I am happy. I'm doing a job. I can be myself. I'm not "somebody"!

-How are you liking it?

-It's grand. We've got women from all over the world.

We're ferrying any aircraft any time anywhere - and navigation as it was in the old days on dead reckoning.

No radio - too useful to jerry. It's a different machine every day. Every flight a voyage of discovery.

AIR RAID SIREN

AIR RAID BEGINS

Yes, I know. I didn't think I had a ghost of a chance, an old crock like me, but they jumped at me.

They've been losing a lot lately.

-Have you seen Johnnie?

-Oh, in the canteen.

-Start again, Johnnie, and get that double one.

-Is that what I'm after? It's easy!

-Now, third time lucky.

Stop talking and let me concentrate! Here she goes.

-Johnnie! Miss Gower wants you.

-Right.

Hey!

What did I tell you? It's easy!

Oh, Amy, sit down. I want to talk to you.

How do you feel about Jim? I mean, meeting him.

-Why do you ask?

-I've had word that he's joined the men's section of the ATA. You're sure to bump into him.

-How's he making out?

-He's doing a wonderful job.

-I'm not going to have any nonsense about meeting him.

-We need pilots. Jim's a magnificent pilot. Pretty good thing all round.

-I thought you'd say that.

-You didn't mind my asking?

-No, of course not.

-Johnnie aboard?

-Not yet.

-That's her third job this week!

Don't worry about her. I remember her from the old Stag Lane days.

They all laughed because she was a woman, but she stuck it!

She got her own back and flew halfway round the world before they realised.

-Aye. Have you got a weather report?

-It's here.

-She's in the canteen.

-Oh, Jim!

-Amy!

-Well, well.

-You're not looking so bad, either.

-Thanks.

-Good to be flying again?

-Uh-huh.

No fun being grounded.

Your weather report. Congratulations, Mr Mollison.

-They wouldn't have gied that job to anybody.

-Thanks, Scottie.

-New job?

-Uh-huh.

-You're leaving the ATA?

-No, no, no.

-Not the African job, flying the big ones over?

You volunteered for that? That's grand.

After all, I do know the way.

I wouldn't say this if anybody was listening,

but we did do a little to make it possible, didn't we?

Yes, I suppose we did.

Oh, I'll crack through and fly over the top.

So long, Jim.

So long, Amy.

-Hello, Sam. Happy New Year.

-Same to you, Amy, and many of them.

-Thanks.

Crack through and fly over the top.

That's Amy Johnson.

This is records officer, women's section, ATA speaking.

Oxford V3457 has just left the ground at station 104.

Pilot's name, Amy Johnson.

This is the adjutant, women's section, ATA. We're advised weather unfit for flying. Heavy fog.

Is that the duty pilot?

Pauline Gower speaking, women's section, ATA.

Can you tell me the exact time Oxford V3457 took off?

Yes, Amy Johnson.

1305 hours.

This is operations officer, women's section, ATA.

Have you any news of an Oxford aircraft V3457?

Oh. What's your weather like?

Do you know how much petrol she carried? Both tanks full?

I see. Just about enough to last her four and a half hours...

..till 1730.

Not having a radio makes you realise how important wireless is to flying.

-What time is it?

-1730.

ENGINE RATTLES AND CUTS OUT

Final! Star, News, Standard!

Star, News, Standard, late night final!

Hello.

Get me Mrs Johnson, please.

Yes. Her mother.

PHONE RINGS

Hello.

Yes, speaking.

Oh.

Mother...

Hello.

Yes.

It was very kind of you to ring yourself.

My message to youth is to dream great dreams and see great visions.

To lift their eyes to the skies and to journey forth into the skyroads of the air

and help to bind still closer the British Empire.

Our great sailors won the freedom of the seas and it's up to us to win the freedom of the skies!