High Flight

This short film was used in the 1960s by many television stations when they "signed-off" for the night.

• Category

  Entertainment

[planetxmagazine]

Thanks buddy! It took me years to find a 16mm film print of this. While I always loved watching this as a kid, I guess it had a bigger effect on you.

Since the major stations don't sign off anymore, today's generation doesn't get to experience little gems like this.

[Redhrgrldlicious]

I dont know why this touched me as a child, looking at it now and reflecting back, I think it mad me feel safe, safe amid a lot of bad things and people. After listening to as the tv was signing off, i would fall into a restful, peaceful sleep.

CindiThanksHighFlight

[buggywhip1]

When I was a kid, I liked this so much, my parents bought a framed parchment of it for my bedroom wall so I could enjoy it all the time. Still gives me goosebumps...

[George Vieto]

This poem is so beautiful and touching. The best and most moving part is the last verse that says "I reached out my hand and touched the face of God."

[Eric Dunn]

John Gillespie Magee actually flew for No. 412 (Fighter) Squadron RCAF out of RAF Digby, Lincolnshire.

[cd637299]

I remember this as a kid too....I'd sure like to know....**What year** was this film made? Anybody?

[whatanightmare1]

I was born in '64, and I honestly recall seeing this from a playpen in my parent's living room. I always wanted to be on that plane! I also loved this man's voice.

[curtis johnson]

you got that right brother!! love to just stay up long enough to see this clip before t.v. stations signed off for the day,thoses were the days!!!.

[formersk8ter]

Thank you so much! Great memories.

[joannemarchantheim]

THANK YOU.

[ASG15IAG]

As a retired USAF aviator, I too have always been taken by this wonderful rendition. After some extensive research, I found that the voice over was indeed, William Conrad. He is known for his acting in the TV series Jake and The Fat man and Cannon. This fact was confirmed by the great grand nephew of RAF pilot Magee who wrote the poem at age 19, just weeks before being killed in his Spitfire.