As we all know, the centenary of WWI is coming up, and doubtless there are many producers/directors/screenwriters/film people out there who are getting ready to release a great war film in honor of the occasion. Doubtless some of them will have heard of Biggles, and with luck, they might be thinking about making a Biggles film. On the off-chance that any of them happen to visit this blog, here is my wishlist--what I would like to see in a Biggles film.
1. Accurate time period. If it's going to be set in WWI, use the right planes and weapons, and the right characters. Much as I love Ginger and Bertie, they don't appear in the books until after WWI. Ginger for one was not even born in WWI, so to have him exist in a WWI as a 16-year-old (or older) is ridiculous.
2. Leave out the love interest, please. Yes, okay, in a moment of random lightheadedness, Biggles met a woman that he thought was the woman of his dreams, blah blah blah. How many Biggles books are there? 98. How many books did Marie appear in? 2 (to be quite accurate, she appeared in one book, and in one short story in a collection of short stories).
(A note to directors and screenwriters, if you're thinking that adding a love interest will bring in the female fans, rest assured, you can leave out the love interest and we female fans would still happily watch the film--as long as you choose good *ahem*--good-looking--actors to play the two main characters, Biggles and Algy. If you must add a love interest, at least make sure she comes to a tragic, or semi-tragic end. You'll make the female fans happy, and the critics will talk about the poignant and honest ending of the film.)
3. A normal enemy. Erich von Stalhein, in an iron mask? Please. Enough said.
4. A focus on the friendship between the main characters (aka Biggles and Algy). The best thing about the Biggles books is the friendship between the characters. the way they care about each other, the way they never leave each other in the lurch, the way they always go along with each other's crazy ideas. Explosions and aerial battles and sweeping scenes of destruction are all very well, but it always come back to the people, and the friendship.
5. Nice music. No hip-hop, no rap, no rock music. Just normal music that sticks to the background, blends in well, doesn't make too much of itself.
What would you like to see in a Biggles film? Comment below!
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I'm afraid you won't get any real planes nowadays. We live in the age of CGI, which is a real bummer in this case. CGI Camels behaving like jets are rather tragic to watch. Better go and watch some old movies and imagine it's Biggles :)
ReplyDeleteWhat I'm more worried about is that they'll CGI a Spitfire into the middle of WWI...
ReplyDeleteI think your wish list is A1, Soppy. I am with you 100% in every detail. And they jolly well could use real planes if they wanted - would just have to shoot some of it in New Zealand.
ReplyDeleteAnd - I also meant to say - old films which are not Biggles and Algy are no good at all... No substitute for the real thing!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe trouble is that even if there ever was a real Biggles film, Biggles and Algy wouldn't be "the real thing" for everyone, because every reader imagines them a bit differently. That is the blessing of books and curse of nearly all movie adaptations. I'm quite sure that even the casting of such a film would cause a great fuss amongst all the readers/fans.
ReplyDeleteThe old aviation films might not be "Biggles", but they are still pretty nice to watch, if only because of the authentic machines and superb flying.
Any suggestions of good WWI aeroplane film titles please?
ReplyDelete'The Dawn Patrol' and 'Wings' are very good. 'The Blue Max' is not bad either, even though its newer. 'The Eagle and the Hawk' is a bit boring, but still fine.
ReplyDeleteI can't recall any where there would be Camels, though.
Well, you really nailed the list Soppy :)...That would be one marvellous film! Ever fancied making one yourself Soppy? That can be you next challenge. You could start by choosing an actor for dear Algernon. Is there any worthy enough? :)
ReplyDelete(I forgot 'Hell's Angels', which has great flying scenes.)
ReplyDeletePS ...could I be the director of music in your film Soppy? That's the degree I'm doing, you can trust me to get it right :)
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with what you've said, Soppy. If only we had the wherewithal to finance a Biggles movie ourselves!!!
ReplyDeleteI would love to write the screenplay for a Biggles film. I would love to do the casting and assistant directing and anything else that needs to be done for the film.
ReplyDeleteAny producers or directors out there? Anyone? Hello?
Completely agree with everything here; well said.
ReplyDeleteThe Great Waldo Pepper has a Camel (and a Dr.1) in it towards the end and is generally a good film too.
I just seriously honestly wish someone would come along and make a DECENT Biggles film for once.
ReplyDeleteMaybe if we all put it on our wishlist to Santa...?
The Great Waldo Pepper? Why does that sound like a film with a magician in it to me...? Will definitely keep an eye out for it, thanks BPP!
ReplyDelete