#q planes

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In memory of Ralph Richardson (19 December 1902 – 10 October 1983)

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Ralph Richardson and Laurence Olivier had already developed quite the reputation among actors in the 1930s as powerhouses of the London stage. Both had worked together in the West End and had recently worked together on a production of Othello at the Old Vic, with Richardson in the title role and Olivier as Iago. So the fact that their first film together should be a spy comedy seems counter-intuitive until you see it and ask yourself why it didn’t happen more often? Richardson and Olivier, joined by Valerie Hobson, turn out to be one hell of a good comedy team and Q PLANES (’39) is a comedy so quickly paced and expertly timed, it still seems fresh today.

Read More On StreamLine: Quirks, Quips and Q Planes

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Ralph Richardson as Major Charles Hammond in “Q Planes” (1939)

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Ralph ralphing his way delightfully through the glorious Q Planes [d: Tim Whelan, 1939]

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Ondas Misteriosas (Q Planes), de Tim Whelan, 1939

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Simply irresistible

Ralph Richardson as Major Charles Hammond in “Q Planes” (1939)

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The latest news on April Fool's Day

London / England (Great Britain)

Major Charles Hammond was promoted to Chief of the British Secret Service. After a short moment of bewilderment he happily accepted his new position and stated that he devote himself to his new duties with his usual energy.

Cabot Cove / Maine (USA) Jessica Beatrice Fletcher, the famous mystery writer, and Dr. Seth Hazlitt, the local physician, announce that they will marry within a short time. The rumours about the dream couple of the cozy little town have been spread for years and now the two of them made it officially.

London / England (Great Britain)

After the confirmed death of Mr. Peter Peel a year ago his widow Emma is newly engaged to Mr. John Steed of the British Intelligence Service. Their marriage is announced for the next year.

Washington, D.C. (USA)

Former Governor Willie Stark was sworn in as President of the United States today. His wife Anne which he married after the divorce of his first wife Lucy was at his side when he took the oath of office. In his first speech Mr. Stark stated: "Your will is my strength. And your need is my justice. I shall live in your right and your will. And if any man tries to stop me from fulfilling that l'll break him. I'll break him with my bare hands. For I have the strength of many."

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widmerpool2014 said: This enjoyable clip reveals that MacNee based his performance of Steed on his own father and on Ralph Richardson in A movie I need to watch called Q Planes.

I've seen Q Planes - it's an entertaining little British propaganda film. You can certainly see Steed in Richardson's performance - down to the umbrella and the total disregard for authority. I believe it just recently became available on DVD.