Look Up and Laugh
Movie (1935)
Starring:
Gracie Fields (Gracie Pearson)
Vivien Leigh (Marjorie Belfer)
Douglas Wakefield (Joe Chirk)
Alfred Drayton (Belfer)
Gutsy lass Gracie rallies fellow stall-holders at Birkenhead Market to prevent its takeover and demolition by a department store chain. She invokes the Market's foundation by Royal Charter just before an inadvertent gas leak provides an explosive climax.
Avro C.30P
Registration G-ACKA, fith airframe built but the first one by Avro (or Airwork Ltd Cierva ?) so c/n AH1. Built in September 1933 and eventually scrapped in 1938.
The real one seen several times in flight, from a distance. Note the specific rotor head fairing not used on other airframe
Before this footage, the boarding and takeoff use a 1:1 set with differences : the engine with a Townend ring. The engine looks unrealistic (it appears flat, without relief, without depth).
gyro1_1.jpg)
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The take-off was accidental, Gracie having snagged the throttle while settling into the seat.
Portrayed again by a model/mockup in some shots.
gyro1_5.jpg)
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The crash ends with the ceiling being ripped open. An opportunity for some amusingly detailed scenery.
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