The Lion Has Wings (1939)

In the cinematic tribute to Britain's fortitude, "The Lion Has Wings" masterfully interlaces newsreel footage and dramatic enactments to capture a world balancing precariously on the brink of Nazi encroachment. This pioneering documentary-style film, directed by Alexander Korda, serves as a rally cry for the British war effort, unmasking the dark shadow of Nationalism creeping across Europe. The film is an evocative tableau of an era split between tranquility and the imminent threat of war. It presents the formidable might of the English Empire, steadfast and resolute against the oppressors of freedom and morality. It's a raw yet compelling propaganda cinema, setting the stage for what would become a common narrative of World War II. This film embodies Britain's infamous 'stiff upper lip' attitude, a testament to the nation's unyielding pride. It not only shows the looming menace of Nationalism but also England's unflinching resolve to confront and retaliate. "The Lion Has Wings" is the cinematic embodiment of a nation poised and ready to defend its principles, a testament to the indomitable spirit of the English Empire.

The Lion Has Wings is a documentary movie featuring Merle Oberon.

The Lion Has Wings is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.