The executive producer of a documentary film about the reunion of the last two airworthy Second World War Lancaster bombers says initially it was tough to get the TV networks to pay attention to the project.
“It’s difficult to sell a one-hour documentary about something that happened 70 years ago that doesn’t include a Kardashian,” said Morgan Elliott, who produced the film along with a team from Toronto-based Suddenly SeeMore Productions. “But the community rallied with enough donations to get it shot and then Cineplex stepped in with funds to finish it for the theatrical release. Now the broadcasters want it.”
Cineplex is also hosting free viewings of Reunion of Giants at select theatres across Canada on Remembrance Day, Nov. 11. In Vancouver, the free screening takes place at International Village in Chinatown.
“We are so pleased to provide Canadians with the opportunity to remember the valiant crews who flew and maintained the Lancaster bomber,” Pat Marshall, vice-president of communications and investor relations for Cineplex Entertainment said in a news release. “We look forward to offering Canadians a chance to experience VeRA’s incredible transatlantic journey this Remembrance Day.”
The event made history last year, the 70th anniversary of Victory Day, when the last two remaining functional Lancasters shared the sky over England for the reunion tour. Elliott and team were not only there to capture every moment, but camera operator Matt Clayson went along on the trans-Atlantic flight accompanied by five GoPro cameras mounted on VeRA, as the Canadian bomber is affectionately called. On the ground, camera operator Jeff Denesyk captured the response from the veterans of Bombers Command waiting for the Lancaster to arrive. Meanwhile, Elliott interviewed the last remaining Canadian and British air force veterans who were crew and pilots of a Lancaster plane during the Second World War.
“The youngest was 94 and the oldest was 104,” Elliott told the Courier during a phone interview last week. “When you have men telling you these stories first hand, it’s goose bump inducing. These guys were 18 years old and flying Lancasters. They weren’t even old enough to get a driver’s license.”
Elliott said due to the age and fragile condition of the planes, the reunion was the final time such a historic event would be possible. The last time two Lancasters shared the sky was 50 years ago. Property of the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, VeRA flew from Hamilton, Ont. to meet her British counterpart, Thumper, the only other airworthy Lancaster in the world, which is operated by the Royal Air Force in England. According to Elliot, VeRA’s mission was unlike any other this Lancaster and her flight crew had ever undertaken.
“Just getting VeRA there took five days,” said Elliott. “Her fastest speed is 200 miles per hour and the highest she can fly is 9,000 feet.”
The Lancaster only has eight seats of which her crew and gear took up two. During VeRA’s journey, the plane and crew encountered a massive storm and almost had to divert, which would have been a huge disappointment to the veterans waiting in England. The flight had already been delayed by 24 hours due to a mechanical failure in the aircraft’s second engine. The reunion was also a farewell tour for veterans of Bomber Command, who are still so entwined with their proud history — the Lancaster bomber is credited with helping bring an end to the Second World War.
Elliott hopes every Canadian who sees Reunion of Giants on Remembrance Day has the same reaction she had.
“I bet there won’t be a dry eye in the house.”
The Courier is giving away two sets of two tickets to the film, which is expected to sell out. The first two readers to email [email protected] with the nickname of the Canadian Lancaster can pick their tickets up at the Courier office before Nov. 11. (These tickets have been claimed. Thanks to all who responded.)
@sthomas10
