Q PLANES aka Clouds Over Europe (1939) Laurence Olivier & Valerie Hobson | Comedy, Drama | B&W

Q Planes, also known as Clouds Over Europe in the United States, is a 1939 British comedy spy film featuring Ralph Richardson, Laurence Olivier, and Valerie Hobson. It was produced by Irving Asher, with Alexander Korda serving as executive producer. Directed by Tim Whelan, an American residing in Britain since 1932, the film came about during Olivier and Richardson's collaboration on a theatrical version of Othello."

SYNOPSIS
In September 1938, Major Hammond, a British Secret Service agent, investigates the mysterious disappearance of advanced British aircraft prototypes and their crews during test flights. Partnering with his sister Kay, a newspaper reporter undercover at Barrett & Ward Aircraft Company, Hammond faces resistance from Mr. Barrett, the owner. He befriends star pilot Tony McVane, suspecting company secretary Jenkins as a mole. Before Jenkins can reveal information, he is killed by a gunman. McVane's test flight is sabotaged by a powerful ray from the salvage ship S.S. Viking, whose crew, implied to be German agents, captures McVane and others. Escaping captivity, McVane leads a revolt aboard Viking. Meanwhile, Hammond uncovers the truth and coordinates a Royal Navy rescue. Amidst the chaos, Kay and McVane's relationship blossoms, while Hammond's personal life takes a hit when he learns of his lady friend's marriage.

CAST & CREW
Laurence Olivier as Tony McVane
Ralph Richardson as Major Charles Hammond
Valerie Hobson as Kay Hammond
George Curzon as Jenkins
George Merritt as Barrett
Gus McNaughton as Bleinkinsop
David Tree as R. MacKenzie
Sandra Storme as Daphne
Hay Petrie as Stage Door Keeper
Frank Fox as Karl
George Butler as Sir Marshall Gosport
Gordon McLeod as The Baron
John Longden as John Peters
Ronald Adam as Pollock, Airline Designer
Ian Fleming as Air Minister
Reginald Purdell as Pilot
Roy Emerton as SS Viking First Mate
David Farrar as SS Viking Mate
John Laurie as Newspaper Editor
Raymond Lovell as Company Manager
Leslie Bradley as Assistant

Directed by: Tim Whelan, Arthur B. Woods
Written by: Brock Williams, Jack Whittingham, Ian Dalrymple
Produced by: Irving Asher (Executive Producer: Alexander Korda)
Cinematography: Harry Stradling Sr.
Edited by: Hugh Stewart
Music by: Muir Mathieson
Production Company: Irving Asher Productions
Distributed by: Columbia Pictures (UK, US)
Release Date: March 2, 1939
Running Time: 82 minutes
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

Originally titled "Foreign Sabotage," Q Planes showcases period airports and aircraft such as the Airspeed Envoy, de Havilland Dragon Rapide, and de Havilland Tiger Moth in its aerial scenes. Filmed in September 1938, the production was a swift endeavor, particularly for Laurence Olivier, who was already committed to filming Wuthering Heights (1939) in America. Ralph Richardson, known for his comedic prowess, delivers a sardonic performance as a spy, contrasting Olivier's role. The film marks a departure from later British war films and Olivier's career trajectory. While Hitchcock pioneered spy comedies like The 39 Steps (1935) and The Lady Vanishes (1938), Q Planes blends espionage, high-tech villains, romance, and comedy. It stands as one of the last "neutral Britain" spy comedies, with its comedic elements contrasting the patriotic films produced during World War II.

Q Planes, released as Clouds Over Europe in the U.S., is primarily a comedic espionage film praised for its blend of wit and entertainment. Ralph Richardson's portrayal of Major Hammond is particularly acclaimed for skillfully balancing comedic and dramatic elements. Critics appreciate the film's witty dialogue and engaging storyline. However, Laurence Olivier's performance is viewed as less impactful. Initially criticized for its heavy-handed prologue depicting war with Nazi Germany, the film is later commended for its comedic approach. Variety regards it as a delightful summer diversion, while The New Yorker criticizes its British humor as overly whimsical. Overall, Q Planes is celebrated for its refreshing take on the genre, with Ralph Richardson's performance earning particular acclaim.

Richardson's dapper, insouciant secret agent was named, years later, as the model for the bowler-hatted upper-class British spy John Steed in the 1960s television series The Avengers, according to producer Brian Clemens.