The Lion Has Wings
“The Film Hitler Doesn't Want You To See!”
Synopsis
This early, influential propaganda film blends documentary and studio footage to show the valiant efforts of the Royal Air Force to defend the British people against the Nazis.
Top Cast
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Merle Oberon
Mrs. Richardson
Ralph Richardson
Wing Commander Richardson
June Duprez
June
Flora Robson
Queen Elizabeth I (archive footage)
Robert Douglas
Briefing Officer
Anthony Bushell
Pilot
Brian Worth
Bobby
Austin Trevor
Schulemberg - German Air Chief of Staff
Ivan Brandt
Air Officer
G.H. Mulcaster
Controller
Herbert Lomas
Holveg
Milton Rosmer
Head of Observer Corps
Ronald Adam
German Bomber Chief
Robert Rendel
British Chief of Air Staff
John Longden
Unnamed Character
Archibald Batty
Air Officer
Ian Fleming
Air Officer
Charles Carson
Anti-aircraft Officer
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Adrian Brunel, Michael Powell, Brian Desmond Hurst, Alexander Korda
- Screenplay & Story
- Adrian Brunel, Ian Dalrymple, E. V. H. Emmett
- Original Score
- Richard Addinsell
- Original Title
- The Lion Has Wings
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 16m
- Production Studios
- London Films Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Adrian Brunel, Michael Powell, Brian Desmond Hurst, Alexander Korda
Adrian Brunel, Ian Dalrymple, E. V. H. Emmett
Richard Addinsell
Harry Stradling Sr.
Henry Cornelius, Derek N. Twist, Charles Frend
Alexander Korda
Department Leadership Roster
Adrian Brunel
Director
Michael Powell
Director
Brian Desmond Hurst
Director
Adrian Brunel
Writer
E. V. H. Emmett
Writer
Richard Addinsell
Original Music Composer
Harry Stradling Sr.
Director of Photography
Henry Cornelius
Editor
Derek N. Twist
Editor
Alexander Korda
Director
Alexander Korda
Producer
Charles Frend
Editor
Hugh Stewart
Editor
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Lion Has Wings.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Lion Has Wings.
War: World War II
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Movies categorized under War
Criterion US - Documentary Movies
Curated list of Most Popular on Criterion (US). Updated frequently. Last updated August 28, 2026.
Criterion US - War Movies
Curated list of Most Popular on Criterion (US). Updated frequently. Last updated August 28, 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Lion Has Wings
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Lion Has Wings about?
This early, influential propaganda film blends documentary and studio footage to show the valiant efforts of the Royal Air Force to defend the British people against the Nazis.
Who directed The Lion Has Wings?
The Lion Has Wings was directed by Adrian Brunel, Michael Powell, Brian Desmond Hurst, Alexander Korda.
Who stars in The Lion Has Wings?
The principal cast of The Lion Has Wings includes Merle Oberon, Ralph Richardson, June Duprez, Flora Robson, Robert Douglas.
When was The Lion Has Wings released and how long is it?
The Lion Has Wings was released in 1939 with a total runtime of 1h 16m.
Who composed the musical score for The Lion Has Wings?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Lion Has Wings was composed by Richard Addinsell.