Movie Briefing - ‘The Blue Max’

I first saw this movie soon after it was released in 1966 and I enjoyed it as much today as I did then.

This movie has a compelling story line and looks at some of the dynamics that changed many glorified Knights of the Air into the cold-blooded killers that ‘total’ war demanded.

The Blue Max was Germany’s top medal at that time and has an interesting history all of its own – the inscription is Pour Le Merite.

The flying sequences are superb. There is a replica Pfalz (which currently lives in New Zealand at the Omaka Heritage Collection). replica SE5s, Fokker DVIIs and Triplanes. When massed aircraft are required the ubiquitous Tiger Moth fills in for both British and German machines.

If you have seen the BBC series Piece of Cake, you will probably remember a bridge
scenario in an early episode.
I think its forerunner may well have come from this movie. Derek Piggott MBE, known to glider pilots everywhere flew the Blue Max scenes.

I read a review on wikipedia that says Richard Bach was also one of the unaccredited pilots but I can’t find this reference in any of Bach’s books. He does mention piloting in Von Richtofen and Brown – “I shot down the Red Baron, and so what.” which sounds like an excellent companion DVD to the Blue Max. It has just been re-released in the US
Wikipedia also credits much of the stunt flying to Derek Piggott

If you like the movie and are interested in WW1 aircraft you might find the Aircraft Recording CD’s of interest:

Wind In The Wires

Sounds of Ghosts of the Great War

And if you really want to get in the mood you could always consider an Open Cockpit Flying Scarf!

Best Museum In The World?

Sydney Morning Herald travel writer Bruce Elder has recently visited the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre and has written in his on-line blog:
"The best Museum in the World? I am not exaggerating."


Lift-off Was December 8th 2006

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre was officially opened in Marlborough on the 8th December 2006; unveiling a unique visitor attraction and significant asset for the region.

Entitled “Knights of the Sky”, the opening exhibition includes one of the world's largest private collections of rare WW1 aircraft that are presented in dramatic tableaux to spectacular effect.

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is the product of more than a decade of collaborative activity amongst Marlborough aviation enthusiasts. They have been propelled by a common vision: that the region's nucleus of aircraft enthusiasts, rare aeroplanes, specialist aviation skills, coupled with the historical significance of the Omaka Aerodrome - could become the foundation for a 'flying heritage centre' which would be the focal point for a broad spectrum of aviation activity bringing economic benefit to the region.

Their vision received strong support from the Marlborough District Council and Marlborough Regional Development Trust, both of whom recognised aviation as a key driver in Marlborough's economy and successfully applied to NZ Trade and Enterprise for a Major Regional Initiative grant to build Stage One of the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.

Stage One, which opened on the 8th December 2006, occupies some 3,000 sqm of purpose-built display area and accommodates a collection of dramatically-staged static displays of original and replica aircraft along with flyable aeroplanes from the WW1 era. The collection is managed by the 14-18 Aviation Heritage Trust, which is chaired by film director Peter Jackson, and has been brought to life in a series of theatrical dioramas constructed with the artistic talent and technical expertise of some of New Zealand's most talented storytellers and special effects wizards.

Speaking at the launch event Mr Brian Greenall, Chairman of the New Zealand Aviation Heritage Trust, which operates the aviation heritage centre, said the Omaka attraction aims to be both educational and entertaining for all ages, while acting as catalyst to attract aviation business and investment to the Marlborough region.

As the centerpiece of the region's aviation cluster, the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre forms the nucleus for a range of aviation-related businesses set to grow in the adjacent Aviation Business Park. These include aircraft restoration/painting/upholstery, vintage/warbird experience flights - even whole aircraft manufacture. Site preparation is currently underway for the establishment of the first five new hangars in the Aviation Business Park with construction due to commence before the end of the year.

Marlborough's tourism industry will also be a key benefactor. The rarity of the aircraft and world-class standard of creativity and craftsmanship of the Stage One exhibition will not only draw aviation enthusiasts from around the globe but will also extend the range of Marlborough's entertainment options for visitors of all ages and interests.

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre will be open 7 days per week from 10am - 4pm and is located alongside the Omaka Aerodrome, approximately 5kms from the centre of Blenheim.


For further information, please contact:
Jane Orphan
Chief Executive, Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
03 5791305
027 6777621
jane@omaka.org.nz

www.omaka.org.nz
(Words and pictures from www.omaka.org.nz)

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