The Way to the Stars

The Way to the Stars, also known as Johnny in the Clouds, is a 1945 war drama film made by Two Cities Films and released by United Artists. It was produced by Anatole de Grunwald and directed by Anthony Asquith. The screenplay was written by Terence Rattigan, based on his play Flare Path, which incorporated his Royal Air Force (RAF) experiences as a flight lieutenant. The film stars Michael Redgrave, John Mills, and Rosamund John. The title, The ... more

The Way to the Stars, also known as Johnny in the Clouds, is a 1945 war drama film made by Two Cities Films and released by United Artists. It was produced by Anatole de Grunwald and directed by Anthony Asquith. The screenplay was written by Terence Rattigan, based on his play Flare Path, which incorporated his Royal Air Force (RAF) experiences as a flight lieutenant. The film stars Michael Redgrave, John Mills, and Rosamund John. The title, The Way to the Stars, is taken from the Latin motto of the RAF, Per ardua ad astra. The alternative title, Johnny in the Clouds, is derived from the poem recited in the film as tribute to the dead British airman. The setting of the film is a new RAF station called Halfpenny Field (pronounced ha'penny). The action takes place between 1940 and 1944. Pilot Officer Peter Penrose (John Mills) arrives in the summer of 1940 as a newly posted and very green "fifteen hour sprog" Bristol Blenheim pilot, and is assigned to the command of Flight Lieutenant... less