This fictionalized biopic tells the story of R.J. Mitchell (Leslie Howard), the British aviator who developed the Spitfire--an ace fighter plane, and Geoffrey Crisp (David Niven, who was granted military leave to star in the film), his daring test pilot who tells the tale in flashback. After winning numerous accolades for his achievements in designing monoplanes, Mitchell is convinced that he must design a new type of fighter plane after Hitler's ascend to power--the result was the titular craft that helped Britain defend its skies. Sadly, director/star Howard was killed after being shot down by German forces while returning home from a diplomatic mission prior to the film's release. Incidentally, SPITFIRE was viewed as a great boost to Britain's morale during wartime.