Summary: Part of the 'Explorations' series, this film tells the story of the conception and development of radar from the perspective of Sir Robert Watson-Watt, who was called the 'father of radar'. Much of the film is comprised a detailed interview with Watson-Watt at his home in Canada with supporting combat and other footage from the Battle of Britain, the attack on Pearl Harbour and the Battle of the Atlantic.
Description: He explains his involvement in the development of radar from his initial engagement on the 1935 project to develop a 'Death Ray', through the early teething problems and resistance from people including Winston Churchill, to the successful engagement of the system known as Chain Home during the Battle of Britain. He mentions his hurried move to America in response to the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbour and how he helped to develop their systems
Includes still images of his initial team of scientists and assistants, including Henry Tizard, Edward George Bowen, Patrick Blackett and Hugh Dowding, in addition to several anecdotes.
Alternative Title:EXPLORATIONS [Series Title]
Colour:B&W
Digitised:
Object_Number:TRE 389
Sound:Sound
Access Conditions:
Featured Period:1946-1975
Production Date:1961
Production Country: Canada
Production Details: National Film Board of Canada (Production company)
Koenig, Joseph (Production individual)
Koenig, Wolf (Production individual)
Daly, Tom (Production individual)
Koenig, Wolf (Production individual)
Spotton, John (Production individual)
Koenig, Joseph (Production individual)
Carriere, Marcel (Production individual)
Alexander, Ron (Production individual)
Anders, Fred (Production individual)
Personalities, Units and Organisations:Churchill, Winston Leonard Spencer (person)
Keywords:
Physical Characteristics: Colour format: B&W
Sound format: Sound
Soundtrack language: English
Title language: English
Subtitle language: None
Technical Details: Format: 16mm
Number of items/reels/tapes: 1
Footage: 1012 ft; Running time: 29 mins
