The Way to the Stars

The film opens on an abandoned airfield, establishing RAF Halfpenny Field as a haunting hub for the story. Subtle references to people and objects foreshadow what will be shown later.

In the summer of 1940, Pilot Officer Peter Penrose arrives at No. 720 Squadron. He is very green, having only flown Bristol Blenheims for about 15 hours, and is assigned to B Flight under Flight Lieutenant Archdale.

When the squadron's CO Carter is shot down, Archdale takes over leadership of No. 720 Squadron. Penrose begins to mature into a capable pilot under Archdale's tutelage, learning the ropes of frontline bomber operations.

Penrose meets Iris Winterton, a young woman living with her domineering aunt at the Golden Lion Hotel near the squadron's base. Their relationship begins amidst wartime tensions and social hurdles.

Archdale marries Miss Todd, the popular manager of the Golden Lion Hotel, known to locals as Toddy. The marriage links the airbase with the hotel and its bustling social scene.

The Archdales have a son named Peter, a personal anchor amid the war's chaos. The family life adds responsibility for Archdale and intertwines Iris with their circle.

By May 1942, the squadron has transitioned to Douglas Boston bombers. Penrose shows strain from combat, Archdale is shot down and killed over France, and Penrose is posted to controller school.

No. 720 Squadron is sent to the Middle East, but Penrose stays behind as a ground controller for a USAAF B-17 group that takes over the airfield. He befriends USAAF Captain Johnny Hollis and Lieutenant Joe Friselli, forming bonds with the American crews.

On 17 August 1942, the USAAF conducts its first attack on Occupied France from the Halfpenny Field area. The Americans acknowledge the vast challenges of operating from a new base and the dangers of heavy bombers.

Penrose is later posted to flying duties with an RAF Avro Lancaster bomber squadron, marking his return to frontline flight operations. His growth from trainee to seasoned officer is underscored by this new assignment.

In 1944, now a squadron leader and Pathfinder pilot, Penrose makes an emergency landing at Halfpenny Field, where he again encounters Iris. Iris has decided to leave her aunt and join the war effort.

Toddy persuades Penrose to propose to Iris, assuring her that marriage would not bring regret despite past losses. The moment ties the couple's future to the war and to Toddy's own loyalty to her friends.

Captain Johnny Hollis dies trying to land his battle-damaged B-17 with a hung-up bomb aboard rather than risk bailing out and crashing into a village. His sacrifice weighs heavily on the airmen and Toddy.

American and British airmen depart the Golden Lion Hotel, watched by Toddy, as David's voice recites the poem For Johnny. The closing image ties memory, sacrifice, and camaraderie together.