Where to Watch Dancing in the Sky (1992)

Summary

Dancing In The Sky pays tribute to the extraordinary life of William Rhodes-Moorhouse the first airman ever to be awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Capturing the life of a mischievous young boy we follow Will’s childhood growing up in the upper-class circles of Northampton. From his family connections to some of New Zealand’s foremost pioneers to the intriguing story of his Maori heritage, all will be revealed. In 1906-1907 he spent some months in New Zealand where he was hailed as a Maori Chief. This mystified him. The family at home had never discussed or admitted to such a sensitive matter. Back in England he became heavily involved in aviation and teamed up with James Radley and together they built the Radley-Moorhouse monoplane. He became a regular contestant in the newly popular air shows and races that were springing up across Europe and the United States. Upon the outbreak of war, he immediately joined the Royal Flying Corps (RFC), the predecessor to the RAF, as a 2nd Lt at the age of 27 and joined No 2 Squadron RFC at Merville. A large portion of the documentary concentrates on his skill as a pilot following his missions that are well documented. In particular, the last 24 hours of his life receive special attention. What were his intentions on that April afternoon? Before leaving he wrote letters to his wife and his son talking of the impossible odds of him returning from this mission. William Rhodes-Moorhouse paid the ultimate price for an act of valour.