The Future is Theirs is a promotional film made by British Overseas Airways Corporation (B.O.A.C.) in the 1950s to advertise the quality and standard of their services.

B.O.A.C. was the former British state airline from 1939-1946, and the long-haul British state airline from 1946-1974.

In 1971, following an act of parliament, B.O.A.C. was merged with British European Airways (B.E.A.) - Britain’s largest domestic airline 1946-1974 - to become British Airways. 

This fabulous film shows the various operations from the ground up, required to maintain B.O.A.C. flights across the world:

“What makes it possible to cross continents and oceans in the count of hours, straddle the world in an easy chair?

The answer is: people and planning.

Individual skills, integrity, and fore-thought that add up to the organization of a world airline.”

Where:

“Precision, power, reliability and comfort are the measure of an airline.”

Directed by John Spencer, with commentary read by the actor William Franklin (best known for his advertizsing work for “Sch…you know who”) and a lively and dramatic musical score, composed by Frank Cordell, a former World War II radio navigator, who flew missions with RAF Bomber Command, and was later involved with establishing London’s famed Institute of Contemporary Arts. Cordell also composed the film scores for Tony Hancock’s The Rebel, David McCallum’s Mosquito Squadron, Cromwell and Ring of Bright Water, amongst many others.

The Future is Theirs is a fascinating piece of advertising, which captures a world full of optimism and promise. Just like today, but with wings.
 

 
Relax and enjoy the rest of this in-flight presentation, after the jump…
 
With thanks to Una Gallacher