Ken Annakin's large-canvas comedy Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines is set in 1910. In order to boost circulation of his newspaper, Lord Rawnsley (
Robert Morley) offers 10,000 pounds to the first person who can fly across the English Channel. A huge number of hopefuls enter the contest, including the scheming Sir Percy Ware-Armitage (
Terry-Thomas), who, with the help of his henchman Courtney (
Eric Sykes), attempts to sabotage the other entries. There is also a love triangle featuring Orvil Newton (
Stuart Whitman) and Richard Mays (
James Fox) competing for the heart of Patricia Rawnsley (
Sarah Miles). ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide