There is a lot of underlining themes involved with this movie, including the winning of three possible Prizes: 1: The Race itself. 2: The money for winning. 3: Patricia Rawnsley (Sarah Miles). Of course, you knew she will end up with American Orvil Newton (Stuart Whitman). Why? Because when she saw that Orvil was willing to sacrifice everything (including winning when he really needed the money to end up with her (or at least bring the plane back to America. Which is a point that Orvil made to Patricia earlier in the movie, which is why she made sure he was back in the race when her father wanted him out)) in order to save Count Emilio Ponticelli (Alberto Sordi), when his plane was on fire, she knew what kind of character he had. As far as his competitor Richard Mays (James Fox) was concerned, he was never willing to put her first: It was flying, the wishes of her father Lord Rawnsley (Robert Morley), and other "obligations" (even cards), over her. The final scene involving Richard when he was more interested in the trophy then her or even the Financial Prize which he shared with Orvil, showed where his priorities were (I suspect he saw HER as little more than a "Trophy Wife"). Now while both men were honorable (Orvil saving the Count, and Richard sharing the money), she knew it will be Orvil that will do whatever is necessary to always do the right thing, including making her happy (such as taking her Flying, which Richard would not do because of her Father's objection). So when she shook her head yes, and smiled (a lot), you knew in the end, Orvil won the biggest Prize of all Patricia.
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kevin-bergin
8 years ago
Of course, you knew she will end up with American Orvil Newton (Stuart Whitman). Why? Because when she saw that Orvil was willing to sacrifice everything (including winning when he really needed the money to end up with her
Yet that only works if the English guy (Mays) is anything less than generous. He acknowledges the sacrifice and offers to share the prize.
Hell, he's as good a guy at the end as Orvil.
Poor writing in that last scene-IMHO.
"It's the system, Lara. People will be different after the Revolution."
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davidjanuzbrown
8 years ago
If you see the last five minutes you see that Richard is pulled away and Patricia goes to Orvil smiles and nods up and down before they look up to the sky together. In the closing credits ( they add and women to those magnificent men in their flying machines). As far as Richard is concerned, he is not a bad guy ( like Sir Percy) but his priority in life is aviation (remember when he told Richard "You could have won." And Richard said "You would have done the same thing ( sacrificing winning to save the Count) and he hesitated . Orvil needed the money far more then Richard but was selfless. Patricia saw what he did and that was the clincher. There will always be priorities in Richard's life over Patricia and Orvil will put her first. Orvil said "If I win I can even win a woman life you." Richard and Orvil shared the financial prize, but each also got what mattered most to them: Richard the race and Orvil winning Sarah Miles ( Patricia) heart
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davidjanuzbrown
8 years ago
There is one scene where Richard talks to Patricia's father and he mentions he will be busy 6 days a week but can sacrifice cards night, and Robert Morley says "We don't want to spoil the old girl now do we?' If Richard really loved Patricia, he would make time for her. Is Richard a good person? Yes, but not a good match for Patricia. Orvil will enjoy and cherish all that Patricia has to offer (especially her company). Patricia knows that Richard will have limited time for her (especially will not take her flying), and he will do whatever her father wants. When Orvil shows his character saving the Count (and being willing to lose the race), the choice becomes very easy. In the end they both get what they want most of all. They both split the money, but Richard wins the race and gets to represent "Britainia Ruling The Air.", while Orvil gets Patricia.
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