Ron Goodwin: 633 Squadron

633 Squadron is a classic World War II film from 1964, directed by Walter Grauman.

Released: 1964

Director: Walter Grauman

Cast: Cliff Robertson, George Chakiris and Maria Perschy

The Film: An RAF squadron is assigned to knock out a German rocket fuel factory in Norway, which is part of the Nazi effort to launch rockets on England during D-day, by flying up a well-defended fjord at low level.

The Score: British composer Ron Goodwin wrote many acclaimed films scores for films including Whirlpool, Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines, Battle of Britain, The Trap, Where Eagles Dare and Force Ten from Navarone. Goodwin also composed music for comedies starring Morecambe and Wise, Charlie Drake and Norman Wisdom.

Goodwin's theme has become an incredibly popular piece for brass bands across the UK and remains one of British cinema's catchiest themes. This is gung-ho heroism and wartime bravery, set to a rhythm that echoes the squadron number.