When we at Spy Movie Navigator watch spy movies, we try to find where a movie may influence or was influenced by a real-world event or another spy movie. Happily, two things from this 11-second clip give us one of each type of influence. Specifically, Q Planes delivers with a phrase right at the end of this clip (“The Nelson Touch”) that has real-world historical significance. Additionally, we get one phrase that may have influenced the Mission: Impossible series of movies and TV.
- “You’re acting against instructions” – Major Hammond’s boss tells him “Unofficially, of course, you understand. I’ll give you every facility, but if he finds you out, you’re acting against instructions.”
- This instantly brings a 20th and 21st Century spy movie fan to the Mission: Impossible TV and movie series. “As always, should you or any of your IM Force be caught or killed, the Secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions.”
- Does this line get it’s birth from the movie Q Planes? Remember, this movie came out in 1939. The “Mission: Impossible” TV show didn’t happen for another 27 years.
- Q Planes and “The Nelson Touch” – Major Hammond says “The Nelson Touch” in response to the above directive. This phrase brings a real-world reference into the movie. It refers to Lord Horatio Nelson and what he initially described as one of his battle strategies. It’s great to see a historical reference in this type of movie. Q Planes use of the phrase The Nelson Touch brings us to two different eras of history and two different wars. We discuss this in more detail in our Q Planes podcast.
So, check out this clip and see if you agree with us.
RELATED CONTENT
- Podcast: Q Planes (1939) – aka Clouds Over Europe
- More Clips from Q Planes: Q Planes (1939)
