The Lost Aviator is a clever mix of documentary, movie and interviews all rolled together to re-open the famous murder case of Lancaster/Clarke.
Bill Lancaster, a former RAF pilot, attempted to make the first flight from the UK to Australia in 1927. A married man with children, he did so in the sole company of Chubbie Miller, an Australian who learnt to fly on the job and with whom he fell in love.
Years later Haden Clarke, Chubby’s ghost writer and new lover, was shot dead in the Miami home he shared with Miller and Lancaster. Lancaster confessed to forging suicide notes, was arrested, brought to trial for murder in Miami, and then famously acquitted.
After being released he attempted another solo flight to Australia which ended tragically.
The documentary is written and directed by Lancaster’s great nephew Andrew Lancaster who also directed the 2009 Geena Davis film Accidents Happen. He brings together footage of the times, photos, experts from outside the family and scenes from the 1985 television series The Lancaster Miller Affair starring Nicholas Eadie to help him present his case.
These movie scenes tell the story along with narration by Ewen Leslie who has a voice reminiscent of Jeremy Irons.
Andrew Lancaster would have us doubt the verdict of not guilty and presents new evidence along with interviews from Bill Lancaster’s surviving relatives including his daughter, Nina. Unfortunately, the interviews seem to add nothing to Bill’s case. In fact, reopening the case after 80 years only seems to upset them. They all insist the verdict of not guilty should stand.
The film is cleverly edited and presents both sides of Bill’s story – the case for guilty and not guilty. One is left wondering what the verdict would be if the trial had happened today? Forensics have improved since 1932.
The musical score by Matteo Zingales brings together a sense of adventure with a sense of reflection which complements with the film’s other elements.
The Lost Aviator is a story that deserves to be told again (I knew nothing about it), and it leaves you with many questions that can never be answered.
Reviewed by Barry Hill
Twitter: @kinesguy
Rating out of 10: 8
The Lost Aviator is available for Digital Download through iTunes and other outlets.
