Produced by the Realist Film Unit in 1949, 'Michael and the Flying Boats' is a compelling short film in which Michael is promised a trip on a flying boat for his birthday. Arriving at the BOAC maintenance base at Hythe, he is taken on a trip to Southampton, where he later waves farewell to a departing Solent at the BOAC Berth 50 Marine Terminal.

Featuring rare and fascinating of BOAC flying boats of the period, procedures and personnel, including Olive Carlisle, the first female stewardess to be employed by the BOAC. This charming film provides a nostalgic glimpse back to a time when flying boat travel was in its glory.

For those of us born too late to remember this golden age of air travel, Michael's present allows us to stand on the sun drenched pontoon at Southampton's Berth 50 and experience the sight and sound of these majestic flying boats.