We all know about the tremendous importance of airpower during World War II, but Above and Beyond  tells the little-known true story of the key role played by Newfoundland in making sure enough planes were delivered to help England defeat the Axis powers. Now available on DVD, this RHI miniseries offers viewers a bit of romance, lots of drama, and an enlightening look at the remarkable Atlantic Ferry Operation of WWII.

The story begins in London during 1940 at a time when the war was escalating. France has surrendered and England must prepare for an invasion from Germany. The dreaded German U-boats are sinking ships bringing airplane parts to England. Acting on a wild suggestion from an underling, Lord Beaverbrook (Kenneth Welsh) asks Captain Don Bennett (Richard E. Grant) to oversee an experimental project involving planes flying from Newfoundland to England. Of course, Bennett will need an assistant, and he decides on Shelagh Emberly (Liane Balaban), a lovely stenographer who just happens to be from Newfoundland.

Problems arise when Bennett asks Shelagh to be his representative in Newfoundland. Why? Because she left Nathan Burgess (Allan Howco), her childhood sweetheart, there a few years ago -- with no intentions to return. She’s also recently started up a flirtation with Bill Richardson (Jonathan Scarfe), a charming Yank. Naturally, she would rather stay in London. But Shelagh believes in what Bennett is trying to do, so she returns to Newfoundland and ends up practically running the show with the help of Nathan, who is now in charge of Newfoundland’s civilian airport. Romantic complications arise when Bill shows up as one of the pilots volunteering for Bennett’s dangerous project.       

In the meantime, political squabbling concerning the viability of flying planes across the Atlantic occurs at the highest levels, which requires  Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s (Josh Acklund) intervention to keep the peace among his cabinet members.

Despite lack of proper equipment (and more than one navigator!), Bennett’s brave volunteer pilots manage to deliver the planes. In fact, his experimental program becomes so successful it’s turned over to the Royal Air Force.

Although all cast members deliver more than satisfactory performances in Above and Beyond, Grant and Howco are the standouts for me. Grant comes across as a no-nonsense kind of guy -- but one with an adventuresome spirit -- and that seems to fit a man like Captain Bennett. Howco not only manages to project Nathan’s longing for his former girlfriend but also his struggle to repress it and to handle his day-to-day responsibilities despite Shelagh’s unexpected return.   

My favorite part of this miniseries? Suspenseful scenes inside the planes showing pilots improvising after certain types of equipment fail. Those scenes reminded me why I have such an intense fear of flying and increased my admiration for courageous pilots soaring through the skies both then and now.      

(Released by MTI Home Video; not rated by MPAA.)