The Flight of the Phoenix (1965)
There were two movies released in 1965 with an extremely similar plot: The Flight of the Phoenix and Sands of the Kalahari. In both adventure dramas, a cargo plane crashes in the middle of the desert, leaving the few survivors without any hope of rescue. I saw both on back-to-back nights. Kalahari was pretty disturbing, and Phoenix was so fantastic I applauded after it was over.
The opening sequence is very exciting, with the normal flight taking place before the opening credits. We see the passengers, hear a bit of routine banter between the pilot and co-pilot, and then out of nowhere, a bird flies in the engine and disrupts the flight. As the plane starts to crash, the opening credits roll. The rest of the movie unfolds in a perfect pace. Everyone has different ideas and reactions, which is true to life. And when total strangers are forced to share water and food in order to stay alive, there are endless opportunities for fights along the way.
James Stewart plays the guilt-ridden pilot who takes responsibility for the crash. Richard Attenborough is his alcoholic co-pilot with a nervous stammer. Ernest Borgnine tugs on your heartstrings with his paranoia and deep sensitivity. Peter Finch is a professional soldier who wants to look at things rationally, and Ronald Fraser resents both his superior officer and his duty. George Kennedy is easy-going and tries to be useful, Christian Marquand is a doctor caring for a man injured in the crash, Dan Duryea is a bespectacled naïve businessman who thinks they’ll be rescued in time for his business meeting, and Ian Bannen does nothing but crack racist jokes and laugh when no one else does. And finally, there’s Hardy Kruger. As a German, the other survivors are wary of him and don’t respect him. But while everyone else is panicking and rationing water, he’s busy surveying the aircraft. It turns out he has a plan for survival – but everyone has to pull together if it’s going to work.
For all the fantastic effort and acting, it’s so baffling as to why the one person who was given absolutely nothing to do was rewarded with an Oscar nomination. Ian Bannen should never have been nominated; in fact, he could have been cut out of the movie entirely. It’s also baffling that the film wasn’t a success. What’s not to like? At the Hot Toasty Rags, we believed it was one of the best pictures of the year. With nominations for Picture, Dramatic Screenplay, and Supporting Actor, it took home the winning prize for the latter. Congratulations Hardy Kruger, an underrated actor with a knack for subtle performances.
If you haven’t seen this movie, buy yourself a copy. You’re going to want to return to it over and over again. An exciting, emotional adventure, this drama relies on its actors to provide tension and carry the story forward. There’s some grizzly makeup to show the effects of the sand and dry heat, but besides that, there aren’t any gimmicks to keep you interested. Ten men stranded in the middle of the desert keep you interested. And it’s incredible.
DLM Warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie might not be your friend. The beginning plane crash features some shaky camera movement, and it will make you sick. In other words, "Don't Look, Mom!"
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru and thanks "Classic Movies Kristine Rose" for posting!
More James Stewart movies here!
The opening sequence is very exciting, with the normal flight taking place before the opening credits. We see the passengers, hear a bit of routine banter between the pilot and co-pilot, and then out of nowhere, a bird flies in the engine and disrupts the flight. As the plane starts to crash, the opening credits roll. The rest of the movie unfolds in a perfect pace. Everyone has different ideas and reactions, which is true to life. And when total strangers are forced to share water and food in order to stay alive, there are endless opportunities for fights along the way.
James Stewart plays the guilt-ridden pilot who takes responsibility for the crash. Richard Attenborough is his alcoholic co-pilot with a nervous stammer. Ernest Borgnine tugs on your heartstrings with his paranoia and deep sensitivity. Peter Finch is a professional soldier who wants to look at things rationally, and Ronald Fraser resents both his superior officer and his duty. George Kennedy is easy-going and tries to be useful, Christian Marquand is a doctor caring for a man injured in the crash, Dan Duryea is a bespectacled naïve businessman who thinks they’ll be rescued in time for his business meeting, and Ian Bannen does nothing but crack racist jokes and laugh when no one else does. And finally, there’s Hardy Kruger. As a German, the other survivors are wary of him and don’t respect him. But while everyone else is panicking and rationing water, he’s busy surveying the aircraft. It turns out he has a plan for survival – but everyone has to pull together if it’s going to work.
For all the fantastic effort and acting, it’s so baffling as to why the one person who was given absolutely nothing to do was rewarded with an Oscar nomination. Ian Bannen should never have been nominated; in fact, he could have been cut out of the movie entirely. It’s also baffling that the film wasn’t a success. What’s not to like? At the Hot Toasty Rags, we believed it was one of the best pictures of the year. With nominations for Picture, Dramatic Screenplay, and Supporting Actor, it took home the winning prize for the latter. Congratulations Hardy Kruger, an underrated actor with a knack for subtle performances.
If you haven’t seen this movie, buy yourself a copy. You’re going to want to return to it over and over again. An exciting, emotional adventure, this drama relies on its actors to provide tension and carry the story forward. There’s some grizzly makeup to show the effects of the sand and dry heat, but besides that, there aren’t any gimmicks to keep you interested. Ten men stranded in the middle of the desert keep you interested. And it’s incredible.
DLM Warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie might not be your friend. The beginning plane crash features some shaky camera movement, and it will make you sick. In other words, "Don't Look, Mom!"
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru and thanks "Classic Movies Kristine Rose" for posting!
More James Stewart movies here!
Hot Toasty Rag Awards:
Best Supporting Actor of 1965: Hardy Kruger
Hot Toasty Rag Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Dramatic Screenplay