The Spirit of St. Louis
On May 21, 1927, the world changed. "Lucky Lindy" landed outside Paris. And people who previously talked about the limitations of air travel suddenly dreamed of its limitless possibilities. The Spirit of St. Louis is six-time Academy Award winner Billy Wilder's recreation of the struggles and success of Charles A. Lindbergh, the pioneering flyboy who, like test pilots and astronauts to follow later, had the "right stuff" of aviation heroism. Lindbergh fan James Stewart, himself a pilot, sought the role - and was initially turned down. But his persistence paid off, as Stewart added Lindy to his gallery of indelible portrayals of American heroes. He and Wilder together manned the cockpit of a stirring epic entertainment.
Member Reviews
Lindbergh Biography - Gregg
Biographical tale of the life of Charles Lindbergh, the first man to fly solo non-stop across the Atlantic in 1927, aboard his plane the Spirit of St Louis.
While not amongst Director Billy Wilder’s best films it does boast some very impressive production values especially for a film made 50 years ago. The story is well told and the performances are also good though not outstanding.
One definite limiting factor upon the storytelling is that Lindbergh flew alone and without a radio, which meant he has no one to speak with. This necessitated a few different story telling techniques such as internal monologues, speaking with a housefly, and the occasional bouts of talking to himself especially once the exhaustion sets in. Also in order to avoid an extended sequence of the famous flight, it is interspersed with flashbacks from his life and the methodical preparations for the flight.
Special features include a Joe McDoakes short film and a Speedy Gonzales cartoon. Tabasco Road the cartoon was nominated for an Oscar as Best Short Subject, Cartoons. The cartoon is preceded by a disclaimer about portrayals of racial and ethnic stereotypes that while inappropriate did reflect the prevailing attitudes of the time in which it was made. The Joe McDoakes short was one of over 60 made from the early 40’s to the late 50’s. Both of these shorts are interesting for those looking for a historical perspective on attitudes of the time or for those simply seeking nostalgia.
Charles Lindbergh was a huge hero of his era but his controversial beliefs would taint his legacy somewhat. Despite this he would continue to contribute to the aviation field and assisted as a civilian aircraft consultant to the US effort in WWII.
Jimmy Stewart certainly had the flying background to back his portrayal of Lindbergh. He rose to the rank of Colonel in US Air Force during WWII and while in the reserves following the War would reach the rank of Brigadier General.James Stewart is Blond - Film_Prophet1
It is surprising that this film is directed by Billy Wilder. Usually know for the cynical pessismistic films, this film is an uplifting look at an event that changed the world.
It was hard to consider James Stewart at the time for the role. He was in his forties and Charles Linburge was 27 when he made that famous flight. Fortunatly, Stewart makes the role work. When he is on the plane, the intensity in his face keep you on the edge of your seat.interesting historical event - rgb_connection
I quite like this movie, the main character was great, and the history was great. I'd really like to discover the story of the first cross Atlantic flight. I think this movie was a little long on the run, but I did enjoy watching it. I think it is not for everyone but only for the advertise film buff.
Member Reviews
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Lindbergh Biography - Gregg
Biographical tale of the life of Charles Lindbergh, the first man to fly solo non-stop across the Atlantic in 1927, aboard his plane the Spirit of St Louis.
While not amongst Director Billy Wilder’s best films it does boast some very impressive production ...James Stewart is Blond - Film_Prophet1
It is surprising that this film is directed by Billy Wilder. Usually know for the cynical pessismistic films, this film is an uplifting look at an event that changed the world.
It was hard to consider James Stewart at the time for the role. He was in ...interesting historical event - rgb_connection
I quite like this movie, the main character was great, and the history was great. I'd really like to discover the story of the first cross Atlantic flight. I think this movie was a little long on the run, but I did enjoy watching it. I think it is not for ...