Plot Details: This opinion reveals major details about the movie's plot.

The original Flight of the Phoenix, came out in 1965, and starred James Stewart as the pilot of the expedition. Any remakes of this film, only serve to water down the great story that was put on the big screen the first time around. It is a 142-minute masterpiece of suspense, dismay, and human struggle, that shouldn't have been redone in the fashion that Hollywood deemed necessary. In fact, one of the main characters of the first version was left out of the second movie; the desert. Sure, it is used as a backdrop in the remake, but in the original, it took on a persona all of its own, and it showed the people of this plane that it was not to be toyed with.

By now, everyone knows that Flight of the Phoenix is based around a plane crash that takes place in the middle of a vast wasteland. The crash leaves 2 men dead, and one other critically injured. The passengers are now faced with the obstacles of being more than 100 miles off course, a radio that no longer works, and a limited supply of water. Luckily for them though, they were flying with a rather large cargo of dates, so they won't be starving anytime soon. Stewart plays the role of the pilot, Captain Frank Towns, and blames himself as the main reason for the plane crash. He takes on a fatherly role in regards to the other men stuck with him, and knows that if they don't get out of this desert soon, that they will all perish. He is, of course, also the first person to realize that rescue won't be coming anytime soon, but he is all out of ideas on how to survive this situation.

Nobody is happy about the plane wreck, and at times tempers reach the breaking point, as there is a struggle to determine who is actually in charge of this group. Some of the men think it would be wiser to walk out of the desert, and others think that the key will be to find some help. Of course Frank is the man of logic, always applying logic to each new idea. Stuck with Frank, is Heinrish Dorfmann, who claims to be an airplane designer, who has the hopes that the men can build a new plane from the pieces of the original plane. The idea seems very far-fetched for the people in the group, yet it may be there only hope to get back to civilization. Nobody can believe that the idea could actually work, but in time, they cave to it because they can think of nothing better. When the decision is finally made, it becomes a race against the clock, because they have no more than 14 days of water left if it is rationed out well.

With everyone setting to work on a singular task, it seems that this may be the answer to all of their prayers. However, the story does not stop there, and the twists within the main plot become very dramatic as the movie progresses. The movie is very successful in portraying the men who are trapped in the middle of the Sahara, with no chance at survival if they don't take matters into their own hands. The story also takes a little bit of time to develop the characteristics of each of the men at the center of the plot. Instead of glossing over what one might be thinking, we are instead treated to some very great character development that helps hold a strong story together in the end. While it may seem a simple film from the outside, Flight of the Phoenix is actually a superbly done film that is highlighted by some very great acting roles.

I found it a shame to see that a remake of this film was made recently, because it does not hold everything to the original storyline. Instead it tries to pump up the action and adventure for a 21st century audience. Flight of the Phoenix is truly a classic film that should be enjoyed for the time period with which it was made. The supporting cast, which included Richard Attenborough and Ernest Borgnine also added a lot to the film that featured Stewart and Hardy Kruger (the plan designer). The make-up was also exceptionally good, as we start to really believe that these men have been in the harsh climate for such a long time. It really brings the human element to the forefront of the story, and makes the audience feel sorry for everyone on the plane. The film is strong because of all of these aspects, and doesn't seem nearly as long as its 142 minute running time. It is a film that I find very easy to recommend highly. Seeing it is the only way you will find out if these ragged men survive the Sahara.




Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS