Fate Is the Hunter

A terrific movie, Glenn Ford, Rod Tayler, and Suzanne Pleshette give wonderful performances. Not only a suspenseful movie, but it also one which makes a person think. Maybe some things are just meant to be. I just wish it was available on Video or DVD.

If this happens to be on your cable channel it is a MUST SEE!! Ford plays Sam McBane, a VP with an airline which has just lost a plane in a crash. Taylor plays the pilot of the aircraft, who also happens to have been a war-buddy. The rest of the cast is top-notch and the story outstanding. However, it bears pointing out that YOU MUST WATCH THE FIRST 10-12 minutes and MOST DEFINITELY the finale as it brings all of the film to full circle. Watch it and enjoy!!

If you have the chance to catch this movie, please do. In an age where cursing, nudity and violence seem to occupy most films, this is something special...a classic, counting on its storyline, acting and believable characters to hold our attention. The mystery that surrounds the tragedy in this movie cleverly ties together the people involved, the incident itself and is not resolved until the end. The characters are unique, introduced in brief anecdotes by which we come to learn about them. It makes one realize that we too have that same myriad of people we touch ourselves in our own lives. The music is beautifully orchestrated by Jerry Goldsmith. Glenn Ford's intense style is a sharp contrast to Rod Taylor's swashbuckling character. A very strong performance was given by Suzanne Pleshette as well. Her face of pure terror when she is on the second flight is fascinating and believable. My only regret is not being able to get a copy of the soundtrack, which has one of the most beautiful trumpet solos I have ever heard. A movie worth watching anytime, with anyone.

One of the best "if only" this had happened, or this didn't happen the outcome would be totally different. I have seen this movie only once, and that was in 1964! It's a great old movie, with well know actors. If you ever get a chance to see it....DO !!

A film whose story is told in flashback, during the investigation of an airline accident. Sam McBane (Glenn Ford) is an executive of Continental Airlines who is desperate to prove that his old Army-Air Corps buddy Capt. Jack Savage (Rod Taylor) had not been drinking before the fatal flight. His investigation brings him into contact with several close friends of Savage. Through them, McBane learns a lot he didn't know about the airline pilot.

The plot of the movie takes off during the last 10 minutes when McBane and the only survivor of the crash, Stewardess Martha Stewart (Suzanne Pleshette, excellent in limited screen time), recreate the original fatal flight in every detail. A friend of mine who wouldn't usually go in for this kind of fare, after viewing it with me, said "Fate of the Hunter" turned into a pretty good movie due to the last part.

Glenn Ford has some good scenes, particularly during the CAB hearing and Rod Taylor is likeable in his role.

This is one of my personal favorite movies and I recommend it.