Fate Is the Hunter

First off, I am one of the rare pilots who loves this movie. I'm a 737 captain for a major airline in the USA. Also a flight instructor, an instrument instructor and multi engine instructor.

I've read the book and am glad the book and movie are so different. IN this way I get two amazing stories, but with that special flavor expressed in the title.

I won't describe the movie, others have done that. But if you are a pilot and don't "GET" this movie, you better take some more flying lessons.

I mean it. If you don't like the fictional airliner, well that' s fine.

Get over that part of it.

Here is a movie that actually talks about a rudder power switch!

I can also say that the cinematography is wonderful and the opening 12 minutes and last 10 minutes is the most amazing stuff I've seen. (short of reality).

So, see this movie. And shut off the damn bell.

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.

This is a fine film about an airliner crash and its later repercussions. Glenn Ford brings his usual earnestness to his role as an airline executive determined to discover the cause of the crash, which killed its pilot and his good friend (Rod Taylor). Reports that Taylor had been drinking only make Ford more determined to get to the bottom of the mystery. Top cast works well with an intelligent script, which unfortunately gets a little slow and talky near the middle of the movie. The flashback scenes with Ford, Taylor, Jane Russell and Wally Cox are extremely well done, and Dorothy Malone gives a fine, uncredited performance. Perfect TV fare, good for folks who like movies from the mid-1960s era.

PS--Isn't that Joe Patridge as the First Officer at the beginning of the movie?

This is a great movie. I only saw it once, and that was in 1964, when it first came out. I wish it were available in VHS format, but it is not. If only some cable station would air it, I would love to record it! It is a great story of what life is, not what we want it to be. It illustrates the many zany and unusual things that can happen to change our lives forever. It goes to show you, when it's your time to leave this world, not matter WHAT you do, it is your time.

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.