Billy Wilder's re-creation of Charles A. Lindbergh's 1927 solo flight from New York to Paris is an intelligent piece, marked by James Stewart's strong performance as the brave pilot. The story, based on Lindbergh's autobiography, opens as Lindbergh is working as an airmail pilot. His
flying goals go well beyond his mail route, however, and he begins to think about a solo voyage across the Atlantic, something no single pilot has ever accomplished. Lindbergh tries to find financial backers for his dream and, after much struggle, finds a willing group in St. Louis, Missouri. He
has a special plane built for the trip, dubbing it The Spirit of St. Louis in honor of his backers. On the day he is to take off from New York, Lindbergh is forced to spend some time on the ground while waiting for the rain to stop and, in flashback, reflects on his career.
This is a well-told story, capturing the thoughts and feelings of a man alone under the most extraordinary conditions. Stewart is sincere and thoughtful in his depiction of the 1920s' greatest hero, and Wilder's direction shows the monotony of the flight while largely sidestepping the tedium which
ever threatens to emerge. Perhaps the real star, though, is Waxman's marvelous score. The film gives a complete picture of Lindbergh, one that shows this dangerous journey to be the fulfillment of a devotion to and pure love of flying. The film was nominated for a Best Special Effects Oscar. leave a comment
