Such a frustrating disappointment

Simply Perfect

Redundant and unnecessary.

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

Author Bob Davis adapts from his novel for his screenplay, but he tries to put too much in his flat script while concomitantly neglecting to explain several of the plot elements which are presented here but not defined as they are in the book.Cliff Robertson was a rather stoic actor, but pilots can be pretty stoic sometimes, so this trait is probably a plus for the film. Robertson was also a pilot in real life, but that is an ultimately negligible factor. Diane Baker as the alcoholic pilot's mistress is given nothing to do and Frank Converse (how did this guy ever get an acting career?) is nothing as the panicky co-pilot. Dana Andrews appears in what amounts to be a cameo, Gordon MacRae is a loud-mouthed administrator, and Ed Binns is the captain-turned-secret agent who spies on Robertson.Not bad, could have been better. Unique subject matter; interesting with the potentiality of being true-to-life, much more than Denzel Washington's addict pilot in 'Flight' (2012).

I met Cliff Robertson and his wife, Dina, in Florida in the 1980's. We spent some time together, dining, and talked on many subjects. I learned he had spent countless hours learning about alcoholism by talking to doctors, visiting clinics and hospitals. Lengthy discussions with men and women with the problem also allowed him to BE the roll. His demeanor and laid back style in real life was depicted in the movie, whenever he would talk to his daughter. He played the part of a man with a serious problem better than anyone could have. Each time I view the movie, I don't dwell on the man's problem, I focus on the real man facing life and a problem that faces so many. Nobody else could have pulled it off. Cliff was, and is, brilliant.

Super movie. Aviation and alcoholism; rich movie topics done well. Haven't seen in 20 years. But I remember very well. It seems the CAT-III approach to SanFran was close to accurate for 1978. That's probably due to Cliff Robertson's knowledge of all things with wings. He also ended up directing the second half of the movie. Who with flying in their blood could resist the shots of the old DC-8 in flight? The pilot's resistance to recovery is also on the bullseye. As well as his high level of functioning while under the influence.

This movie is a bit different than most, seeing as how it has no big special effects, complex plot, action, or heavy drama. It's just a simple, quiet story about a good pilot with a drinking problem. And because of the simpleness, it's actually pretty riveting. It's an interesting character study of an alcoholic, and, with the good direction (and lead performance) of Cliff Robertson, it manages to keep your attention all the way through. The photography is amazing, and anyone into aviation will definitely enjoy this (I'm not, but my dad is a pilot, and he loved it). In fact, the most memorable parts are just the beautifully shot scenes of flying above the desert. Highly recommended.