Cheap The Flight of the Phoenix (DVD) (James Stewart, Richard Attenborough) (Robert Aldrich) Price

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Customer Reviews of The Flight of the Phoenix

A gripping story of survival (and Jimmy stewart in the lead)
Any film with Jimmy Stewart in a leading role is sure to be a hit and Flight of the Phoenix doesn't disappoint.
A plane crash in the desert follows into a gripping two hour film of survival and hope. Led by Jimmy Stewart, the crew which include great acting talents like Richard Attenborough, Peter Finch and Ernest Borgnine courageously try to survive the desert heat, lack of water, and high tempers between crew members.
When all hope of a rescue is gone, an idea by a German model plane maker, to rebuild the crashed craft, initially not taken seriously by Jimmy Stewart, is eventually seen as the only option of survival and the movie climaxes into a gripping story of team effort and a race against time to get the plane flying. This is a highly recommended film that will have you on the edge of your seat right to the end. The film got 4stars because the UK DVD lacked even the simplest extra, like a trailer.

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One of Jimmy Stewart's All-Time Greatest
Ask folks to list five Jimmy Stewart films, and (if they can) most likely you'll get at least three of these: "It's a Wonderful Life", "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington", "Philadelphia Story", "Harvey", or the Hitchcock masterpieces "Vertigo" and "Rear Window". All great films, all worthy of attention (and purchase), and without a doubt, all deserving of the popularity they enjoy.

"The Flight of the Phoenix", though lesser known, is no less deserving of a top 10 (or even top 5) spot on any list of Stewart's all time best films. Stewart turns in one of his most brilliant performances in this movie, with his portrayal of the rough-around-the-edges pilot Frank Towns. Gritty, unpolished and real, Stewart's Towns shines in stark atypical contrast to his usual "All American Guy" roles, and cowboy heroes. Casual Stewart fans, or those who have only seen his Frank Cappra stuff, can look forward to a whole new side of Stewart in this adventure.

A tense, exciting and captivating story, as well as a fantastic supporting cast (Richard Attenborough, Ernest Borgnine, and George Kennedy co-star) make this a must-see on many different levels.

I am a HUGE Jimmy Stewart fan, I've seen over 30 of his pictures, and "The Flight of the Phoenix" easily lands in the top five on my list of favorite Stewart films. Other must see Stewart movies you may not have heard of: "Anatomy of a Murder" (brilliant!), "You Can't Take it With You", "Rope", and "Call Northside 777" - that's not the rest of my top 5, by the way - it's just a list of recommendations for your viewing pleasure!

- S.A. Smith

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GREAT CAST...great adventure
One of the great adventure movies of all time. I'm kinda surprised it hasn't been remade...it's a perfect little movie. Basically, we see the trevails of the survivors of a plane crash into the dunes of the Sahara. Their quest to find a way out is only part of the adventure...the human quarrels and intersecting interests are just as fascinating.

The movie has a slightly dated "manly" feel...there are no women, but it isn't a "tough guy" movie, a la, THE DIRTY DOZEN, let's say. These are military men, mostly, each with his own idea of how to escape. How all these efforts play out is at the heart of the movie.

Everyone is very good. Richard Attenborough is very good, and Peter Finch even better. What a underrated actor he was. He is certainly someone who should have had more work. Hardy Kruger is very fine...and his character holds the key to possible escape (and a VERY BIG humdinger of a surprise too!!). And James Stewart is at the top of his game. We so often remember him in romantic comedies like PHILADELPHIA STORY, and impersonators have done him no favors with their stammering, slightly dim-witted approach. When he was a mature actor (not an older, more feeble man)he could be very strong, and very unlikeable if need be. This is one of those roles. He is a convincing tough guy...not just a bland hero, but a hard-headed, sometimes wrong, leader. I put this right near the top of my Jimmy Stewart list.

If you haven't seen this movie, and you are an adult viewer who doesn't require lots and lots of noise and special-effects to have a good time...you MUST see this film. It is a nearly forgotten classic, in my estimation, and one that bears up very well with repeated viewings.