Movies that depict air travel in the 1950's and 60's, such as "The High and the Mighty," "The Crowded Sky," and Ralph Nelson's 1964 adaptation of Ernest K. Gann's bestselling novel, "Fate is the Hunter," comprise a mini-genre that must evoke nostalgia among those who flew the friendly skies, when they were really friendly. Passengers dressed for the flight, friends and relatives came aboard to bid farewell, overhead bins were open and filled only with jackets and hats that the smiling stewardesses folded and placed there. Of course, those early days of air travel were also more dangerous, and crashes far more common than they are today. Prior to the film's titles, "Fate is the Hunter" opens with the fatal crash of an airliner only minutes after take-off. The ensuing story revolves around an investigation into the mystery of what caused the accident.
Using hearsay and circumstantial evidence, the airline management and the Civil Aeronautics Board rush to blame the crash on pilot error; well played by Rod Taylor, the aptly named Captain Jack Savage and his reputation become the target. Savage is a womanizer and boozer, an irresponsible guy who makes an easy target for blame. However, Savage's old army buddy, Sam McBane, works for the same airline company and is assigned to investigate the cause of the crash. The always dependable and likable Glenn Ford plays McBane, and he subsequently interviews a number of people who interacted or knew Savage prior to the fatal flight. Suzanne Pleshette, Wally Cox, Nancy Kwan, and Dorothy Malone are among those who paint a more complex portrait of Savage that eventually leads to resolution.
Despite the quaintness of flights without security checks, "Fate is the Hunter" is often engaging and holds viewer interest throughout. The leads are strong, the supporting cast is solid, and Jane Russell offers a cameo song, although her delivery outshines the lackluster tune. The velvety Oscar-nominated black-and-white cinematography by Milton Krasner and a score by Jerry Fielding further enhance the film, although today's CGI makes the film's special effects antiquated and obvious. While not quite a classic, "Fate is the Hunter" is a fine example of a Hollywood adaptation of a best-selling novel from the mid-1960's.
Using hearsay and circumstantial evidence, the airline management and the Civil Aeronautics Board rush to blame the crash on pilot error; well played by Rod Taylor, the aptly named Captain Jack Savage and his reputation become the target. Savage is a womanizer and boozer, an irresponsible guy who makes an easy target for blame. However, Savage's old army buddy, Sam McBane, works for the same airline company and is assigned to investigate the cause of the crash. The always dependable and likable Glenn Ford plays McBane, and he subsequently interviews a number of people who interacted or knew Savage prior to the fatal flight. Suzanne Pleshette, Wally Cox, Nancy Kwan, and Dorothy Malone are among those who paint a more complex portrait of Savage that eventually leads to resolution.
Despite the quaintness of flights without security checks, "Fate is the Hunter" is often engaging and holds viewer interest throughout. The leads are strong, the supporting cast is solid, and Jane Russell offers a cameo song, although her delivery outshines the lackluster tune. The velvety Oscar-nominated black-and-white cinematography by Milton Krasner and a score by Jerry Fielding further enhance the film, although today's CGI makes the film's special effects antiquated and obvious. While not quite a classic, "Fate is the Hunter" is a fine example of a Hollywood adaptation of a best-selling novel from the mid-1960's.