Island In The Sky (Special Collector's Edition)
Starring: John Wayne, Lloyd Nolan, Walter Abel, James Arness, Andy Devine, Allyn Joslyn, Jimmy Lydon, Harry Carey Jr., Hal Baylor, Sean McClory, Wally Cassell, Gordon Jones, Frank Fenton, Robert Keys, Sumner Getchell, Regis Toomey, Paul Fix, Jim Dugan, George Chandler, Louis Jean HeydtDirector: William A. Wellman
Studio: Paramount
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Format: Collector's Edition, Color, Full Screen, Special Edition, NTSC
Running Time: 109 minutes
DVD Release: August 2nd 2005
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DVD Review
Out of circulation for a quarter-century following the death of producer-star John Wayne, Island in the Sky is a tale of survival focused on the pilot (Wayne) and crew of a DC-3 forced to crashland somewhere in the uncharted Canadian wilderness, and the fellow airmen (Lloyd Nolan, James Arness, Andy Devine, Paul Fix) determined to find them before hunger and the 70-below winter do them in. The movie, set in the post-WWII era when military and commercial aviation were still intertwined, was written by bestselling novelist Ernest K. Gann and directed by William A. Wellman, an aviation-movie veteran whose Wings won the first-ever Academy Award (1927-28).
Wellman resolutely downplays the histrionics and conventional heroics; Wayne indulges in none of the macho posturing that his detractors carelessly identify him with, and the crewman who breaks rank in a bid for salvation meets a grim, almost mythically absurd demise. But Wellman also condoned (and himself speaks) the ill-advised narration that aims to tell us what's going on inside the stoic characters. The director does better with throwaway details like the ice pick kept handily embedded in a barracks wall so that pilots can break the frozen skin on their morning wash water. And there's a distinctive war council among the search pilots when no one's quite sure what to do next--the wrong decision could doom the missing crew--and so no one looks anybody else in the face. The black-and-white cinematography by Archie Stout (dramatic scenes) and William H. Clothier (flying scenes) leaves nothing to be desired, and in this crisp restoration it sometimes literally glows.
DVD features
The extras include production reminiscences by William Wellman Jr., assistant director Andrew V. McLaglen, and supporting players Darryl Hickman and Harry Carey Jr.; a short essay on the art of aerial cinematography; and an intriguing profile of Ernest K. Gann, who in his teens directed and starred in a motion picture of sorts. Wayne, Wellman, and Gann reteamed to create The High and the Mighty, much nominated for 1954 Oscars. --Richard T. Jameson
User Reviews
Island in the Sky - Rating: 4/5
The only drawback from total 5 stars for this old DUKE classic is I wish someone would have "colorized" it by now. It brought back fond memories of a simpler time when we actually HAD TO CARE for each other.
Island in the Sky - Rating: 4/5
A good look at aviation of the 1950's. Good cast and charactors. Story keeps your interest. Great photography,too bad it was not in color.
Classic Aviation Film with the Duke - Rating: 4/5
Shot back in the 1950s, Island in the Sky is a classic aviation film that stars John Wayne, and a host of other strong actors. The plot is pretty simple - crew runs out of fuel and is forced to land somewhere in Canada. Their comrads go looking for them, while the crew does their best to stay alive.
While some of the action is pretty slow paced, the story wraps you in and keeps you hoping that the crew will be found. The Duke does a great job in his role as Dooley - the plane's captain. He provides the right mix of masculine leadership to inspire his crew to keep hanging on until help comes.
I definitely recommend this movie to John Wayne fans. As a side note, my two sons both really enjoyed this film, and it clearly displays some classic male qualities that are lacking in many modern films.
Phoenix Not Rising - Rating: 5/5
This film, to me, struck more chords than the long out-of-circulation,"The High And The Mighty." Knowing Willam Wyler is at the helm and the story is by Ernest Gann, you will be getting no "Airport" drama. John Wayne, in character, mis-reads the weather in the Canadian outback,runs out of fuel, sets the DC-3 down to await his fate.When he doesn't return to base, his transport buddies plan a suspenseful rescue. Shot in brilliant black & White,silvery with deep blacks as if Ansel Adams lent his expertise, this is a nail-biting survival film. The aerial shots of the rescue planes slipping up or into cloud formations are very remarkable. Dated communication equipment aside, this is a realistic look at the camaraderie of airmen. With Andy Devine, young James Arness and LLoyd Nolan looking for you, your odds are in your favor. Fighting off frostbite, boredom and sleep deprivation, Wayne struggles to keep his crew intact,with the help of divine guidance occasionally. With numb hands failing to thaw and wind the emergency transponder in time, the search planes home in. Have they run out of time? Find out and enjoy this tribute to the flyboys who fly on hunches and experience.My only fault with the accuracy, is that the wilderness temperature looks to be on the warm side in key moments, without the breath giveaways.Internal dialogue is distracting sometimes. You get to see a chilled Wayne. Multiple viewings do not dull the suspense.
Just Tells Its Story - Rating: 4/5
I haven't seen this movie since I was 12 in NYC back around 1962. I remembered liking it but my recent viewing on dvd shows what a fine workmanlike film it is. I didn't know half the cast when I first saw it but now I recognize the fine ensemble involved. Andy Devine is terrific playing a "normal" person. Always likeable to me, he was usually cast in a somewhat cartoonish vein. Director William Wellman just tells his story with no star turns involved. John Wayne, an actor who usually comes off hard-as-nails, is comparatively more vulnerable than I usually see him. I think this is one of the finest acting jobs he's ever done. You can sense the chemistry of brotherly love and support with all involved including the members of the rescue teams. "Island In the Sky" is an absolutely fine, uncomplicated, entertaining motion picture of great dignity. I highly recommend it.
