The Flight of the Phoenix

Name: The Flight of the Phoenix
Director: Robert Aldrich
Genre: Adventure, Drama
Released: 1965-01-01
Duration: 142 min
Rating: 7.2
Cast: James Stewart, Richard Attenborough, Peter Finch, Hardy Krüger, Ernest Borgnine

1965Dir. Robert Aldrich2h 22m

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Runtime2h 22m

Released1965

Budget$5.4M

DirectorRobert Aldrich

About This Movie

The Flight of the Phoenix, directed by Robert Aldrich, is a gritty survival drama that feels more like a stage play than a typical adventure film. The ensemble cast, featuring James Stewart and Richard Attenborough, delivers raw performances as they grapple with despair and hope in the vast Sahara. The pacing is deliberate, which adds to the tension, as they work against time to build a new plane from the wreckage. Aldrich’s direction creates a palpable sense of isolation and desperation, while the practical effects used for the aircraft are surprisingly effective for the era. The themes of ingenuity and teamwork resonate throughout, making it a thoughtful watch, not just an action flick.

Shot on location in the Sahara Desert.Features practical effects for aircraft sequences.James Stewart and Richard Attenborough star.Released by 20th Century Fox.