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The Flight of the Phoenix (1965)

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Top Critics

Average Rating: 7.4/10
Reviews Counted: 17
Fresh: 15 | Rotten: 2

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Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 1
Fresh: 0 | Rotten: 1

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Average Rating: 3.6/5
User Ratings: 8,644

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Movie Info

Based on Elleston Trevor's novel, The Flight of the Phoenix opens with a well-staged plane crash in the middle of the Sahara desert. The pilot (James Stewart) and the navigator (Richard Attenborough) do their best to maintain order among the survivors, a group of oil men not well-suited for survival in the desert wastes. Some of those who appear to be the most resourceful reveal themselves to be inept or cowardly, while other less prepossessing types -- notably bespectacled Standish (Dan Duryea)

Unrated, 2 hr. 27 min.

Drama, Action & Adventure, Classics

Directed By: Robert Aldrich

Written By: Lukas Heller, Trevor Dudley Smith

In Theaters: Dec 15, 1965 Wide

On DVD: May 20, 2003

Cast

James Stewart
Frank Towns
Richard Attenborough
Lew Moran
Peter Finch
Capt. Harris
Hardy Kruger
Heinrich Dorfmann
Ernest Borgnine
Trucker Cobb
Ian Bannen
Crow
Ronald Fraser
Sgt. Watson
Christian Marquand
Dr.Renaud
Dan Duryea
Standish
George Kennedy
Bellamy
Gabriele Tinti
Gabriele
Alex Montoya
Carlos
Peter Bravos
Tasso
William Aldrich
Bill
Barrie Chase
Farida
Stanley Ralph Ross
Arab Singer

Critic Reviews for The Flight of the Phoenix

All Critics (23) | Top Critics (3) | Fresh (16) | Rotten (2) | DVD (10)

Plays against convention by raising scary questions about leadership.

June 22, 2007 Full Review Source: Ozus' World Movie Reviews

| Comment

Dennis Schwartz

Ozus' World Movie Reviews

A criminally underrated adventure classic.

September 8, 2005 Comment

Chuck O'Leary

Fantastica Daily

Gets exciting mileage out of examining male codes of honor and behavior.

May 3, 2005 Full Review Source: Lessons of Darkness

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Nick Schager

Lessons of Darkness

This is a different kind of action movie, but it's all the better for it.

March 1, 2005 Full Review Source: eFilmCritic.com

| Comment

David Cornelius

eFilmCritic.com

Relentless, gripping lost in desert vehicle.

October 25, 2004 Comment

Steve Crum

Kansas City Kansan Source: Kansas City Kansan

The picture has been well restored and the sound is adequate.

February 9, 2004 Full Review Source: Apollo Guide

| Comment

Jamie Gillies

Apollo Guide

A smart character study disguised as a thriller, and well worth viewing.

February 9, 2004 Full Review Source: Apollo Guide

| Comment

Jamie Gillies

Apollo Guide

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Audience Reviews for The Flight of the Phoenix

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This adventure about a couple of men crash landing in the desert and trying to build a new plane from the remains while their egos are crushing is a true classic. The acting, even though over the top a few times, which may be a sign of the times, is outstanding and makes you feel as if you've known those characters for

July 2, 2006