Flight from Glory

There's a lot to like about "Flight From Glory" and if Radio Pictures had the budget to stage more aerial acrobatics, it would be a winner. But too much of the tale is spent in the South American shack where a group of pilots -- all with blemished records -- wait to fly decrepit vintage planes over the Andes. As pilots crash, newcomers are recruited which brings alcoholic stunt flier Van Heflin south along with his new bride. The lady is a problem for Onslow Stevens, the mini-airline's corrupt owner who keeps his pilots in check by gouging their pay for rent and food. And it's even more of a headache for hard-bitten Chester Morris who's attracted to her. Among the film's pleasures is the emotional wallop with which a young Van Heflin invests his character, leading to a surprising climax that finally gets the story where it should have been earlier -- off the ground.