The Spirit of St. Louis

Based on Charles Lindbergh's 1953 Pulitzer Prize-winning book of the same name, this Billy Wilder-directed biography tells the thrilling story of aviator Charles Lindbergh (James Stewart), who risks his life to complete the first solo flight across the Atlantic. In order to survive the journey, Lindbergh must struggle to overcome his own fatigue and the elements--ranging from ice on the wings to fog. Along the way, Lindbergh recalls his past as an airmail pilot and a barnstormer. Extensive location and aerial shooting took place in New York, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Ireland and Paris. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Special Effects. Future television mogul Aaron Spelling plays a small role.