Cast
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John Wayne
as Dan Roman
Claire Trevor
as May Holst
Laraine Day
as Lydia Rice
Robert Stack
as John Sullivan
Jan Sterling
as Sally McKee
Phil Harris
as Ed Joseph
Robert Newton
as Gustave Pardee
David Brian
as Ken Childs
Paul Kelly
as Donald Flaherty
Sidney Blackmer
as Humphrey Agnew
Julie Bishop
as Lillian Pardee
Pedro Gonzalez Gonzalez
as Gonzales
John Howard
as Howard Rice
Wally Brown
as Lenny Wilby, navigator
William Campbell
as Hobie Wheeler
Crew
Director
- William A. Wellman
Producer
- Robert Fellows
- John Wayne
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The High and the Mighty examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director William A. Wellman brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1954, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The High and the Mighty took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 147 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 186 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1954, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The High and the Mighty shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Alien Hunter, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The High and the Mighty subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Billy Budd and Airport '77 explore similar territory, The High and the Mighty stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 3, 1954
- Runtime: 2h 27m
