The only colour film directed by the great Josef von Sternberg (Morocco), Jet Pilot brings together John Wayne (Hellfighters) and Janet Leigh (Psycho) in a Cold War blend of romance and thrills.
When Soviet defector Anna (Leigh) lands her plane on Colonel Shannon’s (Wayne) base, the two soon fall in love and marry. However, after it comes to light that Anna is still spying for her homeland, the couple flee to Russia, putting Shannon in danger from the Soviet authorities. Soon, Anna must choose between her love for her husband and her love for her country.
Written and produced by Jules Furthman (Blonde Venus), and famous for its extended period of post-production at the hands of studio boss Howard Hughes, Jet Pilot highlights the absurdity of the Cold War, and was hailed by critic Andrew Sarris as a precursor to Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove.
Release Information:
Technical Specifications
Supplements
- Alternative presentations: the 1.37:1 version, as von Sternberg originally intended; and the 1.85:1 version, as the film was eventually exhibited in cinemas
- Something in the Air (2023, 30 mins): in-depth analysis of Jet Pilot’s protracted production and release by critic and programmer Tony Rayns
- The Town (1943, 12 mins): Josef von Sternberg’s contribution to the war effort, a short film about a typical small town in the US, made as part of The American Scene film series
- Textless opening sequence
- Original theatrical trailer
- Image gallery: promotional and publicity materials
- Limited edition exclusive 36-page booklet with a new essay by Glenn Kenny, an extract from Josef von Sternberg’s autobiography, archival interviews with von Sternberg, an overview of contemporary critical responses, new writing on The Town, and full film credits