Flight Game
To Fly
Review by Ross Anthony

Undoubtedly an "A" film in the 1970's, I screened this film in 2003 (for the second time). In retrospect, the film still spools a bit with the feel of documentaries made a decade before it.

Opening with a hokey reenactment of an early 1800's hot air balloon launch, the film inserts inconsistently stationary close shots of the balloonist. The basket, supposedly a float, doesn't move -- likewise the clouds behind.

The production dips into hokey recreation scenes from time to time, presenting to some degree the development of flying machines throughout a period of time -- ending with a rocket launch (and by 2003 standards, some unrealistic model space craft shots). But noticeably missing (among other aviation contributors) -- any mention in audio or visual of the Wright brothers or their flyers.

Included: barnstorming, hang-gliding, and a gorgeous breathtaking spin with the Blue Angels. In fact, the film is at its best up in the clouds -- taking you with it on rides above the beautiful countryside. (Interestingly enough, as a testament to its pre-p.c. creation, one shot captures from above a group of young people skinny-dipping in a rural river).

All in good fun and flight, the film is still amusing and informative (on a basic level). If you enjoy flight films check out "Silent Sky."



  • To Fly. Copyright © 1976. 27 minutes.
  • Directed by Jim Freeman.
  • Produced by Greg MacGillivray at MacGillivray/Freeman.



Grade..........................B+ (2.5/4)



Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.


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Last Modified: Saturday, 16-Sep-2006 07:51:54 PDT