Review on ✈️ Exploiting Altitude: The High and the Mighty Unveiled by Lakeem Pickel

This was undoubtedly the inspiration for subsequent disaster films, although they had almost no violence and no fatalities. I saw this film on TV many years ago and I remember really liking it. I jumped at the opportunity to purchase the 2 disc DVD and was not disappointed. The Ultra-Wide Cinemascope broadcast certainly pays homage to those people who are working madly to preserve America's film heritage, especially after the studio system collapsed. The Great and Mighty is a suspense soap opera, like any other disaster movie, despite being the first. My interest was settled and the course of events entertained me. The ensemble cast was equally good, with Oscar nods to Claire Trevor and Ian Sterling, although I thought Paul Fix deserved it too. Ralph Dawson's brilliant editing was also nominated. Keeping all this material coherent is the sure and confident hand of veteran William A. Wellman, who juggles scenes and events that would otherwise seem silly and out of place. It may not be the greatest film of all time, but given the talent involved and the time it took to shoot, I'm still impressed. And yes, John Wayne was a fine actor who didn't get the recognition he deserved.