Flight for Freedom

Somewhere in the vast distances of the Pacific,

an American battle squadron speeds toward a cluster of little pinpoints of land.

As the prows cut into the waters of the islands of the Japanese mandate,

serious men are getting ready to maintain a flow of messages from the people of America to Tojo.

The eyes of the fleet rise into the air to cast a glance ahead.

Waiting to soar after them are the dive bombers - their bellies loaded with the US's answer to December 7th.

But in all their minds - the men who load the planes and the men who fly them -

one question burns - what will the planes find?

These islands were the Japs' most carefully guarded secret -

the surrounding waters barred to foreigners.

When under orders, you don't ask questions, but fly toward targets,

and you wonder how your operating information was obtained.

You hope the radio will give some answers.

'Base from Red Leader. All objectives as indicated.

'Base from Red Leader, I'm going down. I'm going down.'

The order comes - launch the attack group.

The boys are coming, and the Japs are finding out that we also have secrets.

Unknown objectives on the Pacific, and the success of this attack in 1943,

somewhere in the far Pacific, depends on the wisdom and might of our Navy,

and on a pretty girl, for without her brave effort,

this offensive would never have been possible.

Her name is a byword now - a strange pattern of events made it so.

It began in 1932 when she made her first solo flight.

-You hurt?

-No!

-Sure?

-Only my feelings!

-How did you hit him?

Me?! That dope doesn't know his left from his right! My first solo and it has to wind up this way!

-You were fine - you kept your head! I'm proud of you!

-Miss Carter?

-Yes?

-I'm afraid I'll have to ground you for 60 days. Sorry.

-But HE ran into ME!

-He did!

-Did you see?

-Did you?

-No...

-Then why blame her?

Well, she collided with Randy Britton!

Hold it - did somebody mention me?

Hiya, Paul - one of your dodos, huh? What's the beef?

He's handing out 60 days - didn't see it. First solo, too.

The same thing happened to me on my first solo - the best thing is to go right up again. 60 days?

-You didn't see?

-No...

-It wasn't the dodo's fault -

-I came in against the traffic.

-On a left turn?!

-I was in a hurry and I forgot which field was which!

My mechanic will fix up your plane.

-Sorry I gave you a scare!

-Thanks!

-A girl?!

-You teach women?!

-Only good ones.

-She's good?

-At least I know my left hand from my right!

-Women should stick to what they know.

-What?!

-If I'd known you were a girl, I'd have let him ground you!

-You're kidding?!

-I bet you call every man you know by his last name!

There are other names that would fit you better(!)

-Take it easy!

-I should ground you both!

-Why don't you ground him?!

-You don't want to make trouble for Randy.

I didn't until I met him!

Randy's right about most women. They want to make a couple of flights for publicity.

-They treat it like a racket.

-I hate that, too.

-How could Randy know that?!

-He could wait to find out!

He never waits for anything - that's why he's a great flyer.

-Is he really that good?

-Better - a flyer's flyer!

I was in love with him until today! Just reading about him!

Leave it at reading! And tomorrow, when you solo, come in on a left turn!

-I did!

-YOU were the one who came in against the traffic!

-He must think I'm horrible! Why didn't you say?

-He has enough women dizzy about him!

Where can I find him to explain?

Don't worry, I'm sure he isn't... Flyers aren't good for women.

Every flyer's married to his plane!

Not THAT bad, but they never know what's going in inside other people.

They live 10,000 feet up in a world of their own!

Any girl's safer to leave 'em there!

Dad always used to say, "When you're safe, you're dead!"

It's legal now - haven't you heard?!

Our old speakeasy customers like to feel at home!

Just a minute, madame, PLEASE!

Under a high-tension wire... >

He was forced to fly sideways between two trees with a very mild tailwind.

Boy! That's flying! > (HEY!) >

In a minute... Snag me a scotch!

Don't talk about business...

(Hey!)

The front room - no ladies here.

-Is this where the flyers hang out?

-Yes.

-Well, I'm a flyer.

-I bet -

a high-flyer! I'm sorry, Miss.

-May I have a table, please?!

-It's like a club - just for men.

-Johnny always lets me eat back here.

-Who?

-Johnny - don't you know who you're working for?!

-Madam,

-I

-am Johnny!

Oh, how nice! I thought I'd have to send for YOU! I'll take the one in the corner.

Please! Why are you making trouble? What's wrong with the front room?!

-It's cooler out there, the drinks are bigger!

-I'm comfortable here, thanks!

The boys like to feel free out here - maybe swear a little.

Oh, if they're going to swear... But I can put my fingers in my ears!

If you wasn't a girl, I'd chuck you out. Maybe I should.

Take that up with Randy Britton.

-You a friend of Randy Britton?

-Yes...

-Did he say meet him here?!

-Well, I...

-Why didn't you say so?!

-If Randy says OK - OK!

-You're fond of him, aren't you?

Did you ever see him fly? He's, er, he's...

-That guy can fly!

-You're a flyer, too, then?

Me? I never get off the ground - I get sick. My feet stuck in asphalt!

-Thank you.

-Hi, boys!

-< Hi, Randy!

-When do you take off?

-I don't know yet.

-Randy, your lady friend is waiting.

-MY lady friend?!

-Hello...

-Hello!

-Well, if it isn't, er...

-The Dodo!

Oh, sure! You'd better be careful - you look almost like a girl!

-Funny how we keep running into each other!

-Yeah!

-Did you tell Johnny you were expecting me?

-Well, here you are!

I had to apologise, somehow. I mean, the accident being all my fault.

-Who told you that?

-Paul, and YOU knew! You should have said!

-If I had, he'd have lost a student.

-Oh, you did it for him?

Sure... How about a Martini?

-Thank you, I'd like one!

-Johnny!

Due Martini direttamente!

Tell me, why do you object so to women flyers?

-Let's not go into it.

-I want to know.

Flying isn't a sport any more - it's a business for professionals.

-Do the Allies take women pilots?

-No.

-Or the Navy?

-No...

Why do women go into it? To get in the papers.

Are you afraid women might make it look easy?!

-Women shouldn't try to be men.

-I don't! I try to be a good flyer.

-Why dress like a grease monkey with your looks?!

-Is that a compliment?!

I mean, you look like a special job to me. Why spoil it?

-Martini extra special!

-Thanks!

Thank you.

-Contact?

-Contact.

-Scaloppine?

-It's the only thing fit to eat in this place!

-Scaloppine?

-Is this an invitation to dinner?!

-If you can stand it, I can!

-May I have some clams first?

-Sure!

-Do you like clams?!

-Yes.

-With sauce Delaware?

-I never heard of that.

You haven't begun to live!

-I got ketchup!

-Order a cab!

Can't a girl have some clams?!

-That's what you're going to get!

-Where?!

-Not far.

-It's comfortable here.

-Drink up!

Contact?

-Oh, what's your name?

-Carter, Tonie Carter.

-I want to make a phone call.

-< Good night.

-Good night.

-I'm waiting for someone.

-Where to?

-He'll tell you. ..What's funny?!

-That way, it's always the park!

-I thought I'd lost you! ..You got it?

-Got it.

-Where are we going?

-Not far.

Relax! I'm not going to kiss you!

I didn't think you were!

Why not?! You're very pretty! In fact, you're beautiful - I'd LIKE to kiss you!

-I won't if you don't want me to.

-You're a mind-reader, too(!)

-Yeah!

But I'm better at palms. OK, let's see.

Uh-huh. I see a strange man - tall, dark...

Never mind his looks - is he steady?

Steady? No... Not the guy I'm thinking of!

New York airport - are you crazy?!

That crate's ready to go! I borrowed it from a friend.

-But it's so LATE!

-We'll be in Philadelphia in no time!

-She's all set, Randy.

-Thanks, Pat!

-Am I being kidnapped?!

-Maybe!

-I'm not worth the trouble!

-No?!

-There's no-one to pay my ransom!

-Then I can bring you home late!

-Well, how about it?

-It's beautiful!

-No, I mean the sauce Delaware!

-Oh, marvellous!

-Are you crying? What's wrong?!

-Just my reaction to beauty and alcohol!

Imagine spending a week here! ..Hadn't we better start back home?

-I can stay till that wing is fixed.

-How long?

-A week.

Never mind... But you can't blame a guy for trying!

It's a new experience running around with an old-fashioned girl!

Oh, I'm not THAT! It's only...

Well, I'm not organised to play at this!

For me, it's got to be real - all wool or nothing!

-How do you know it isn't all wool?

-You don't know me - I'd bore you!

-We'll never know each other till we've seen the world together.

-In one gulp?!

Well, I never know where I'm going to be next month,

and, then, all of a sudden, there isn't any more time left.

Meaning you might be killed?

Is that an appeal to my girly sympathies?!

I must have said that wrong! It's supposed to work - all of it!

It's true about the flying you do!

Suppose we stay on YOUR terms - just go places and have fun together.

Of course, maybe you don't like me. Maybe this is one-way. How about it?

I'm going to solo in the morning - Paul will be waiting at the field.

That's right - I forgot. The lady pilot.

-Waiter!

-You called, sir? >

-Get me the check.

-Yes, sir. >

You're mad. I would be, too. The coffee here isn't very good, anyway.

Sorry.

-After the best clams in the world, we ought to have the best coffee. Don't you think?

-Huh?

-Well, where do you get it?

-Virginia Beach.

-Well, hadn't we better get started?

-Yeah!

-A beach bower at night blacks out the rest of the world.

-Mmm.

-Sleepy?

-Uh-uh. Just satisfied to have the rest of the world be you.

You know, they say a good flyer is married to his plane!

In that case, my plane has grounds for divorce!

And that flyers never know what's going on inside of other people.

-Who says?

-They.

You're a flyer - you mean to say you don't know what is in my mind?

-No.

-Shall I tell you? ..You!

-Say that again!

-Uh-uh, it loses force with repetition!

What would you say if I gave up flying?

Why would you?

Oh, to become a lady.

That's a good idea!

-Why?

-I wouldn't worry about you.

-Oh, I see(!) Of course, it doesn't matter how much

-I

-worry.

-But I won't. I'll always know you're coming back.

-What'll you do if you give up flying?

Now, what does a lady USUALLY do? It might be fun to fix up a house.

-Interior decorating?

-Mmm - something like that!

Then if I get bored, well, it might be fun to, er, train young flyers.

-Sort of a school, huh?

-Mmm - something like that!

-That's a good idea.

-Oh, darling!

Hey, the tide is coming in! What! What!

-I hate to leave!

-We'll come back tomorrow night!

There... So we'll be sure and find it!

-There, now we can't miss it! ..Come on!

-Where?

Here!

-How big IS your friend?!

-He's a bit bigger than you - not as pretty!

-Good morning!

-Morning!

Good morning! Beautiful day!

I guess any day would look beautiful to you and him!

I get it(!)

There! Oh!

-Here's a present!

-A present?

-I got the jeweller out of bed to get it!

-It's beautiful!

-Look at THIS side!

-New York, Delaware, Virginia! All the places we've been!

-Yeah!

-Thank you, darling!

-Thank YOU!

Next year, there'll be a stone there...

-Mexico!

-You like bullfights?

-No, I like swimming!

-Honolulu?

-Mmm.

-OK - one there, one there...

-Randy! >

Hello, Mike!

This came for you.

-How did you know I was here?

-Are you kidding(?)

-Thanks!

The wing's fixed - they want me to go to California.

-When?

-Right now.

-Today?!

-I've to be in New York by 11.00.

-You'll be coming back, won't you? If it's only a few days, I could wait here.

-I can't tell.

If the ship performs well, I have to fly to South America. Survey job.

Oh, well, you couldn't pass that up, could you?!

No! I thought it would take a week to patch that wing. I hoped so.

Well, if you've got to go, you've got to go!

You're a great guy - all the woman there is! I never met a girl willing to shove off any time.

-You drift so well.

-Yeah... Yeah, I'm streamline -

easy on the takeoff, and no trouble to set down(!)

-Meaning what?

-Meaning you've got to come out of the clouds sometime.

-Yeah, I guess we'd better shove off!

-You go along...

-I'll take the train, if you don't mind.

-What's the idea of that?

-Well...

-Hey, not again!

Always when people go away! Last month, my laundryman went back to China - I cried over him!

Well, so long, Tonie.

-Goodbye, Randy.

-What?!

-I mean...so long.

-That's better!

So long.

HUM OF ENGINE

SHE SOBS

-Is it snowing?

-Yeah.

Here's a couple of bills and a cable for Tonie Carter.

-From Rio de Janeiro.

-Who would she know down there?

It's a big place.

-That's right, Bill. Keep her at it.

-She keeps ME at it!

-Hiya, Paul.

-Cablegram.

For me?

-Trouble?

-Nothing I can't handle...

I hope.

Come on, Bill. Let's finish her up.

-All set!

-Happy landing!

-How's she doing?

-She's like a homing pigeon.

Not bad.

Not bad?! She flies better blind than most pilots do by visual reference.

-She could pass the test tomorrow.

-Wait until she's had her 45 hours.

Try and stop her! She said that she wants to be as good as Randy Britton!

Oh, well. One day she will.

-Nice-looking job you got there!

-Ain't she a honey?!

-Haven't I seen you somewheres?!

-Not for two years.

-Who owns it?

-Paul Turner - he's entering her in the Bendix race.

-Good for him. Where can I find him?

-In the office.

-Thanks.

-So you finally got a ship?

-Britton.

-Hi.

-You were away.

-Just got back.

-For good?

I'm meeting a gent at the National Air Races. I have an idea for a new airline.

-So you're entered in the Bendix?

-I'm going to win it, too!

-Ain't that a trick propeller?

-A controllable pit propeller, yes.

-That's why I'll win.

-I hope you do - it's a smart idea.

-Who's going to race it?

-Don't know.

-Would you be willing?

-Yes! Who's backing it?

Nobody - I built it myself.

You hold the record - want to break it?

I promised my backers I'd only try for them.

Too bad - I need the prize money for production. I'd win it with YOU.

I wish I could do it for you. Do you remember that girl Tonie Carter?

-Certainly, yeah.

-Where is she? I've been trying to find her.

Didn't you two quarrel or something?

No! Maybe she got sore when I didn't write. A guy gets busy!

Next time I see her, I'll tell her you're in town, huh?

I leave tomorrow to take my naval reserve physical.

-Did she give up flying?

-That was your advice.

-She took it?!

-You have more influence than you think.

-So long, Paul!

-Good luck in the race!

-Oh, thanks.

-How are you going?

-Just finishing up with the last coat. Want to help?!

-I have some news for you.

-You've found someone to race her?!

-No.

-Paul, what is it?! Don't be mean!

-Randy Britton is back.

-Oh.

I didn't say you were here in case you wanted to know first.

-It doesn't matter.

-He's leaving tomorrow if you want to see him.

-I don't care about seeing him.

-I wish you could say that and mean it.

Would you like to race this ship?

-Paul, you wouldn't?!

-I want to play my hunch!

But it means such a lot to you! You ought to get a really GOOD pilot.

If a top pilot won, he'd get the credit. If you win - a girl...

See, I'm being quite selfish.

-I know how it would be... Don't tempt me - I might say yes!

-You have

We're ready for the next takeoff!

The pilot is Jack Gates - holder of many speed records.

A great flyer, although this is his first appearance as a contestant in this race.

Here he comes up to the sliding line!

He's flying 16 - his famous Hornet.

Are you ready?

She's getting away from him!

SHOUTING

Steady! Steady! The next plane will take off immediately!

SIREN

-Why don't they hurry?!

-Why watch?!

He was so nice - even to me -

and so sure he'd win... SO sure.

He had 150 gallons. You're carrying 180.

Scared?

Petrified.

-Not enough to take off light - refuel in Wichita?

-Not enough for that, no.

You might even make better time.

Paul agreed - you heard him. He said I should go straight through.

Sitting in LA - he don't have to watch you take off!

Number five - ready to take off? She's not to leave for 30 minutes.

-We'd like to take the crowd's mind off the accident.

-OK.

-Thank you.

I don't see any name to your ship.

-What do you call her?

-Just her! What's a good name, Bill?

Lipstick! Now, how's that for a name?!

OK, Lipstick it is!

Did you see it? What happened?

-Headwinds?

-Yeah, up to 18,000 feet. At 20,000, I could catch a nice tailwind.

-You'll catch more than that without oxygen(!)

-I'd just come down again.

If you had the sense to(!) It's like getting a jag - nothing matters!

Why take a chance?! You're not out to break the record!

You couldn't if you tried! Nobody could!

-It's Britton's record.

-That settles that(!)

'Number five to the starting line.'

Here we go! Thanks for everything! You've both been wonderful!

Miss Carter, we're waiting for you.

-Bye, boys!

-So long!

-So long, Bill!

All the breaks, Tonie! See you around!

Coming? Let's watch it take off! Are you morbid(?)

Coming up to the starting line is our only lady contestant - Miss Tonie Carter!

She's flying "Lipstick".

You've seen her pictures? Sure!

She used to hang out at MY place!

The first time I see her, I said, "That babe is 100 proof!"

Yes, sir! 100 proof!

Are you ready?

KNDX, Wichita, Kansas.

Phillip's favourite to win the Bendix race took off at 6.12am.

The contestants are fighting bad conditions - the latest reports indicate headwinds up to 19,000 feet.

'Ladies and gentleman, while you are awaiting the arrival of the racers,

'you'll be entertained by aerial acrobatics!

'The Three Musketeers are now taking off together...'

SPEAKER DROWNED OUT BY HUM OF ENGINE

How's your ship doing?

-Winning.

-No kidding?! What was your last report?

-There hasn't been any.

Winning, eh? Hey, who's your pilot?

Tonie Carter.

The Hotel Riviera.

Amarillo, Los Angeles calling. Amarillo, Texas.

PHONE RINGS

Amarillo Airport? This is Los Angeles National Air Races.

Have you had any report on Tonie Carter?

No, not a word since she took off in New York... Thanks, anyway.

-How about Salt Lake?

-No, she obviously cracked up - may be hurt.

It's my fault - putting up to a girl just because I taught her to fly!

-She may be OK! KNOCK AT DOOR

-Come in!

-Anybody still speaking to me?

-Tonie!

-Paul!

-You're OK!

-Hello!

-I knew you'd show up! How's the ship?

-Are you OK?

-Yes. Wait till you hear...

-Never mind.

-Sit down!

-We're glad to see you!

-Take that!

Cancel it!

You'll never forgive me - any of you - and I don't blame you!

I got lost! ..Please don't!

I ruined everything - your prize money, the chance of a factory...

-How's the ship?

-It's perfect! Marvellous! It was ME, just ME!

-You're here NOW!

-But everybody beat me!

-So what?!

-No-one wins first time!

I COULD have! I wanted to beat the record, so I went up 20,000 feet to get a tailwind!

-20,000?

-Yeah, I'm a smart girl(!)

Charlie and Bill both warned me! I swore I'd come down when I felt bad!

But I didn't! The funny part was that I felt fine!

So relaxed! Just as if I were floating!

-Mind if I cut in?

-No.

-Hello!

-Hello.

-I've been away, you know.

-Yes, yes, I know.

-I've been away for two years.

-Two years - that's a long time!

I guess you've forgotten how I felt about you two years ago... It's worse now.

-I hear you're going to Singapore.

-I don't have to leave for a couple of days.

-What's wrong?

-I'm tired.

-Thank you.

-May I join you?

Yes, of course! Sit down!

I hope you have sense enough not to let Tonie try the Bendix again.

-She's a good flyer.

-That's not enough. You've got to have luck working for you.

-What happened?

-I followed a railroad - I was on the wrong track!

-It can happen to anybody.

-Yes.

Once, maybe, but it shouldn't happen a second time.

I don't think it will.

Well...!

Ever think of adding stones to this?

I like it the way it is.

If you two don't mind, I'll go to bed. I'm terribly tired.

-So nice seeing you again, Randy. Good night. Good night, Paul.

-Tonie.

You want a drink?

-I said, er...

-No, I'm on the wagon.

Thanks.

-Room 704, please.

-704?

-Yeah.

-Hello?

-Hello, Tonie? Were you asleep?

-Yes.

-You were? Didn't you know I'd call?

Have you ever tasted the crab in San Francisco?

You haven't?! Look, we can still make it tonight.

-I'm not in the mood.

-You're not in the mood?!

Don't let the race get you down!

Don't worry about Paul's prize money!

-There are more important things in life than flying a plane.

-I know.

-You're not sore at me, are you?!

-Why should I be?

-I don't know why you SHOULD be.

Look, I'm down at the bar, Meet me here in a half-hour.

-704, please.

-Sorry - Miss Carter checked out 20 minutes ago.

-Did she say where she was going?

-No, she didn't say where.

Thanks.

Why can't she use HER mechanics?! Probably they're stewed!

Where is she going? 180 gallons!

It's not enough to take her where I'd like her to go!

-All set!

-Thanks! Is that all there is to it?

12 hours to New York is a record hard to beat.

-But it'll be official?

-If the barograph seal is intact.

When you get to New York, whatever the machine records is official.

That's the way I like things - official.

Let's go, boys!

-Clear?

-< Yep!

-Aren't you going to wait for Paul?

-Huh? What's that?!

-Isn't he coming to see the takeoff?!

-Thanks for everything! Goodbye!

PHONE RINGS

Hello...?

What...?!

I wouldn't have let her go!

Call her back!

No use - she'd only cut off her radio!

Copy boy!

-Britton!

-What do you want?!

-I should splatter your map all over the wall!

-What's wrong?!

-I think I can guess.

-You think I knew!

-You and that trick propeller - it's all you care about!

-You're a smart promoter.

-You're some flyer, but you couldn't think your way to that spittoon!

-I'm aware of the odds against her!

-You're right, you are!

She's only had two hours' sleep! No-one will blame your propeller - it'll make the papers, either way!

-You're not the only person who cares about Tonie!

-It's how it pays off!

If she cracks up, I don't care whether it was your idea or not!

-If she gets hurt...!

-If you two wanna fight, go out on the sidewalk!

There won't be a fight. I don't blame you for feeling that way - I'd feel the same.

-But she won't crack up! Less than an hour ago, she was only 350 miles out of Mitchell Field.

-350?!

< That's the last word we had!

That's an hour ahead of the record!

-Are you tired?!

-Not yet!

-Where are you going first?

-To send a telegram!

-Who to? You got a boyfriend?!

-Be a good boy - put me down!

Telegram for Mr Britton! Telegram for Mr Britton!

-Over here.

-Yes, sir. ..Thank you, sir.

No tricks before the boat sails!

You have to lay out that route to Singapore!

-Sorry?

-It's too late to back out now!

You're under contract for one year.

Only one? Why not make it more(?) Make it ten(!)

-You weren't worried, were you?

-Frankly, yes.

-Congratulations!

-Thank you!

Hi, Johnny! Hello, fellas! Hello, Jake!

Whose is the new coat hook?! Tonie Carter! > Tonie Carter?!

Who's that?! I've never heard of him!

Him?! She ain't a him! Ah, you know! Quit your kidding!

A girl?! Only flyers come back here! She's a better flyer than you guys!

Really?! What does she fly - a kite?

I was just out to the field to see her land.

She laid a crate down blind - soft like it was glass.

So what?! He calls that flying! Ah!

What's the matter with you guys?!

You're getting softening of the brain!

What did you say?! What do you know about it?! Me?!

Flying blind isn't so tough! Oh, yeah?!

< He's been reading the papers!

This used to be a nice place - now they let anybody in!

Is that how you feel? All right! Get out! ALL of you!

Get out and don't come back! I can still make my living?!

In tutta la mia vita, non ho mai visto degli ingrati di questo genere! Gli ho dato da mangiare e bere!

Get out! Get out, you goats!

-Oh, hello, Charlie!

-Hello, Tonie!

-I was only looking for someone.

-Come in! Any time, come in!

It's yours now - I just fixed it.

But...a woman?!

It's MY place, and if they don't like it - phoowee! You're one of the boys!

Here you always hang your hat!

Next time, I'll wear a hat!

< Where would you like to sit?!

Johnny, really, I don't think I'll stay after all.

# ..Tonie Carter ain't got no style Got style all the while

# She's a high-flying, rollicking swell

# Here's to Tonie Don't she look well?

# They say Tonie Carter ain't got no style

# Got style all the while Style all the while

# She's a high-flying, rollicking swell

# Here's to our Tonie Don't she look well?! #

They've never done this for a man, never.

Great work, Miss Carter! We've never met before, have we? My name's...

-As if I didn't know! I've been looking forward to this!

-Me, too!

-If I ever try around the world again, I'd rather have you along than any pilot I know!

-You mean that?!

I'll follow the equator. The other trips were 18,000 miles, not the full 25,000 -

like flying around the collar, not the waist!

And to do that, I ought to have someone to spell me, and I'd rather it was you than any MAN I know!

I mean it!

No matter WHAT happens to me, nothing can EVER top this!

Paul...did you arrange it?

Pleased?!

Oh, it's all so much I'm kind of dizzy!

Thank you, Johnny. I'll do it!

Dizzy?! That's altitude!

You've climbed high - even in a high-climbing profession!

Now, I will drink a toast...

Here's to a great flyer!

Better than that - to a flyer's flyer!

And here's to you, who made it all possible!

Remember what you made possible for me - the business, the factory - sponsoring cigarettes to pay for it.

You paid me back by financing my flights!

Now you can do your own financing out of your account at the bank.

-I don't have an account at the bank!

-You've had one for years!

-Your share of our profits. We've been partners.

-Paul, you didn't?!

According to their last statement, you have just over 100,000.

-100,000?!

-All taxes paid.

I won't take it! Oh, darling, it's so like you, but I don't want it. Honestly!

Not now, maybe, but later - after you've quit.

-After I quit flying?

-Sure.

-I'll be in a hurry - I won't need the money then!

You've already accomplished so much, there's very little left to do.

Very little that's new or important.

Call it a career - quit while you're tops.

What would I do with myself if I gave up flying?!

Start a brand-new career, but with the same partner...

Marriage.

Oh!

We'd make a success of it, Tonie! It'll be happier and more lasting than any other career in the world!

It'd be my career, too. You'd be all I'd ever live for, and work for. Will you?

-Paul, I, er...

-All right, I know, don't say it.

But I must say it, because it's yes!

Oh, Tonie! Oh, no!

Tonie! ..Let's get out of here!

Let's go anywhere - anywhere we can be alone! I'll get the bill!

I'll... I'll be right back!

-I tried to pay and Johnny wanted to kill me!

-Paul!

-Before we're married, there's one thing I have to do.

-Yes, what?

I can't explain it... Maybe I don't even know myself,

but I HAVE to fly around the world - the waist of the world, alone!

Tomorrow, Tonie Carter will take off on her solo flight around the world.

She'll fly over to Honolulu,

carrying a heavy load of gasoline and good wishes from everyone in America.

-How about a cup of coffee?

-Yeah, we might as well.

'This is KPO, San Francisco. Tonie Carter's flying at 6,000 feet over scattered clouds.'

'WABC. Our bulletins on Tonie Carter's transpacific hop report her halfway to Honolulu.'

'WRC, Washington DC.

'At 1.34pm, Tonie Carter was sighted about 600 miles off Oahu.

'Reports indicate low ceiling.'

Any word on Tonie Carter? I missed the last broadcast.

The last we heard was from the steamship Metsonia.

-She passed over them flying west. They had headwinds.

-Thanks.

-The admiral is ready now.

-Thanks.

-How are you?

-Gentlemen.

-When did you get in?

-Last night.

-Glad to see you!

-Thanks.

-So that's where they got you?

-Yes.

Your information contains too much dynamite to be trusted to despatches.

-Yes, sir.

-When did you fly over the Japanese mandated islands?

-January 12th.

-You know that violates our agreement with Japan?

I know, sir, but it was unavoidable.

I was making a test flight from here to here.

I got caught in a typhoon. I let it carry me for a while.

When the storm broke, I was here. Then I saw the submarine base.

-< Are you sure?

-Positive.

-You must be dreaming!

Japan's pledged not to fortify those islands, and the Japanese are honourable.

Yes, sir. We all know THAT(!)

The next thing I knew, I was fired at - anti-aircraft.

One piece hit the fusillade, and one got my shoulder.

It might have been some Jap who mistook me for a duck(!)

-It's too bad I didn't have a camera.

-Yes!

When I got back, I made some drawings. They're crude - I had to use my left hand!

-Out here, eh? ..Excuse me, Britton!

-Yes, sir. Right there, sir.

A sub base, eh?

It'd be silly to assume that they have other bases in these islands,

or landing fields, or naval bases. We must be able to find out.

How?! No tourists are allowed on the islands. Planes can't fly over them.

Look! An enemy arsenal from here to here. There are guns aimed at the Philippines, our west coast...

-It's possible that they'll attack us.

-No - it's certain, and soon!

The world's headed for war. It'll be a fight for our national survival.

We must know exactly what the Japs are doing here...

-I could fly over the area, and take a camera.

-When you were discovered, you'd never come back. No.

We need an excuse for sending planes to photograph all of those islands,

and, by George, we'll do it soon, before...

-You keep checking your watch - anxious to leave?

-No.

My friend is flying over the Pacific. She's 90 minutes overdue.

-Tonie Carter?

-Yes.

-A friend of yours?

-I'm a friend of HERS. The broadcast has reports on the half-hour.

-Let's find out.

Station WRSC, sir.

'We interrupt this programme to announce

-'that Tonie Carter has just landed safely at Honolulu.'

-Good girl!

< She's a great flyer!

She's one of the best!

Gentlemen...

I think I've found the solution to our problem.

-Why do you fly?

-To see the world!

-There are easier jobs!

-Not for me!

-Are your clothes specially made?

-No.

-How long are you staying?

-Just long enough to refuel!

-A wave, please. Happy landing!

-Thanks!

Miss Carter! Miss Carter!

-A message from Admiral Paige.

-How nice!

-Any answer? >

-Tell him I received his message!

-Thank you! So long!

-Happy landing!

-Your luck was with you!

-That's right!

Oh, gee! The ship sure took a beating!

Thank you.

-The press just came aboard!

-Thank you.

-Are you going to try it again?

-Indeed, I hope to!

-How do you explain that happening to a flyer like you?

-It's what you call the breaks!

-Tonie!

-Paul! If you'll excuse me, I'll see you at the gangplank and talk then.

One more, please!

Paul, darling!

-In one piece?

-Not my arm - I played slot machines all the way back!

-I couldn't believe the papers!

-I'm not the flyer you thought I was!

-You're not trying it again?!

-I'm leaving this morning for Washington to see the Department of Commerce!

-We had a deal.

-We still have - once I've flown round the world.

-Why all the rush?!

-The sooner I get that settled, the sooner I can start, and the sooner I'll be back!

This way!

-This is Admiral Graves. How do you do?

-How do you do?

-Admiral Sturgess. Delighted!

-Admiral!

I'm afraid we've caused you a lot of trouble.

Sorry our message didn't reach you sooner. ..And I trust you destroyed the despatch?

Yes, I did - just in case the crash was serious.

Your response to our request was really admirable!

There's no trick to crashing up a plane!

You know that everything that happens in this meeting must be kept secret?

Yes, of course!

Miss Carter, we want you to do a job for us...a BIG job.

I've no hesitation in saying that the safety of our country may depend on a successful outcome.

Are you sure you want ME?

It's a job that can be only carried off by an expert female flyer

whose personality has caught on with the world.

-So far as I know, there IS only you.

-Thank you.

You understand there is nothing obligatory about this?

If you volunteer, you do so knowing that the dangers are VERY great.

I should like to know what it is.

The Japanese have been arming and fortifying the mandated islands,

in preparation for war against the United States.

To protect ourselves, we must know the scope of these preparations.

We can't force Japan to tell us, as a large body of opinion in this country

says that we must not offend the little sons of heaven(!)

So the only way that we can get this vital information is not by underhand, but by overhead strategy,

and that, Miss Carter, is where YOU come in.

How?

You resume your solo flight, as soon as we get your ship repaired,

this time, changing your direction, and going from west to east.

You'll take off from Miami, go down to South America, Africa, India, Australia, New Guinea.

From New Guinea, you'll take off on the transpacific part of your flight.

-Somewhere between New Guinea and the Hawaiian Islands, you'll get yourself in trouble.

-Yes?

Your distress call will be on every front page in the world -

your calculations are off and your gasoline is low.

Another frantic call for help, and then...silence.

What happens? Do I come down?

Yes. Actually, you land on that little speck there - Gau Island.

It's only a coral reef, but we'll stack it with provisions.

You'll stay there until the Navy comes to get you.

As far as the world knows, you're lost!

There'll be a search for you - the public will demand it!

That search will include the mandated islands.

Japan won't interfere, as we are looking for the greatest woman flyer.

During that search, we'll photograph every square mile of those islands.

When war comes, we'll be able to defend ourselves, and strike back at the nerve centres of their empire.

-Now do you understand?

-Perfectly.

Now you see that only YOU can help us.

There's a difference between a man falling into the ocean and a woman,

especially when it is Tonie Carter.

There's one thing that bothers me.

I fly a land plane and while I CAN navigate,

your plan means that I take off from New Guinea and aim for Gau Island,

which I'd say is about... 2,000 miles away.

-It'll take expert navigation to hit that pinpoint.

-We considered that.

The Navy will furnish you with a navigator who'll wait at New Guinea.

That won't be necessary. All I'll need is brushing up.

Sorry. We can't afford the time, or risk the possibility of failure.

I see.

When do you want me to leave?

Can you take off in Miami on the 16th?

I'll be ready.

-I'll say goodbye now.

-Hmm?

-I'd rather watch the takeoff from here.

-You're not worried, are you?!

-You'll make it, I'm sure!

-I wish I felt just as sure about... well, about you.

-Me?!

Since you came back from Hawaii, you've been shying away from me.

You're imagining things! You need imagination to be the best plane designer in the world!

-You haven't changed your mind?

-We'll be married!

-Paul, if something does happen to me on this flight...

-You'll make it!

Yes, but suppose I DO have trouble and have to come down, and you don't hear from me for a while...

-I want you to know that I'm coming back.

-Sure you are!

-You'll believe that while I'm away?!

-You're coming back to ME!

-So long, Paul!

-Happy landing!

-No! I took a little longer than I expected.

-It was rainy.

-It was!

Thank you! I wish I could stay, but I take off in the morning.

-It's been a pleasure!

-Thank you!

-Goodbye, Miss Carter!

-I reserved the Royal Suite.

-Royal enough for a bath?!

-With running water!

-Lead me to it!

-Mr Yokohata - the proprietor.

-How do you do?

-Welcome to New Guinea!

-Thank you.

-The rooms are ready for you.

The gentleman you were expecting has gone out. I think to the flying field.

-Gentleman?!

-You were expecting somebody?

Oh, yes, of course! It must be the mechanic.

The people in Detroit were to send a man from Manila to check the motors. Did he say he was to meet me here?

So I thought. Perhaps it was a mistake.

-What's his name?

-Mr Johnson.

Would you tell him I'd like to see him as soon as he comes in?

-And thank you for all the trouble you've taken!

-Not at all!

-We're expecting you for dinner - a big turnout!

-How nice!

-You won't mind if I leave early?

-Fine. I'll be back at 9.00.

Bye!

Radiogram for you, Miss Carter. This way, please.

WHISTLING

Hello!

It's a long way to come for a vodka, but you and I are used to going places for the best!

Private stock of the Tsar!

Power and glory in every drop! ..Excuse me!

I forgot to introduce myself! The name is Johnson -

-Harry Johnson.

-..They sent YOU!

I put in for the job. You and I will make quite a team.

Of ALL the people in the world!

You haven't grown a swell head? You rate one after this little junket.

-They put you in front of all of us.

-There's no flyer in front of you. I'm lucky to get you.

Thank you. "Well, er, won't you come in Mr Johnson?" "Thanks, I will."

"Pull up a chair, Mr Johnson!" "Thanks, I will!"

Won't you join me?

The lonely potato distilled into ambrosia!

No, thank you!

You don't seem very happy to see me!

Shall we talk business?

OK.

-When is takeoff?

-6.00.

-Make it 5.00 - it'll still be dark.

I'll hide in the plane when they've got off...

The engines are OK. One was idling too fast, so I leaned it out.

-Some more clothes can press for you?

-That won't be necessary.

Excuse, please.

I fixed her up with new spark plugs and new fuel pumps.

Nobody's going to know you have a stowaway aboard.

It's important for the famous Tonie Carter to get lost alone.

How will you explain your disappearance?

That's all fixed. It isn't going to be an easy job locating that coral.

Unless we have perfect visibility... Never mind, let ME do the worrying!

-We'll make it!

-I'm SURE we will!

You're even better looking than you were... Was it two years ago when you stood me up at that bar in LA?

A lot better looking, and better that I thought,

and I've been doing some thinking lately.

You know that feeling you get up at 20,000 feet?

You know that slap-happy feeling you get up there? I've got it now.

Tonie!

We can't go on just seeing each other every couple of years!

-Tonie, you've got to marry me!

-Marry you?!

It'll be illegal for you to run off! I was going to ask you in LA, but didn't get the chance.

-You stood me up, and then took off!

-You were going to ask me then?!

If I'd been wise, I'd have asked you the day after we met.

It took me a while to realise what had happened to me -

-that there was only you.

-Oh, Randy!

It'll always be only you! Marry me! How do we know what's ahead?!

It may be months before they come for us! Let's marry before we go!

What's the matter?

-Why didn't you let me know before?!

-Before what?!

-Before it was too late.

-What do you mean, too late?

Another guy?

Who?

-Paul.

-Paul?

Well...

-When did it happen?

-Just before I left.

We're to marry when I get home.

You're GOING to be? You mean, you aren't married now?!

-There must someone who can do the job now!

-Please! I'm marrying Paul!

-Tell him you've changed your mind!

-I can't!

-Tell him when we get back!

Tomorrow, he'll find out I'm lost.

Imagine how he'll feel if I come home and say I've changed my mind.

-I know it's tough on him, but you can't mess up OUR lives! Come on!

-No!

You and I... That's ALL over.

You're trying to tell me you don't love me! I know better!

You ARE sure of me - SO sure that all you have to do is take me in your arms and I'll leave Paul.

I won't,

because I'VE been walked out on, and left to break and pick up the pieces alone!

I know what it means. I'll never do that to anyone! Never!

-Listen...

-No, YOU listen!

I've got plans which don't include you!

They're plans for a lifetime of security and happiness!

You're going out of my life, and I'm going to marry Paul Turner!

OK.

The weather reports say storms. We can climb above those and... See you later.

Excuse me!

Oh, you...startled me!

-So sorry! The Vice Consul - he is in the lobby.

-Thank you.

-It's going to pour soon. I got you back in time!

-Good night!

-We're sitting up to see you take off!

-Good night!

RINGS BELL

-Good evening!

-May I have my key, please?

-Will you have my bill ready by the morning?

-Yes!

Shall I also make up a bill for Mr Britton?

What?

-Who did you say?

-Mr Randy Britton!

Aren't you making a mistake?

Mr Britton is TOO famous a flyer for me to make mistake! He take off with you - yes?

Where on earth did you get THAT idea?!

So difficult finding a place like Gau Island. Wise to take along a navigator like Mr Britton.

Imperial Japanese Navy reports that a United States Boat has left many supplies on Gau Island.

The Japanese government has reason to believe

that you will pretend to lose your course and disappear in the sea.

If your plan is to drop down on Gau Island, it will interest you to know

that after your disaster is announced, the Japanese will discover you there.

Within one minute, the world will be notified,

and it will be quite unnecessary for the US Navy

to look for you over the Japanese mandated islands.

KNOCK AT DOOR

-Oh, it's you.

-Randy, I want to talk to you a minute.

Come in.

-Anything wrong?

-No.

I was just wondering, um...

It's very important, isn't it, that we do this job right?

You won't know how important it is until we tangle with the Japs in battle.

What's worrying you?

-What would happen if we couldn't land on Gau?

-Why couldn't we?

-Through lack of visibility?

-If that's what's bothering you, forget it! We'll make it!

-But, suppose, we, er...

-Suppose what...?

Well, suppose when we get there, we see a Jap ship down below.

Don't invent trouble! What gave you that sweet idea?

It might be there by accident, or, er,

-it might be that the Japs found out our plans...

-They won't find out!

Suppose they do, and they were waiting for us! What would we do?

-If I'd been assigned to do the job alone, I'd push on.

-..Where?

Lick him down, probably for keeps!

The important thing is not being found, it is being lost.

You'd do that if you were on this job alone?

There won't be anybody waiting for us. Get some sleep.

Do you have an alarm clock?

-Yes.

-Set it for 4.30 and check to make sure I'm awake.

And stop worrying - I'm going to land you safely on Gau Island.

Everything will end the way you've got it planned. Good night.

Bye.

I thought you were going to get some sleep.

-Still worrying?

-Not any more.

-I thought YOU were going to bed.

-I, er, couldn't sleep.

I guess it must be the rain.

Look at it -

like a curtain blacking out the rest of the world!

Funny - I was just thinking of the last time you said that.

A driftwood fire on Virginia Beach. You remember?

Yes, I DO remember.

It was a wonderful evening, wasn't it?

Tonie... If I'd asked you that night to marry me,

would you have said yes?

-Yes.

-You wouldn't -

right off, hardly knowing me...

I think I was in love with you before me met, just hearing about you.

And, then, after we met, I knew for certain and all at once that you were the only thing in my life.

I washed up.

Now...

every time I see you, Randy, life begins for me, and stops every time you go away.

It's been like that from the first minute I heard your name.

You know what this means, don't you?

-Yes?

-You're never going back to what you'd planned.

-No, darling, I'm never going back to what I'd planned.

-I don't get this!

A little while ago, you said... What happened to change you like this?

Well, darling, right now I feel 20,000 feet up -

cut loose from the Earth with no thought of what is down below, and no fears about the future.

I'll never let you get away from me again! We'll get married, settle down.

Yes, settle down!

Of course, I'll keep my flying as my job.

-You must always keep on flying!

-Where do you want to build a house?!

Well, now, let me see... Must I decide this minute?

No matter where, it'll be my landing field - I'll always come back to it.

How do you feel about families?

I like 'em large!

So do I. How about three?

Three? ..I always planned on five.

Five?!

All right, five. All boys?

-One girl.

-OK. I can tell you right now which one is going to be my favourite.

-The girl?

-The girl!

The one girl. The only girl.

From now on, it's you and me for keeps.

Oh, yes, Randy.

For keeps.

Tonie!

-Where's Miss Carter?

-She just took off.

Tonie, darling! You fool!

'Tonie Carter was reported 800 miles off New Guinea,

'by the Australian freighter, Southern Star.

'The following message from Tonie Carter was picked up a few minutes ago,

' "Weather bad, gas supply dropping."

'Further bulletins will be given as they are received.

'Carter is fighting adverse winds with dwindling gasoline.

'Concern is felt for the safety of the flyer.'

BULLETINS PLAYED TOGETHER

'HWBB? HWBB?'

HWBB calling, SOS.

Visibility worse, no sign of land.

I have a few more minutes of gas left, position doubtful.

KHWBB calling, SOS. Calling SOS.

'Amateur Radio Station W6LRC in Los Angeles reports that he has picked up a voice

'on the 26m band which may be Tonie Carter's.'

Could be somewhere vicinity Gau Island. Vicinity Gau Island.

Gas practically gone.

We'll have to try to make ocean landing soon. The motor's beginning to sputter.

'Today, a brilliant flying career has probably ended.

'Tonie Carter is definitely lost.

'Her world flight has ended in disaster.

'Tonie Carter lost somewhere in the South Pacific.'

(So long, Randy, I...)

And so it was that the legend of Tonie Carter reached its end.

Forever faithful, forever brave.

That was 1937, and only now with our nation in a death struggle on the waters of the far Pacific,

is the secret of her sacrifice reaching for its fulfilment.

'Base from Red Leader, I'm going down.'

What was that? Britton, sir, he's going in.

'Nice going! Enemy planes taking off!'

This one's for you, Tonie.

Subtitles by Caroline Tosh BBC Scotland - 2000

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