Such a frustrating disappointment

Really Surprised!

Memorable, crazy movie

This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

I find "Toward the Unknown" to be a pleasant film. The story is rather predictable and, like many films made with military assistance, it is a good Air Force promo. It doesn't hurt that I am a huge fan of William Holden, but I think the film's story is just plain enjoyable, even if not very dramatic or suspenseful.The action takes place at Edwards Air Force Base, where testing of experimental jets (and rocket-propelled craft) is conducted. Among the test pilots is Lincoln Bond (Holden), who comes with some baggage--primarily because he was captured during the Korean War and brutalized. He wants to get back into the testing program, but his psychological integrity is questioned.The craft shown in the film might seem tame from the perspective of the 21st century, but they were very exotic in their day. Man was toying with the edge of space and developing technologies that pushed the limits of human endurance. Anyone who was around during that era remembers the aura of mystery and excitement that surrounded the "X" programs. As a boy in the Columbus, Ohio area, I remember the sonic booms we seemed to hear almost daily. There was something magical about supersonic speed.The film can serve as a primer on the basics of the technology and it conveys some of the history. The nonchalance of the pilots may obscure the bravery required to pilot those machines, but the film accurately demonstrates the love of flight that drives pilots. Their joyful exuberance lies just below the surface of every scene.I recommend this film to anyone who is a fan of flying and to anyone who wants to learn more about the early history of supersonic flight. The story of Lincoln Bond and the men and women he works with may play second fiddle to the jets themselves, but it is a solid story worth watching.

Solid if unexceptional aerial melodrama with William Holden playing a troubled Air Force Major hoping to get into the test pilot program at Edwards Air Force Base, but finding his recent past (which includes a suicide attempt) causing doubt and concern among his superiors. Holden's crack-up is left relatively ambiguous, yet all the harping from his fellow officers seems to equate a mental breakdown (or depression) with psychotic behavior. Ditto General Lloyd Nolan's 'advanced' age, which is brought up so often it's no wonder the man is having dizzy spells! Holden's Toluca Films (the company's one and only offering) ensured a quality production (with minimal rear projection and stock footage), however the aerial action is far more exciting than anything happening on the ground. Paul Baron's emotive score and Hal Rosson's cinematography are both first-rate, while Holden's effortless star appeal helps to override the military and romantic clichés. ** from ****

I agree with orexis. The acting is good and the flying is integrated into the story line very well; unlike a lot of movies where it's a story line with some flying scenes thrown haphazardly in because it's a "flying movie". One of Holden's better performances and a movie I thoroughly enjoy watching every time I am able to catch it. The rest of the actors also deliver a good performance and the movies maintains a good enough pace to keep it interesting.If you enjoy watching entertaining movies with a military and historical flavor then this movie will definitely interest you. The glimpse into America's early attempts at faster than sound flight are good and the flight sequences are entertaining enough to hold your attention.

This film rocks! (if you're a aviation buff and even if you're not) Holden gives one of his best performances, and there are numerous well filmed flight sequences featuring some of America's vintage jet aircraft. Vivian Lieth's acting is somewhat wooden, but her husky voice more than makes up for it.