The Flight of the Eagle (1982)

Oct 27, 2023

by Ted Davis

Original Title: Ingenjor Andrées luftard

Directed by: Jan Troell

Cat Out of the Bag Alert! This review contains some spoilers for this film!

Synopsis: During the 1897 Swedish quest for the North Pole, disaster occurs almost immediately after take off when the guide lines for the hydrogen balloon are lost, practically eliminating the ability of the three man crew to effectively steer the craft. Led by obsessed and driven engineer and explorer Salomon August Andrée (Max von Sydow), the other two men, dreamy photographer Nils Strindberg (Goran Stangertz) and the more realistic and unsentimental Knut Fraenkel (Sverre Anker Ousdal), are swayed by his forceful personality and agree with his insane decision to continue the now hopeless expedition. Based on an actual series of events.

Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): Andrée’s cat Buster, a richly furred black cat, is seen being released outside his home by Gurli (Eva von Hanno), a married woman Andrée loves but tries to resist knowing his work must come first.

Flight of the Eagle - black cat Buster on cobblestone street

Later, Buster is seriously considering upsetting Andrée’s house of cards. Andrée concentrates on maintaining the structure, but after the cards collapse, he turns to his cat with the amiable comment that Buster’s concentration was stronger than his. This sequence foreshadows another time when Andrée’s house of cards will fall, and with more serious consequences.

Flight of the Eagle - black cat Buster on chair looking at house of cards on table
Flight of the Eagle - black cat Buster on chair with paw on table
Flight of the Eagle - black cat Buster on chair looking at house of cards on table as Andrée Max von Sydow slyly warns him no animated gif
Flight of the Eagle - black cat Buster on chair looking at table
Flight of the Eagle - black cat Buster on chair next to table

On the eve of Andrée’s departure, he lovingly carries Buster into the room where Gurli is packing his case. He asks Gurli if she will watch the cat for him, trusting her with his prized pet more than his housekeeper.

Flight of the Eagle - Andrée Max von Sydow carrying black cat Buster

Final Mewsings: Cats know better than to spend their lives in pursuit of transitory glories.

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