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Zero Hour is a thrilling disaster movie from 1957 that follows the story of Ted Stryker, a traumatized former World War II fighter pilot who tries to save a flight after the pilots and crew become sick with food poisoning. The movie is directed by Hall Bartlett and written by Arthur Hailey, John C. Champion, and Hall Bartlett. Ted Stryker (Dana Andrews) is a veteran pilot who, after flying many dangerous missions in World War II, retires and becomes a writer. He marries Ellen (Linda Darnell), an airline stewardess, and they have a son, who tragically dies in a car accident. This loss leads to the breakdown of their marriage, and Ellen files for divorce.

Ted, desperate to win Ellen back, boards a commercial airliner from Honolulu to Vancouver, where she is working. However, fate has other plans for him, and soon after takeoff, the pilots and crew become sick from eating contaminated fish. The plane is faced with a perilous situation as the pilots are incapacitated, and the plane loses contact with ground control.

Ted steps forward, as the only person on the plane with experience flying a plane, to try to land the plane safely. Using his knowledge and skills, Ted communicates with the ground crew and receives guidance on how to fly and land the plane. With the help of Elaine, the stewardess, played by the beautiful Linda Darnell, Ted tries to keep the passengers calm and avoid a disaster.

What follows is a race against time and fast-paced events as Ted tries to land the plane safely. The movie is a suspenseful drama, with captivating moments of danger and high-intensity scenes that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. It's a heartwarming story of courage and bravery in the face of danger.

With solid performances from the star cast of Dana Andrews, Linda Darnell, and Sterling Hayden, Zero Hour is a classic disaster movie that has stood the test of time. Dana Andrews's portrayal of a distressed Ted is both moving and plausible, and his acting brings a depth of understated emotion to the character. Linda Darnell, as Elaine, shines with her grace and poise, and her chemistry with Dana Andrews is palpable.

Sterling Hayden, in a supporting role, plays the ground air traffic controller who guides Ted through the landing process. His performance is steady and provides a backdrop to the unfolding drama in the skies above. Other supporting cast members, including Peggy King, Charles Quinlivan, and Patricia Donahue, all deliver great performances that add to the overall effect of the movie.

Overall, Zero Hour is a movie that manages to maintain a level of tension and excitement throughout its running time. It has an authentic feel to it, with the aviation and ground control procedures being accurately portrayed. The direction by Hall Bartlett is tight, and the cinematography by John F. Warren lends an epic scope to the proceedings.

One of the standout features of Zero Hour is the writing. The story and screenplay by Arthur Hailey, John C. Champion, and Hall Bartlett is well-crafted, and the characters are written with depth and complexity. The movie is based on the teleplay Runway Zero-Eight by Hailey, which was itself inspired by the real-life events of United Airlines Flight 624, which crash-landed in 1947 in Sioux City, Iowa. The attention to detail in the writing and the accuracy of the aviation procedures add a layer of authenticity to the movie, making it all the more compelling.

In conclusion, Zero Hour is a classic thriller movie that delivers on all fronts. A great cast, solid writing, and excellent direction, all combine to make this an engaging and emotional disaster movie. It is a timeless story of hope and courage that is as relevant today as it was when it was released in 1957. Whether you're a fan of classic movies or just looking for a thrilling ride, Zero Hour is a must-see.

Zero Hour is a 1957 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.