Director William A. Wellman adds another to his long line of salutes-to-aviation films in this bio of an aviation pioneer, John Montgomery (Glenn Ford.) In 1883 he built a practical glider despite the opposition of his friends, who thought he was crazy, and of his family, who were afraid that his dreams of flying would hurt his father's political ambitions. He pursues his education at Santa Clara University where the Jesuits lend a helping and understanding hand. An earthquake destroys what appears to be a working model for an airplane, but a gold-sorting machine Montgomery invented, and then neglected, promises to provide for his financial needs to keep working on his aircraft until he gets involved in costly lawsuits defending his invention.
Glenn Ford
as John J. Montgomery
Janet Blair
as Regina 'Ginny' Cleary
Charles Ruggles
as Jim Montgomery
Henry Travers
as Thomas Logan
Jimmy Lloyd
as Dan Mahoney / Prof. LaSalle
Charles Kemper
as Father "Dickie" Ball
Selena Royle
as Mrs. Zachary Montgomery
Arthur Shields
as Father Kenton
Willard Robertson
as Zachary Montgomery
Robert De Haven
as Jim Logan, as a boy (as Robert DeHaven)
Wanda Perry
as (uncredited)
Ernie Adams
as Husband (uncredited)
