Product Details

• Actors: James Stewart, Murray Hamilton, Patricia Smith, Bartlett Robinson, Marc Connelly
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, HiFi Sound, Letterboxed, Widescreen, NTSC
• Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Warner Home Video
• VHS Release Date: October 14, 1997
• Run Time: 135 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (51 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6304359675
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #294,701 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Two Hollywood giants came together for The Spirit of St. Louis: James Stewart and director Billy Wilder. Both were slightly miscast for the material, an account of Charles Lindbergh's galvanizing solo flight across the Atlantic in 1927. Stewart was at least 20 years too old to play the young pilot, and his enormous personal warmth was at odds with the rather frosty real-life demeanor of the Lone Eagle. Wilder was better known for his sardonic critiques of man's lesser instincts, which makes the choice of this flat-out study of heroism somewhat peculiar. The mismatch shows in the movie, which is arranged around Lindy's historic puddle jump but is also checkerboarded together by a series of awkward flashbacks showing his background. Once the flight begins, in a thrilling sequence of the plane's near-miss takeoff, the film settles into a generally engrossing study of man against the elements. In a great Wilder touch, Stewart spends part of the journey conversing with a stowaway house fly. The aerial photography is stunning, and it's impossible to resist the unalloyed joy of Stewart's realization that he's spotted the Irish coast after a very long night over the ocean. Not unlike the pilot himself, this movie is happiest and most secure when it's in the seat of the plane, unencumbered by anything but forward motion and a goal. --Robert Horton

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A DVD Release Is Needed, August 5, 2003

By 

"onlysleeping" (Cedar Rapids, IA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Spirit of St Louis [VHS] (VHS Tape)

The Spirit of St. Louis was a box-office disappointment. That will never change. But what may change is the opinions of critics and the public on how this film should be viewed. It has all of the makings of a successful film: a great director in Billy Wilder, a legend in Jimmy Stewart, and it's based on the autobiography of an American hero in Charles Lindbergh.

No matter what ticket sales were like, it is a well-done film. One cannot deny the fact that Stewart was not the correct age to play Lindbergh, but it doesn't really take anything away from the film. Lindbergh always seemed to be more wise than his age would suggest anyhow.

The VHS version is fine, and until the DVD version is released (if ever) this is the only way to go.

20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jimmy Stewart's Amazing "The Spirit of St. Louis", July 9, 2006

By 

Green Hornet "Green Hornet" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Spirit of St. Louis (DVD)

Jimmy Stewart stars as the "Lone Eagle" Charles Lindbergh in Billy Wilder's film "The Spirit of St. Louis". This was a film Stewart wanted to make for years; but was repeatedly turned down. James Dean was even considered for the role. Despite the fact that Stewart was already in this 40's (Lindbergh was 25 at the time), Stewart's persistence paid off and Warner Bros. Studios finally relented and let him star as one of American's greatest aviators. The life of Charles A. Lindbergh is told in a series of memorable flashbacks as he makes his trans-atlantic flight. His life experiences and the people he met along the way are vividly recounted.

On May 20, 1927, at approximately 7:52 in the morning, Charles Lindbergh took off in the "Spirit of St Louis" from Roosevelt Field, Long Island. A crowd of more than 500 must have thought they had witnessed a miracle as the "Spirit of St. Louis" barely managed to clear the telephone wires at the field's edge in terrible weather conditions. Thirty-three and one half-hours and 3,500 miles later Lindbergh landed in Paris, the first to fly the Atlantic alone. Many great aviators of the time had tried and failed -- some even lost their lives in this attempt. Along the way, Lindbergh is forced to conquer his fears, snow, sleet and a lack of sleep to rediscover his faith. On the evening of May 21, at 10:22, "The Spirit of St. Louis" touched down at Le Bourget Field. A crowd of more than 100,000 people were there to greet American's Lone Eagle. His feat electrified a nation and inspired an interest in aviation. Unfortunately, this film flopped at the box office; but as the years have passed, this film has gained in respect and is now recognized as one of Stewart's greatest film accomplishments. Enjoy!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE SPIRIT OF BILLY WILDER, January 31, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Spirit of St Louis [VHS] (VHS Tape)

When I read about the passing away of "The Great Billy Wilder" last year, I was deeply saddened and as soon as I went home I watched one of his finest films THE SPIRIT OF ST.LOUIS. It reminded me of the first time I watched this film several years ago and how impressed I was with everything about the film. I became an immediate fan of Billy Wilder and over the years I've watched all his classic and not so classic films. I'm happy to say even his not so classic films were better than some of the "so called classic films" that idiotic critics love to praise. He was adept at Suspense, Drama and Comedy. Tell me who else past or present can boast of such versatile talent.
I think all young people should be made to see this stunning film not only for inspiration but about learning to believe in themselves to achieve their fondest dreams. Billy Wilder was the greatest film director of his time and I wish all students of Film and Drama and all movie lovers get to see and enjoy this beautiful film. I promise you it will remain in your mind for a long long time.
Billy Wilder loved to entertain the masses and he truly had the midas touch in eliciting the finest performances from his Actors, if you don't believe me just see his films and judge for yourself.
Long live Billy Wilder the "Emperor of Film Directors" through the medium of films.