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Skyward (film)

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Wikipedia article




'Skyward' is a 1980 American made-for-television drama film starring Bette Davis, Howard Hesseman, Marion Ross, Suzy Gilstrap, Clu Gulager and Lisa Whelchel. It was directed by Ron Howard, written by Nancy Sackett and broadcast on NBC on November 20, 1980.

Plot



Bette Davis stars as a flight instructor at an old Texas airport. When a young girl in a wheelchair finds the airport by watching gliders fly, she decides she wants to learn how to fly. Davis teaches her to fly with some special controls adapted for her disability. Howard Hesseman is an aircraft repair service mechanic trying desperately to get an old airplane back in the air. The three, together, put the young girl and the old plane up in the air.

Production



The film was made on location in Rockwall, Texas, with the plot centering on the town's airport.Wilfong, David (16 August 2009). [https://www.rockwallheraldbanner.com/news/local_news/rockwall-seeking-to-become-film-friendly-city/article_8c300d93-a04e-59a3-a6e2-6711310a86a1.html Rockwall seeking to become Film Friendly City], 'Rockwall County Herald Banner'

Director Ron Howard has credited this film as helping to convince studios that he could direct feature films. Getting General Electric to sponsor the film was a big step, and getting Bette Davis on board was also ambitious. Howard recalls that Bette Davis was initially concerned about Gilstrap's casting because she had no real acting experience. Davis referred to Howard to "Mr. Howard" at the beginning of the first day of filming, but he soon became "Ron," and she later highly complimented his work, telling him he could be another William Wyler.[https://interviews.televisionacademy.com/shows/ron-howards-skyward Ron Howard's Skyward], Archive of American Television (Ron Howard Interview), retrieved 9 September 2020Wygant, Bonnie. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QvPvejJm2w Bette Davis Interview], NBC DFW (1980)

Reception



John J. O'Connor of 'The New York Times' opined that G.E. Theater, "an indefatigable supplier of upbeat dramas," had "clearly found itself another hefty dose of safe inspiration" in this film. But he did credit the casting of paraplegic teenager Suzy GilstrapGritten, David (7 December 1981). [https://people.com/archive/paralyzed-by-a-falling-tree-suzy-gilstrap-turned-to-acting-and-her-career-heads-skyward-vol-16-no-23/ Paralyzed by a Falling Tree, Suzy Gilstrap Turned to Acting and Her Career Heads Skyward], 'People' in the lead role, as well as the casting of Bette Davis and Howard Hesseman.[https://www.nytimes.com/1980/11/20/archives/tv-handicapped-girl-and-her-flying-lessons.html TV: Handicapped Girl And Her Flying Lessons], 'The New York Times' Tom Shales of 'The Washington Post' called the movie "one sweet piece of work" and a "lyrical heartwarmer."Shales, Tom (20 November 1980). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1980/11/20/reaching-for-the-stars/30f78e3c-e90e-437d-b8e5-b4bc5865ec4d/ Reaching For the Stars], 'The Washington Post'

The movie was the 16th ranked prime time television show in the United States for the week of its release, with a 22.0 Nielsen rating.(26 November 1980). [https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/182754278/ Bullseye! CBS hits rating record with two shots], 'Courier-Post' (Associated Press story)

The movie's success led to a one-hour Christmas special directed by Vincent McEveety in December 1981 called 'Skyward Christmas'. Though Gilstrap reprised her role as Julie, the cast was largely new and the production generally received poor reviews.(3 December 1981). [https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/406229043/ 'Skyward' sequel flops], 'Dayton Daily News'

Cast



*Bette Davis as Billie Dupree

*Howard Hesseman as Koup Trenton

*Marion Ross as Natalie Ward

*Clu Gulager as Steve Ward

*Ben Marley as Scott Billings

*Lisa Whelchel as Lisa Ward

*Suzy Gilstrap as Julie Ward(16 November 1980). [https://cdnc.ucr.edu/?a=d&d=SBS19801116.1.165&srpos=4&e=-------en--20--1--txt-txIN-skyward+%22ron+howard%22-------1 Don't Feel Sorry], 'San Bernardino Sun' (TV Week)

*Irma P. Hall as Mrs. Sinclair

*Mark Wheeler as Mr. Olsen

*Jessie Lee Fulton as Secretary

*Bill Thurman as Pilot #1

*Rance Howard as Pilot #2

*Rhonda Minton as Stephanie

*Gene Pietragallo as Jason

*Greta Blackburn as Miss Russell

*Jeff Nicholson as Theatre Usher

*Kate Finlayson as Nurse

*Rusty McCaskey as Boy in Class

*Bill Blackwood as himself

*Charley French as Boy in Class

References




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