Spy in the Sky (26 Feb. 1996)

The story of America's high-altitude U-2 spy plane.

Director:

Linda Garmon

Writer:

Linda Garmon

Stars:

David McCullough, Roy Scheider

Cast

Episode credited cast:
David McCullough	...	Himself - Host
Roy Scheider	...	Narrator (voice)

Storyline

In the 1950s, President Eisenhower needed accurate information on the Soviet Union's military buildup. Photographs from reconnaissance aircraft seemed the best way to get it, but overflights using converted bombers were too dangerous. The U-2 spy plane was designed to fly high enough to avoid Soviet air defenses and long enough to bring back photos of military installations deep within Soviet territory. This documentary chronicles the design, test flights, and espionage missions of this remarkable airplane, including the ill-fated flight of Francis Gary Powers. Lots of archival footage and interviews with the pilots who flew the aircraft are included.

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Plot Keywords:

military | espionage | aviation | cold war | cia | 

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Genres:

Documentary | History

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Details

Release Date:

26 February 1996 (USA)

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Runtime:

56 min 56 min (video)

User Reviews

Not just about Francis Gary Powers but about the plane itself.

"Spy in the Sky" was narrated by Roy Scheider. Although I thought that this episode of "The American Experience" was all about the Francis Gary Powers incident, this really was only a small portion of the show. Instead, it was about the U-2 program itself--why the U-2 was created, the planes very unusual construction and the difficulties getting it off the ground. I was very surprised about just how fragile and light the plane was, as they described it as having wings like tin foil! It was also surprising how long the plane was in service--I'd just assumed it was completely replaced by the SR-71 in the late 60s-early 70s. In addition, there was some discussion of Powers--a very famous case when the Soviet Union actually shot down one of these planes and captured its pilot. Overall, a fascinating portrait of the Cold War--well worth seeing and well made (as usual for the series).