moonspinner55 Review of Toward the Unknown

Toward the Unknown (1956)

"Man will not only endure, he will prevail." ... "Some will, yes."

[5/10 · 12 November 2011]

Solid if unexceptional aerial melodrama with William Holden playing a troubled Air Force Major hoping to get into the test pilot program at Edwards Air Force Base, but finding his recent past (which includes a suicide attempt) causing doubt and concern among his superiors. Holden's crack-up is left relatively ambiguous, yet all the harping from his fellow officers seems to equate a mental breakdown (or depression) with psychotic behavior. Ditto General Lloyd Nolan's 'advanced' age, which is brought up so often it's no wonder the man is having dizzy spells! Holden's Toluca Films (the company's one and only offering) ensured a quality production (with minimal rear projection and stock footage), however the aerial action is far more exciting than anything happening on the ground. Paul Baron's emotive score and Hal Rosson's cinematography are both first-rate, while Holden's effortless star appeal helps to override the military and romantic clichés. ** from ****