Action,Adventure,Drama
United States of America
The Great Waldo Pepper, released in 1975, is a drama film directed by George Roy Hill and starring Robert Redford in the titular role. The film is set in the 1920s and follows the story of Waldo Pepper, a former World War I biplane pilot who missed the opportunity to experience the glory and heroism that flyboys gained from the war.
In his quest for fame and acknowledgement, Waldo starts barnstorming, an act that entails him performing thrilling aviation stunts, such as flying under bridges and diving through hoops, with his plane for a live audience. While performing his stunts, he meets and falls in love with a fellow barnstormer named Mary Beth.
As Waldo gains popularity and a following, he soon meets another pilot, Ezra Stiles, who claims to have shot down the famous flying ace, Ernst Kessler, during the war and uses this as a way to attract ticket sales. Waldo, who is skeptical of the claim, sets out to secretly investigate and prove that Stiles is lying.
When the movie industry begins to grow in popularity, Waldo sees an opportunity to fulfill his dream of becoming a hero on the big screen. However, his unbridled ambition and willingness to do anything to achieve success begin to take a toll on his relationships, including the one with Mary Beth, and ultimately, puts his life in danger in a dangerous aerial battle.
The Great Waldo Pepper is a nostalgic tribute to the golden age of aviation and a powerful commentary on the nature of fame, heroism, and the human desire for recognition.
