The Hindenburg is a 1975 American film directed by Robert Wise, and based on the historical events surrounding the Hindenburg disaster of 1937. The movie features an all-star cast including George C. Scott, Anne Bancroft, William Atherton, Roy Thinnes, Burgess Meredith, and Charles Durning. It is a fictionalized account of the disaster, blending fact and fiction to create a thrilling suspense story.
The movie begins with Colonel Franz Ritter being assigned to the Hindenburg as its chief of security. He is tasked with investigating a possible saboteur aboard the airship, as there have been reports of threats against the German government from groups opposed to the Nazi regime. Ritter is a seasoned intelligence officer, but he is also struggling with personal demons following his involvement in World War I, which has left him emotionally scarred.
As the Hindenburg begins its fateful journey across the Atlantic, Ritter begins to uncover a web of deceit and intrigue among the passengers and crew. He is suspicious of Max Mauro, the slick American publicist for the airship, and his relationship with the beautiful and mysterious Countess Ursula, who is traveling incognito. He also uncovers evidence that a crew member, Boerth, may be involved in the plot.
The tension builds as Ritter races against time to find the saboteur before disaster strikes. Meanwhile, the passengers enjoy the luxurious amenities of the airship, including fine dining, dancing, and spectacular views of the ocean below. But the tranquility is shattered when the Hindenburg explodes and crashes in a fiery inferno, killing most of the people on board.
In the aftermath of the disaster, Ritter must come to terms with the tragic loss of life, and the realization that he may have failed in his duty to protect the Hindenburg. As he struggles with his guilt and grief, he uncovers evidence that suggests that the disaster may not have been caused by a saboteur after all.
The Hindenburg received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its suspenseful storyline and impressive special effects, while others criticized its fictionalized take on history. Nevertheless, it remains an enduring classic of the disaster movie genre, and has inspired numerous documentaries, books, and dramas exploring the events of May 6th, 1937.