Aviation Classics Headline Fly-In Theater

June 21, 2018 - From the early days of barnstorming through the valor of air combat to the glory days of experimental test pilots, the lineup of films at this year’s Fly-In Theater, presented by Airbus, will take visitors on a diverse journey through aviation history.

Every night beginning Sunday, July 22, through Saturday, July 28, moviegoers can bring lawn chairs and blankets to the Fly-In Theater and enjoy a film projected on a five-story screen. And the popcorn’s free, too!

Located adjacent to Camp Scholler, the Fly-In Theater is reminiscent of the drive-in theaters of the past. Each evening the show begins at approximately 8:30 p.m. (approximately 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Saturday to follow the night air shows). Each screening is preceded by an entertaining and informative introduction featuring a mix of aviation notables, filmmakers, historians, and others who can provide insight and context to each film. The final lineup of presenters will be published at a later date.

Sunday, July 22: Nothing by Chance

Inspired by author Richard Bach’s much-loved nonfiction book, this 1975 film documented Bach and a group of real-life barnstormers as they flew from field to field through the American Midwest in the mid-1970s. We’re especially pleased to be hosting a reunion of cast and crew for what is believed to be the first public screening of this lost classic in decades.

Monday, July 23: Spitfire

This feature-length documentary about the venerable British World War II fighter caps a day dedicated to celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Royal Air Force. This screening marks the U.S. premiere of the film.

Tuesday, July 24: Dunkirk

Released in 2017, this film tells the story of what Churchill called “the miracle of deliverance,” the massive civilian-supported evacuation of British, Belgian, French, and other Allied troops from northern France in May and June of 1940. The introduction will include a look behind the scenes at the film’s remarkable aerial cinematography.

Wednesday, July 25: Catch-22

Based on Joseph Heller’s dark satirical novel about a squadron of U.S. Army Air Forces bomber crews in the Mediterranean, this 1970 film is best remembered for its spectacular flying sequences. One of the airplanes featured prominently in those scenes is EAA’s own B-25, Berlin Express.

Thursday, July 26: Toward the Unknown

This 1956 classic stars William Holden as an Air Force fighter pilot assigned to flight test duties at Edwards Air Force Base. Shot on location with the full cooperation of the U.S. Air Force, this remarkable time capsule of a film features nearly every type of airplane that was in the Air Force’s inventory at the time.

Friday, July 27: The Great Waldo Pepper

If you ask people to name their top 10 favorite aviation movies, this barnstorming classic from 1975 is one that will show up on nearly every list. The introduction to this film will include a special sneak peek at the upcoming World War I documentary, The Lafayette Escadrille.

Saturday, July 28: Air America

This action/comedy, released in 1990, offers a look into the chaotic world of the CIA’s secret airline operating in Laos in the Vietnam era. The presentation before the screening will take a potentially surprising look at the film’s facts vs. fiction.

Admission to all movies at the Fly-In Theater is included with your AirVenture wristband.