Island in the Sky (1953 film)
Island in the Sky is a 1953 American aviation adventure drama film written by Ernest K. Gann based on his 1944 novel of the same name, directed by William A. Wellman and starring and coproduced by John Wayne. Because of its realistic depiction of an actual aircraft crash, some consider the film as among the classic aviation films. The film also features Andy Devine, Lloyd Nolan, James Arness and Paul Fix.
Theatrical release poster
A Douglas C-47, a type featured in the film
Ernest Kellogg Gann was an American aviator, author, sailor, and conservationist. He is best known for his novels and memoirs about early aviation and nautical adventures. Some of his more famous aviation novels include The High and the Mighty and Island in the Sky, both of which were turned into Hollywood movies starring John Wayne. Gann's classic memoir of early commercial aviation, Fate Is the Hunter, is still in print today and considered by many as one of the greatest aviation books ever written. Some of Gann's nautical-themed novels include Fiddler's Green and Soldier of Fortune, which were also turned into major motion pictures.
Ernest K. Gann
The Mar is a 75 ft. wooden ketch built in Denmark in 1975 by world renowned American aviator, author, filmmaker, sailor, fisherman and conservationist, Ernest K. Gann.
Ernest K. Gann writing studio
The Pitcairn Mailwing featured in Blaze of Noon