This motion picture was the first dramatization ever done of the 1960 U-2 incident, and in spite of its age holds up well. Based on U-2 pilot Gary Power's autobiography "Operation Overflight", it premiered 45 years ago with '70s TV superstar Lee Majors in the title role. At the time, Lee Majors was one of the most popular stars on television with the series "Six Million Dollar Man". Apparently, he wanted to stretch his talents to try a new kind of role that had a lot more depth than his usual action series parts. The producers of the film probably also saw that having Lee Majors in the title role could potentially attract a huge audience.
In his performance as Gary Powers, Lee Majors tries hard, often succeeds, but there are still moments when he comes across as somewhat awkward. What really makes this film watchable are the fine performances by the supporting cast, including veteran TV actors Noah Beery, David Opatoshu, and Nehemiah Persoff. It is Persoff's character which really stands out. As Power's Soviet Interrogator he pursues his role with a calm, cool menace which is truly frightening.
The technical side of the movie helps out to give it a real sense of authenticity. Even though the special effects seem dated, they were state of the art for the time, and do succeed in showing the dangers of flying these hazardous spy missions. One thing the producers of the film got right was using the correct model of U-2 that Gary Powers flew at time. ( Something that "Bridge of Spies" did not.).
Finally, it should be known that Gary Powers himself acted as technical advisor for the film. His young son, Francis Gary Powers junior, himself had small part in the movie. He later reprised his Father by acting as technical advisor for the later "Bridge of Spies".
Soon afterward Gary Powers became the aerial traffic reporter for KNBC in Los Angeles, with the byline "The Spy in the Sky". Tragically, a year later, on 1 August, 1977, the former U-2 pilot was killed when his helicopter unexpectedly crashed as a result of a faulty fuel gauge.
A sad ending for history's most famous aerial spy.
Speaking as a Cold War veteran myself, I consider this film in so many ways to be the final testament of Francis Gary Powers.
