No Highway In The Sky (1951)

Synopsis: James Stewart is in his best absent-minded professor mode as a scientist whose obstinacy prevents a series of flying disasters in this watchable thriller, based on Nevil Shute's novel.

Made in Britain by 20th Century-Fox, it's about a boffin (Stewart) who can't find his own front door, but who confidently predicts metal fatigue in a new type of British aircraft. Naturally, he's branded a loony. Marlene Dietrich has an inflated part as a film star who believes in him, along with Glynis Johns as a friendly stewardess and Janette Scott as his daughter.

Directed by Henry Koster, this is much better than the family comedies he later made with Stewart in Hollywood..

Cast:James Stewart, Marlene Dietrich
Runtime: 98 min (full length version)