Amelia Earhart

Amelia Earhart

Year: 1976

Runtime: 150 mins

Language: English

Director: George Schaefer

Drama

Biography follows the life of famed woman pilot Amelia Earhart, including her marriage to a famous publisher and her disappearance during a flight in 1937.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Amelia Earhart (1976)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Amelia Earhart (1976). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early 20th century (1907–1937)

The film unfolds across the interwar era when aviation was rapidly expanding and female pilots were beginning to break barriers. It follows Earhart from her 1907 childhood through wartime and the 1920s–30s aviation boom, culminating in the 1937 round‑the‑world attempt and disappearance. This period highlights technological progress, evolving gender roles, and the rising power of media attention on public figures.

Location

Kansas farm, Los Angeles, Boston, Newfoundland, Atlantic Ocean

The story spans multiple major settings from Earhart’s rural beginnings in Kansas to early aviation hubs in Los Angeles and Boston, then moves to remote launch points in Newfoundland for transatlantic attempts. It portrays the cross‑country road trip that shapes her early adulthood and the places where she trains, works, and networks with mentors and supporters. The Atlantic Ocean backdrop and flight locations anchor the narrative’s high‑stakes aviation milestones.

🗺 Geographic 🧭 Travel

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:43

Main Characters – Amelia Earhart (1976)

Meet the key characters of Amelia Earhart (1976), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Amelia Earhart

A determined, curious, and fearless aspiring pilot who grows from a Kansas farm girl into a celebrated aviation pioneer. She pursues flying with relentless drive, drawing on grit and imagination to overcome obstacles and societal expectations.

✈️ Aviation 💪 Determination 👩 Trailblazer

George Palmer Putnam

A savvy media tycoon who acts as Earhart’s husband and promoter, using publicity to propel her career. Their relationship blends professional partnership with personal strain, including an open marriage that reinforces her independence.

💼 Marriage 📢 Publicity

Neta Snook

Earhart’s early mentor and flight instructor who guides her training and fuels her ambitions. Snook represents the rising wave of women pilots who break barriers and inspire others to take flight.

🧭 Mentor 👩‍✈️ Female pilot 🎓 Teacher

Paul Mantz

A close adviser who assists Earhart in planning daring flights and navigating the aviation world. He serves as a strategic ally in turning bold dreams into public achievements.

🧭 Adviser 🗺 Explorer

David Putnam

George Putnam’s son who forms a personal bond with Earhart, illustrating the blend of family and public life in Earhart’s story.

👨‍👦 Family 🧭 Influence

Pidge Earhart

Amelia’s sister, a supportive presence in her life from childhood through adulthood, sharing in her curiosity and adventures.

👧 Sibling 🫶 Support

Amy Earhart

Amelia’s mother, who participates in family road trips and helps shape Earhart’s early exposure to travel and exploration.

👩‍👧 Family 🧭 Homefront

Mr. Gallagher

A supporting figure within Earhart’s network, helping to frame the era’s social and professional context.

🗣 Network 💬 Support

Miss Perkins

A secondary character reflecting the societal milieu of Earhart’s time.

🧭 Social context 👥 Ensemble

Mr. Earhardt

An additional member of Earhart’s community who anchors the narrative within its historical setting.

🗺 Social role 🗨 Interaction

Dr. Paterson

A figure in Earhart’s circle contributing medical or professional perspective during pivotal moments.

⚕ Medical 🧭 Guidance

Broadcaster

A media presence who amplifies Earhart’s feats, reflecting the era’s growing broadcast culture.

🎙 Media 🗣 Publicity

Fred Norman

A member of the aviation world who participates in supporting Earhart’s missions and flights.

🚁 Support 🧭 Transportation

Wilmer Stultz

Earhart’s 1928 transatlantic flight co‑pilot, a crucial partner in early aviation milestones.

🛩 Colleague 🤝 Teammate

Lou Gordon

Earhart’s co‑pilot during the 1928 transatlantic flight, sharing in the risks and fame of the journey.

🛫 Co-pilot 🧭 Navigator

Young Amelia Earhart

A younger version of Amelia Earhart, glimpsing the early curiosity that anchors her lifelong pursuit of flight.

🧒 Youth ✨ Potential

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:43

Major Themes – Amelia Earhart (1976)

Explore the central themes of Amelia Earhart (1976), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🛩️ Pioneering Spirit

Amelia Earhart embodies the urge to push beyond known boundaries. The film traces her arc from a curious farm girl to a global aviation icon, driven by experimentation, risk, and tenacity. Her pursuit challenges societal expectations about women and leadership in a male‑dominated field.

🎭 Public Image vs. Personal Life

Earhart’s fame comes with intense public scrutiny and media attention that shape her decisions. The story explores the tension between a powerful public persona and the private complexities of marriage, mentorship, and friendship. The narrative shows how fame can influence choices and lasting legacy.

🕯️ Legacy and Mystery

The 1937 attempt casts Earhart as a lasting symbol of courage and mystery. The disappearance triggers a wide‑ranging search and cements her status as an aviation legend beyond the skies. The film uses the unresolved ending to emphasize the enduring impact of her achievements.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 19:43

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Amelia Earhart Summary

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