American Flyers

American Flyers

Year: 1985

Runtime: 113 min

Language: English

Director: John Badham

DramaSport

Two brothers, one a dedicated athlete and the other facing health challenges, compete in a demanding cycling race through the Rocky Mountains. As they push their physical limits, a hidden truth about David's condition emerges, creating a race against time. The challenging journey tests not only their endurance but also the strength of their brotherly bond and forces them to confront difficult realities.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – American Flyers (1985)

Trace every key event in American Flyers (1985) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Marcus Returns Home

After a long absence, esteemed sports physician Marcus Sommers returns to his family in St. Louis, Missouri. His arrival is marked by a noticeable tension stemming from the recent passing of his father, leading to an emotional rift with his mother.

St. Louis, Missouri
2

Family Grief

The family struggles with their shared grief over the father's death due to a cerebral aneurysm. This loss exacerbates the already existing tension between Marcus and his mother, as they cope with their differing methods of dealing with sorrow.

Family Home
3

Health Concerns

Marcus's mother expresses her fears about David's health, worried he might share the same fate as their father. To alleviate her concerns, Marcus convinces David to undergo medical testing at his sports medicine clinic.

Sports Medicine Clinic
4

David Breaks a Record

During the testing, David, motivated by his competitive spirit, declares his intention to outpace Marcus's previous record. In a surprising feat, he successfully breaks the record, earning enthusiastic applause and boosting his confidence.

Sports Medicine Clinic
5

Misunderstanding Brews

Riding high on his success, David misinterprets a casual comment from Marcus as a sign of serious health issues. This paranoia takes root, distorting David's perception of reality and magnifying his fears.

6

Bonding Over Cycling

Desiring to reconnect, Marcus shares an exhilarating video of a past bicycle race with David. They share laughs over the story of Marcus quitting mid-race, deciding to embark on a cross-country trip to the 'Hell of the West' bicycle race together.

7

The Journey to Colorado

As they travel to Colorado, Marcus, David, and David's girlfriend, Sarah, camp under starlit skies. David opens up about his fears concerning cerebral aneurysms, prompting Marcus to reassure him that surgery would be excessive given their family's history.

On the Road to Colorado
8

Unexpected Companionship

During a pit stop at McDonald's, David meets a free-spirited hitchhiker named Becky and invites her to join their journey. This new friendship adds an unexpected dynamic to their trip as they navigate challenges together.

McDonald's
9

Challenges Arise

As the brothers practice their cycling skills together, they face unexpected challenges, including a flat tire incident. The reappearance of Sarah's ex-husband, Muzzin, rekindles old rivalries and adds tension to their cycling adventure.

Rocky Mountains
10

Rock Incident

When Muzzin crosses a line with Sarah, she reacts by grabbing a large rock for protection. This act impresses Becky, who decides to keep the rock as a symbol of their resilience amidst the cycling competition's pressures.

11

Cycling Competition Begins

The picturesque Rocky Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for the intense three-stage cycling competition. The brothers compete against elite riders, including their old rival Muzzin.

Rocky Mountains
12

Flat Tire Redemption

During the competition, a flat tire threatens Marcus's performance. However, Sarah and Becky rush to help him, allowing Marcus to regain his focus and ultimately emerge victorious in the first stage of the race.

Cycling Race
13

Dramatic Confrontation

The intensity of the race heightens when Muzzin confronts a female reporter advocating for a boycott of the Olympics. The atmosphere is tense as the competition looms, intensifying personal rivalries.

Cycling Race
14

Marcus's Crisis

During the race, Marcus suffers alarming symptoms, with blood seeping from his nose and ears. In a moment of desperation, he calls for help, prompting Sarah to rush to his side, saving him from a dire situation.

Cycling Race
15

Final Showdown

David showcases his determination and skill, leading the pack as the race progresses. Amidst rivalries and challenges, he ultimately crosses the finish line first, sharing a heartfelt moment with Marcus that solidifies their deep bond.

Finish Line

Last Updated: November 17, 2024 at 21:36

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American Flyers Summary

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American Flyers Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in American Flyers

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Characters, Settings & Themes in American Flyers

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