Fate Is the Hunter

Fate Is the Hunter

Year: 1964

Runtime: 106 mins

Language: English

Director: Ralph Nelson

DramaWar and historical adventureAir pilot heroism and survivalShow All…

A daring individual deliberately courts death in order to validate his controversial theory. Meanwhile, an airline executive stubbornly refuses to accept that a crash was caused by his friend's pilot error, obsessively searching for an alternative explanation and clinging to denial.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Fate Is the Hunter (1964)

Trace every key event in Fate Is the Hunter (1964) 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

Crash sequence and belly landing

The jet suffers a complete engine failure on take-off. The aircraft executes a desperate belly landing on an open stretch of beach and then careens into a pier, exploding and killing all but one aboard. The survivor is stewardess Martha Webster, who survives the crash but is severely injured and traumatized.

During take-off Beach and pier
2

Initial investigation launches

Investigators determine that one engine failed after ingesting a seagull while the other engine appears mechanically sound. The early evidence points to pilot error, since Savage was seen in a bar only hours before the flight. This shifts the investigation toward human error rather than mechanical fault.

Immediately after crash Investigation site
3

McBane commits to the truth

Captain Sam C. McBane, Savage's wartime buddy, becomes convinced his friend is innocent and takes the lead in uncovering the truth. He interviews witnesses, studies the flight timeline, and pushes to question the initial conclusions. He sets out to prove that external factors, not pilot error, caused the disaster.

Early investigation Investigation offices and crash site
4

Flashbacks reveal Savage's world

Flashbacks reveal Jack Savage's past, including how he met Sam and the people from his life: his ex-fiancée and his girlfriend Sally Fraser. The vignettes provide context for alibis, relationships, and potential motives that complicate the investigation.

During investigation Flashback sequences
5

Sally introduces fate

Sally Fraser introduces the idea of fate influencing events and perhaps the crash itself. McBane rejects the notion, insisting on causality and solid evidence.

During investigation Conversation with Sally
6

Pier demolition delay revealed

The pier's demolition was delayed, a decision that ultimately prevented a clean belly-landing. The timing implies external factors rather than pilot error as the root cause.

Investigation Pier area
7

Savage's drinking alibi dismantled

McBane learns that Savage did not drink at the bar; he had accompanied another war buddy there instead of being alone. This clears Savage of a drinking-related alibi and shifts focus back to the flight's sequence and the environment.

Before flight Bar
8

Press conference confrontation

During a press conference, McBane grapples with fate versus coincidence and discusses how chance may have contributed to the tragedy. He struggles to present a coherent explanation to the public.

Aftermath Press conference
9

Re-enactment flight planned

A controlled re-enactment flight is organized to reproduce the ill-fated journey in exact detail, with McBane at the controls. Webster is urged to board, confronting her post-traumatic stress to re-create cockpit procedures. The exercise aims to test whether the crash could have been caused by factors other than pilot error.

Investigation stage Flight test facility
10

The test flight begins

On the test flight, Webster dutifully performs her cockpit responsibilities and serves coffee to McBane, mirroring the original flight. McBane attempts to replicate the flight sequence, including engine management and timing, to test the theory. Every detail is recorded for comparison.

Test flight Cockpit
11

Coffee spill triggers a fault

McBane temporarily shuts down the first engine to simulate incapacitation, and the coffee cup spills onto the console, seeping into wiring. The spill causes a radio failure and a false fire warning, threatening the safety of the simulation.

During test flight after engine shut-down Cockpit console
12

The true cause emerges

Analysis reveals that both the original and test flights had a functioning second engine; the apparent problems were caused by a coffee-induced short circuit, not an actual engine fire. The false warnings were triggered by the spilled coffee on the console.

Post-test analysis Aircraft cockpit and test facilities
13

Savage exonerated, case closed

McBane restarts the second engine despite the false fire warning, and the plane returns safely to the airfield. Savage is exonerated, and the crash is explained as a cascade of ordinary faults rather than pilot error.

End of test flight Airfield

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 10:47

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Fate Is the Hunter

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