Fugitive in the Sky

Fugitive in the Sky

Year: 1936

Runtime: 58 mins

Language: English

Director: Nick Grindé

ActionDramaMystery

Reporter Terry Brewer heads to Los Angeles airport to bid farewell to his lover, airline hostess Rita Moore, when he spots federal agent Mike Phelan among the travelers. Mistaking Phelan for pursuing a dangerous criminal, Brewer tags along, hoping the encounter will provide a gripping story as a modern killer looms overhead.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Fugitive in the Sky yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Fugitive in the Sky (1936)

Trace every key event in Fugitive in the Sky (1936) 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

Flight departs Los Angeles with full passenger load

Air hostess Rita Moore chats with her suitor, Terry Brewer, as passengers check in for a flight to New York. Brewer suspects federal agent Mike Phelan is traveling incognito and plans to keep an eye on him. He phones his editor to get permission to board the Ford Trimotor, despite pilot Bob White's annoyance.

Los Angeles
2

Albuquerque stop and dagger purchase

During a layover in Albuquerque, Katie Tristo buys an Indian-made dagger from a souvenir stand. The dagger seems like an odd detail among the ordinary travel essentials. The stage is set for a later, deadly use.

Albuquerque
3

Duval is murdered mid-flight

Between Albuquerque and Kansas City, the dagger is used to murder Ramon Duval. Most passengers are dozing when the crime is discovered, and the killer's identity remains unclear. The mood aboard the plane shifts from ordinary travel to a deadly mystery.

En route (between Albuquerque and Kansas City)
4

A female passenger hijacks the aircraft

After the murder is detected, Phelan reveals his true identity and attempts to take charge. A female passenger draws a gun, disarms and handcuffs Phelan, and hijacks the aircraft, turning the flight into a crisis situation.

On board the plane
5

Killer Madsen is revealed

Following the hijack, the hijacker's ally is exposed: the man in disguise is revealed as Killer Madsen. The situation tightens as passengers realize a true killer is among them.

On board
6

Flight diverted to Evansville, Indiana

The hijacker orders the pilots to head toward Evansville, Indiana, after the radio transmitter is disabled. Brewer uses the opportunity to interview Madsen as the tense flight continues toward its new destination.

In flight toward Evansville, Indiana
7

Rita attempts to drug the hijacker

Rita tries to drug Madsen by poisoning his coffee, but the attempt backfires, and she ends up knocking out copilot Johnny Martin instead. The passengers remain under the threat of the hijacker's control.

On the plane
8

Dust storm forces an emergency landing

A dust storm arises and the aircraft must land. Madsen leaves the plane and commandeers an elderly couple's nearby farmhouse as a hostage haven, bringing the group of passengers into a rural standoff.

Missouri (near the farmhouse)
9

Hostages relocated to a farmhouse

The others locate the same house and are taken hostage again, deepening the sense of danger and isolation with no immediate means of escape or communication.

Missouri farmhouse
10

Brewer restores contact and files a report

Brewer helps repair the aircraft's radio and calls the police, also filing his news story about the abduction. The group remains cautious, and the suspense continues as law enforcement gets closer.

Missouri farmhouse
11

Stereoscope reveals Katie Dorne's identity

While waiting, the group studies anaglyph 3-D photos with a stereoscope. Rita realizes Katie Dorne looks younger through the red lens, and Phelan recognizes her as the second fugitive.

Missouri farmhouse
12

Arrests and truth about the bonds

Rita arms herself to confront Madsen; he uses Brewer as a shield and shoots White, but Brewer overpowers him. Phelan arrives, cuffs Madsen, and also arrests Dorne for murdering Duval; the two had stolen bonds, with Dorne killing Duval to take them.

Missouri farmhouse
13

Brewer and Rita reconnect as the flight resumes

White assists with a smile as Brewer proposes to Rita; the couple boards the aircraft again and shares a kiss, signaling a hopeful conclusion to the harrowing ordeal as the flight continues.

On the aircraft

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 09:25

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Fugitive in the Sky Summary

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Fugitive in the Sky Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Fugitive in the Sky

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