Sky Riders

Sky Riders

Year: 1976

Runtime: 91 mins

Language: English

Director: Douglas Hickox

AdventureAction

A daring aerial rescue unfolds when terrorists kidnap an industrialist’s wife and children in Greece. Determined to save them, the woman's ex‑husband devises a bold plan using hang gliders, soaring over the landscape to outmaneuver the kidnappers and bring the family home.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Sky Riders (1976)

Trace every key event in Sky Riders (1976) 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

Kidnapping of Bracken's Family

In Greece, the wife and children of American businessman Jonas Bracken are kidnapped by the radical group World Activist Revolutionary Army. They demand a ransom of $5 million for their safe return, prompting Bracken to start gathering the money. The kidnapping sets off the central conflict of the story.

Greece
2

Ransom Raising

Bracken raises the ransom money by selling parts of his business empire to meet the initial demand. However, the kidnappers escalate their demands, insisting that Bracken use the money to purchase arms and ammunition. The situation becomes increasingly dire as negotiations intensify.

3

Police Involvement

Inspector Nikolidis of the Greek police is assigned to handle the case and begins tracking the kidnappers' activities. Police trace a radio signal used by the kidnappers and close in on a location, only to discover a decoy signal after a booby-trap detonates, killing several officers including Nikolidis's nephew.

4

Introduction of Jim McCabe

Jim McCabe, an ex-husband of Ellen Bracken and the father of her child, reads about the kidnapping from the newspapers. He meets with Bracken in an attempt to learn more about the situation and considers helping in the rescue effort, establishing himself as a key figure in the unfolding events.

5

Locating the Hostages

The kidnappers send a photograph of Ellen and the children as proof they are still alive. McCabe uses a contact to analyze the background in the photo and traces their location to a remote cliff-top monastery, revealing where the hostages are being held.

6

Recruitment of Hang Glider Team

McCabe finds a hang gliding circus and hires them to assist in the rescue. Recognizing the potential for a daring infiltration, the team prepares to use their hang gliders to reach the remote monastery and rescue the hostages.

7

Police Decide to Move in

While McCabe and his team plan their rescue, police discover that McCabe has gone ahead with his attempt, leading them to implement their own rescue plan. Tensions rise as both groups aim to free the hostages, unaware of each other's efforts.

8

Infiltration and Rescue

McCabe's team uses hang gliders to infiltrate the monastery and successfully free the hostages amidst a tense gun battle. Their daring approach allows them to reach the hostages undetected initially, but they are discovered during their escape.

9

Chase and Conflict

Following the rescue, McCabe's team and the hostages are pursued by the kidnappers. A chase ensues on the cliffs and in the air. McCabe forces the head kidnapper’s helicopter to crash land, showcasing the intense action of the climax.

10

Kidnapper's Suicide and Resolution

Faced with imminent capture, the head kidnapper commits suicide by shooting himself. Bracken is reunited with his family in a restored sense of safety, concluding the film with the rescue and resolution of the conflict.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:15

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Sky Riders Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Sky Riders

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Sky Riders

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More About Sky Riders

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