X-15

The Rocket Ship That Challenged Outer Space!

First film by Richard Donner (The Goonies, Lethal Weapon, Superman)

The North American X-15 experimental program at Edwards Air Force Base involves test pilots including civilian Matt Powell (David McLean), Lieutenant Colonel Lee Brandon (Charles Bronson) and Major Ernest Wilde (Ralph Taeger). The high-speed, state-of-the-art program is piloted by project manager Tom Deparma (James Gregory) and US Air Force Colonel Craig Brewster (Kenneth Tobey). As the test pilots prepare for the planned launch of the rocket-powered aircraft from a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, they experience emotional and physical problems, which they share with their wives and lovers.
The tests continue, accidents follow one another until the final test.