MovieChat Forums > The Spirit of St. Louis (1957) Discussion > Lindbergh + religion

Lindbergh + religion

posted 16 years ago by dangerlaef
8 replies | jump to latest

Jimmy Stewert as Lindbergh mentions putting faith in machinery rather than god on a couple of occasions during this film, only to ask god for help just before he lands.

One of the front page IMDB reviews suggests that this was as a result of "Pagan Hollywood just has to get their agenda in.."

However his change of faith at the end actually gives the opposite message.

James Stewart was a devout Presbyterian, so I suspect unlikely to participate in a secret "Pagan Agenda."

Does anyone know if the dialogue is based on Lindbergh's quotes or if it is a Hollywood invention?

"The early bird catches the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese."

[–] 16 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Mr_McLaurel 15 years ago

Perhaps the reviewer was referring to the little-seen director's cut of the film, in which Lindbergh invokes Wicca and uses a White Magick hex in order to land the plane, as opposed to a prayer to "God."

What's the Spanish for drunken bum?

[–] dlbach1 15 years ago

Suggestion: since the movie is based on Lindbergh's book, try reading the book.

Also, it was stated within these pages that Stewart was as right wing regarding religion as Lindbergh.

Finally, the old war saying is that "there are no atheists in foxholes". Just saying.

[–] Captain_Augustus_McCrae 13 years ago

Since Lindbergh's wife, Ann Morrow Lindbergh, was a devout Christian and an author of religious books, I doubt if Lindbergh was antagonistic towards religious faith.

"It ain't dying I'm talking about, it's living!!!"
Augustus McCrae

[–] lewis-51 10 years ago

Why do you think Anne Morrow Lindbergh was a devout Christian? I have read all of her books and never got that impression at all.

[–] pullman1881 9 years ago

One of the front page IMDB reviews suggests that this was as a result of "Pagan Hollywood just has to get their agenda in.."

This is just nuts. Pay attention to Hollywood movies (were there any other kind) of the 40s and 50s, after the adoption of the Hayes Code. Not only were there many "religious" movies (Bells of St.Mary's, Boy's Town, Joan of Arc, Song of Bernadette, The 10 Commandments, Ben Hur), characters often turned to prayer in difficult times like priest Spencer Tracy and Clark Gable praying after the earthquake in San Francisco. Characters were often going to church on Sunday or seen in church and saying grace before meals. There continues to be films based on the life of Christ, the crucifixion of Jesus, and stories from the bible. It seems unlikely that a "Pagan Hollywood" would be so interested in portraying belief in God. Filmmakers are interested in what makes money.

[–] hobnob53 9 years ago

Neither Lindbergh nor his wife were religious. Lindbergh was first and foremost a technocrat. He did indeed put his faith in machinery and engineering. I don't believe he was an atheist but more properly simply a-religious. There is nothing in his book that comports with the climax of this film -- that "Oh, God help me!" at the last moment before landing in Paris. The light religious aspects in this film don't seem to have any basis in reality but are Hollywood-inspired dramatics, overused clichés typical of the film's era.

[–] Eric-62-2 9 years ago

The perception about Anne Lindbergh I think stems from the fact that she wrote a lot of books that are often classified as "inspirational" yet they are not books that deal with matters of faith in the traditional sense. I have heard in my time many sermons quote from her books in the context of providing some insights they can apply to spiritual issues but I agree, I don't think that is to be equated with being devout in the traditional religious sense. Lindbergh's faith in science is better documented and I do agree that the moments in the film are more a concession to the era's sensibilities.