In 1934, a time when it seemed as if most of the great feats in aviation had been accomplished and much of the world was gearing up for World War II, a challenge went out to pilots around the world -- an air race would be held to see who could make the best time flying from London, England to Melbourne, Australia, with a prize of 50,000 pounds going to the winner. Soon many of the world's best air aces (and a number of determined unknowns) entered the fray, hoping to win the trophy in this grueling 12,000 mile oversea voyage. The Great Air Race is a made-for-TV movie that presents a fictionalized version of this thrilling moment in the history of air travel; the cast includes Barry Bostwick, Helen Slater, and Caroline Goodall. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi