High Road to China Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Spoiled rich lady hires a perpetually drunk pilot to find her dad, but ends up finding love, adventure, and a renewed appreciation for leather helmets instead.

🍿 High Road to China: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Heiress and the Pilot

In the 1920s, Eve Tozer, a wealthy heiress, discovers her father’s business partner, Bentik, is attempting to declare him legally dead to seize control of the family fortune. Determined to find her missing father, Eve hires Patrick O’Malley, a down-on-his-luck, alcoholic World War I flying ace, to fly her across Asia. O’Malley, initially reluctant, agrees after Eve proves her own flying skills, setting them on a dangerous journey.

Perilous Skies and Treacherous Lands

Their journey is fraught with danger. Bentik sends assassins after Eve, forcing her and O’Malley to flee. They encounter Suleman Khan, a warlord in Afghanistan, and must escape his clutches with the help of a slave, Alessa. They face a German flying ace hired by Bentik, leading to a thrilling dogfight in the skies over Nepal.

Reunion in Sinkiang

O’Malley and Eve eventually reach the Chinese province of Sinkiang, where they finally locate her father, Bradley. He is helping local villagers fight against a tyrannical warlord, General Wong. O’Malley learns that Bentik’s plot to steal Eve’s inheritance is futile, as Bradley has already secured her financial future. Despite this, Eve chooses to stay and help her father.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• O’Malley (Tom Selleck): A hard-drinking, former WWI flying ace, O’Malley is hired to help Eve find her missing father.
• Eve Tozer (Bess Armstrong): A wealthy and determined socialite, Eve hires O’Malley to find her missing father in Asia before she loses her inheritance.
• Struts (Jack Weston): O’Malley’s loyal and comedic mechanic, Struts accompanies them on their dangerous journey.
• Bradley Tozer (Wilford Brimley): Eve’s missing father, Bradley is found leading villagers against a local warlord.
• Bentik (Robert Morley): Bradley’s scheming business partner, Bentik attempts to have him declared dead to seize his assets.
• Suleman Khan (Brian Blessed): A powerful Afghan tribal leader, Suleman Khan initially aids but then betrays O’Malley and Eve.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• O’Malley: “I should have sold you as a slave when I had the chance.” – O’Malley jokes about the challenges of their journey at the end of the movie.
• Struts: “The ox is slow, but the earth is patient.” – Struts offers this piece of wisdom to O’Malley as a bit of advice.
• O’Malley: “Women are like Guiness. Black, bitter and best kept cold.” – O’Malley says this as an example of his feelings for women, as he doesn’t think very highly of them.
• Eve Tozer: “How dare you!” – Eve is often saying this when O’Malley does something out of line, inappropriate or shocking.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $19,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $28,445,927
• Worldwide Gross: $28,445,927

💥 High Road to China Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie as a kid and being totally captivated by the adventure! The flying scenes were amazing, and I loved the dynamic between Tom Selleck and Bess Armstrong. Sure, it’s a bit cheesy, but it has a certain charm that’s hard to resist. That plane dogfight scene was super memorable. Defintely a comfort movie for me.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic adventure films”
  • “Viewers who appreciate Tom Selleck and Bess Armstrong”
  • “Those looking for a lighthearted, nostalgic movie”
  • “People who enjoy aviation-themed films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild violence”
  • “Brief depiction of cultural insensitivity (by modern standards)”
  • “Alcohol use”

Professional Reviews

• MovieWeb: “While ‘High Road to China’ may not have reached the heights of other adventure films of its time, it offers a unique blend of aerial action and old-fashioned charm that makes it an enjoyable cinematic experience. Tom Selleck’s performance as the roguish pilot is particularly noteworthy.
• JoBlo.com: “‘High Road to China’ doesn’t break any new ground, but it does deliver a solid adventure romp with impressive aerial stunts and a charming romance between Selleck and Armstrong. A worthy popcorn flick for fans of classic adventure movies.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the on-screen chemistry between Tom Selleck and Bess Armstrong.: Many agreed that the aerial stunts were well-executed and exciting.

Many appreciate the old-fashioned adventure style of the film.: Several reviewers noted that the film provides a fun escape from the complexities of modern movies.

Overall Consensus: Despite not being a critical darling, “High Road to China” is generally considered a fun and enjoyable adventure film with strong performances and exciting aerial sequences, making it a nostalgic favorite for many.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was originally conceived in the late 1970s, predating the release of ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’.”
• “John Barry’s score was considered so good that he later adapted it for ‘Out of Africa’.”
• “Filming locations included Yugoslavia, which stood in for various Asian countries.”

🖥️ How to Watch High Road to China?

Currently, ‘High Road to China’ is available for purchase or rental on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your preferred digital retailer for the most up-to-date availability. Physical copies on DVD or Blu-ray may also be available through online marketplaces.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed High Road to China, you might like these similar films:

• Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981): A direct comparison due to its adventure theme, exotic locations, and a protagonist with a knack for getting into (and out of) trouble.
• Romancing the Stone (1984): Similar blend of adventure, romance, and humor, featuring a mismatched couple in a perilous journey.
• The English Patient (1996): Epic romantic drama set against the backdrop of World War II and North Africa, featuring themes of love, loss, and adventure.
• Sahara (2005): Modern adventure film with a treasure hunt plot, set in exotic locations and involving action and romance.
• Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004): A retro-futuristic adventure with pulp action, set in a similar time period with daring pilots and global threats, appealing to fans of the film’s vintage aesthetic.

🛒 High Road to China Related Products

• Magnum, P.I.: The Complete Series: Relive the iconic role that almost kept Tom Selleck from this movie, showcasing his signature charisma and action skills as the private investigator Thomas Magnum.
• Vintage Aviator Goggles: Emulate Eve Tozer’s stylish look with these classic aviator goggles, perfect for cosplay or adding a touch of vintage flair to any outfit.
• Biplane Model Kit: Build your own replica of the iconic biplanes featured in the film, complete with detailed instructions and vintage aesthetics.
• World War I Flying Ace Game: Experience the thrill of aerial combat as a World War I flying ace, piloting vintage aircraft and engaging in daring dogfights over Europe.

🎧 Soundtrack

High Road to China features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Theme from High Road to China” – performed by John Barry
• “Charleston” – performed by Cecil Mack and James P. Johnson

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

John Barry – High Road to China – Love Theme

Ever wondered what the most romantic part of ‘High Road to China’ sounds like? This is it! I think it perfectly captures the adventurous spirit and budding romance of the film. Give it a listen, you won’t regret it.

High Road To China – John Barry – High Road End Title

Want a nostalgic trip back to the end credits of ‘High Road to China’? This is the end title music by John Barry, and it’s seriously epic. Personally, I think it’s the perfect send-off to a great adventure flick.

John Barry – High Road to China (Score) 1.Main Title

Curious about the music that sets the stage for ‘High Road to China’? Check out the main title score by the legendary John Barry! It’s a fantastic piece that, in my opinion, perfectly captures the film’s adventurous spirit.

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