Always
Movie, 1989, The '80s, Set in Firefighting pilots
Always is #12 of 35 in release order and #12 of 35 in chronological order in the Steven Spielberg.
The story
The spirit of a recently deceased expert pilot mentors a newer pilot while watching him fall in love with the girlfriend that he left behind.
Always recap
Always (1989) follows a daredevil firefighting pilot who dies on a mission and returns as a spirit to guide a rookie who falls for his girlfriend. Steven Spielberg remakes the 1943 wartime film A Guy Named Joe, moving it to aerial firefighters in the American West. Pete Sandich (Richard Dreyfuss) takes risks that frighten his girlfriend Dorinda Durston (Holly Hunter), a pilot and dispatcher, and worry his best friend Al Yackey (John Goodman). He agrees to take a safer training job, then flies one last run, saves Al's burning plane and explodes in the fire. In a burned forest he meets Hap (Audrey Hepburn, in her last film role), who tells him he is dead and must now inspire another pilot as others once inspired him. Months later at a training base in Colorado, Pete whispers advice to the rookie Ted Baker (Brad Johnson), and is jealous when Ted and Dorinda grow close. Always follows Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and precedes Hook.
Always ending explained
Always ends with Pete letting Dorinda go. To keep Ted out of danger, she takes his plane on a rescue of trapped firefighters, and Pete rides along unseen, guiding her through the drop and finally telling her what he never said in life. She ditches in a lake and, reluctant to escape the sinking plane, sees Pete reach out and lead her to the surface. He releases her, and she walks back to the base and into Ted's arms while Pete smiles and walks away.
Post-credits scenes
No. Always has no mid- or post-credits scene.
Where to watch Always
Always is streaming on YouTube (free) in the US. You can rent or buy it on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.
Ratings
IMDb 6.4/10, Rotten Tomatoes 72%
Where it fits
- Release order: after Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, before Hook.
- Chronological order: after Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, before Hook.
Cast
- Richard Dreyfuss as Pete Sandich
- Holly Hunter as Dorinda Durston
- John Goodman as Al Yackey
- Brad Johnson as Ted Baker
- Audrey Hepburn as Hap
- Roberts Blossom as Dave
- Keith David as Powerhouse
- Ed Van Nuys as Nails
- Marg Helgenberger as Rachel
- Dale Dye as Fire Boss
- Brian Haley as Alex
- James Lashly as Charlie
Directed by Steven Spielberg.