THE SUN SHIP GAME
Film by Robert Drew
Duration - 80 minutes

A Review by Doug Jacobs

If you’re like me, The Sun Ship Game will serve as the standard against which to measure all attempts to convey soaring in motion pictures.  Centered on a remarkably determined George Moffat’s pursuit of a National Championship on the way to multiple World Championships, it captures like none since the majesty of the slender wing and graceful vulnerability of glider against the big, big sky and heart stopping terrain of Marfa, Texas.  Yet even more compelling is its captivating story of eyeball to eyeball struggle between pilots to win, to excel against one another, to accept the tribulations, sacrifices and danger of this beautiful but little known sport despite its meager prizes.

Bob Drew, noted documentarian, pulled this triumph together in the early 70’s, capturing on film amazing aerial footage never before seen of gliding competitions and blending it with an up close and personal window into the personalities and aspirations the pilot contenders, their families and friends, strengths and flaws, into an all-too-human montage of the soaring scene.  The result was a classic that has inspired and motivated hundreds of soaring pilots of my generation.

However, inspired as we were, we were equally annoyed that well traveled films in the possession of the SSA were often scratched, patched and in generally poor quality.  An attempt to save the work through converting it to VHS was only partially successful, but nonetheless cassettes were snapped up by collectors eager to have their own copy of this remarkable story.

Now comes deliverance – Bob has taken the original masters and professionally converted them to DVD format.  Back is the amazing clarity and color quality of the original film and terrific sound (especially if you’re a Bee Gee’s fan – break out the paisley!) of the original for you to savor without the distractions of failing media. 

The chance to own and view this work should not be missed by any serious soaring pilot, and studied intensely by those who chose to compete.  A masterful story, one that belongs in the collection of everyone that shares our devotion to this compelling and amazing sport.