Toward the Unknown

Toward the Unknown also titled Brink of Hell in its UK release is a 1956 movie about the dawn of supersonic flight filmed on location at Edwards Air Force Base. Starring William Holden, Lloyd Nolan and Virginia Leith, the film features the screen debut of James Garner.

The two begin to trust each other, especially when Banner is endangered in a test flight, and Bond calmly and expertly comes to the rescue. Then Major Joe Craven James Garner, another close friend of Bonds, is killed when a wing of his XF120 tears away, confirming Bonds warning. Bonds rehabilitation is endangered when a drunk Major Bromo Lee Murray Hamilton, Banners top test pilot, tries to pick a fight with him at the officers club. Bond reacts badly to being held by a bystander, invoking memories of his Korean War imprisonment, and punches Bromo twice.With an appreciation that both men were to blame for the altercation, Banner gives Bond the assignment he craves the rocketpowered X2, which is designed to fly to the edge of outer space. The general insists, however, on piloting the first test flight at full power, despite strong pressure from his superior, Lieutenant General Bryan Shelby Paul Fix, to let a younger man take on the dangerous job. When Bond is assigned to fly the last halfpower test before the main flight, he goes to full power without authorization and barely survives a highaltitude bailout when the aircraft goes out of control. The base flight surgeon tells Banner that only a young, fit person could have survived, leading the general to accept a promotion and transfer. He recommends Colonel McKee as his successor. Although Banner offers to take Connie with him to his new assignment, she decides to stay with Bond. ........

Source: Wikipedia