Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* {{Symploce}}: The first two lines of the {{Tagline}}:
--> They couldn't hear him. They couldn't see him. But he was there when they needed him... Even after he was gone.
--> They couldn't hear him. They couldn't see him. But he was there when they needed him... Even after he was gone.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 18 (click to see context) from:
* BigFun: Al is the life of any party, as to be expected for a character played by Creator/JohnGoodman (though he's equally capable of being tough and serious when it comes to pilot training and safety).
to:
* BigFun: Al is a very large man and is typically the life of any party, as to be expected for a character played by Creator/JohnGoodman (though he's equally capable of being tough and serious when it comes to pilot training and safety).
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* BigEater: Al. Among his favorite snacks are chicken drumsticks dipped in a glass of beer and sucking the frosting out of twinkies with a straw.
* BigFun: Al is the life of any party, as to be expected for a character played by Creator/JohnGoodman (though he's equally capable of being tough and serious when it comes to pilot training and safety).
* BigFun: Al is the life of any party, as to be expected for a character played by Creator/JohnGoodman (though he's equally capable of being tough and serious when it comes to pilot training and safety).
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 17 (click to see context) from:
* CoolPlane: Air tankers hold a special and unique degree of coolness, being converted bombers or military transports, mostly of WWII vintage[[note]] Sadly, almost all of the classic airframes have been retired (or crashed) since the film came out. Purpose-built air tankers like the CL-415 are now becoming more common than converted bombers, and jets are slowly superseding pistons and turboprops[[/note]]. The film includes:
to:
* CoolPlane: Air tankers hold a special and unique degree of coolness, being converted bombers or military transports, mostly of WWII vintage[[note]] Sadly, almost all of the classic airframes have been retired (or crashed) since the film came out. Purpose-built air tankers like out, with last of them leaving service in 2002. Their places were taken by custom-built aircraft such as the CL-415 are now becoming more common than converted bombers, and jets are slowly superseding pistons and turboprops[[/note]].Canadair CL-215 or modified airliners.[[/note]]. The film includes:
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 44 (click to see context) from:
* WhisperedThreat: unintentionally threatening example occurs in the film as Pete's ghost sees Dorinda start to move on with her life with a new man. Jealous, he then whispers in her ear, "Don't forget; you'll always be ''my'' girl." Although she can't see him, the remark causes her once-jovial mood to turn sad again.
to:
* WhisperedThreat: An unintentionally threatening example occurs in the film as Pete's ghost sees Dorinda start to move on with her life with a new man. Jealous, he then whispers in her ear, "Don't forget; you'll always be ''my'' girl." Although she can't see him, the remark causes her once-jovial mood to turn sad again.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 9,10 (click to see context) from:
The film is a remake of a 1943 film called ''Film/AGuyNamedJoe'', which had the ghost of an expert pilot inspiring a young trainee during WWII.
to:
The film is a remake {{remake}} of a the 1943 film called ''Film/AGuyNamedJoe'', which had the ghost of an expert pilot inspiring a young trainee during WWII.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 3,6 (click to see context) from:
A 1989 romantic fantasy film directed by Creator/StevenSpielberg, starring Creator/RichardDreyfuss, Creator/HollyHunter, Creator/JohnGoodman, Brad Johnson, and (in her final film appearance) Creator/AudreyHepburn.
Somewhere in the mountain wilds, a crew of aerial firefighters battle forest fires from their UsefulNotes/WorldWarII-era planes, dropping water and flame retardant on the blazes below. The best out of all of them is Pete Sandich...until one day he gets a little too close and his fuel tank catches fire, causing his plane to explode in midair. Afterwards he finds himself in a burned out forest where a woman named Hap is waiting for him in a patch of new growth. Hap explains that he was killed in the explosion, and sends his spirit back to guide the next young pilot, Ted Baker, who also is putting the moves on Pete's girlfriend, Dorinda. And Pete finds that he is still in love with her.
Somewhere in the mountain wilds, a crew of aerial firefighters battle forest fires from their UsefulNotes/WorldWarII-era planes, dropping water and flame retardant on the blazes below. The best out of all of them is Pete Sandich...until one day he gets a little too close and his fuel tank catches fire, causing his plane to explode in midair. Afterwards he finds himself in a burned out forest where a woman named Hap is waiting for him in a patch of new growth. Hap explains that he was killed in the explosion, and sends his spirit back to guide the next young pilot, Ted Baker, who also is putting the moves on Pete's girlfriend, Dorinda. And Pete finds that he is still in love with her.
to:
Somewhere in the mountain
Afterwards, Pete finds himself in a
Changed line(s) 9,10 (click to see context) from:
Fun fact: this film (along with ''Film/TangoAndCash'') is the last film to be released in the 1980s, with both films coming out on the same day, December 22, 1989.
to:
Fun fact: Along with ''Film/TangoAndCash'', this film (along with ''Film/TangoAndCash'') is was the last film to be released in the 1980s, with both films coming out on the same day, December 22, 1989.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 3,4 (click to see context) from:
A 1989 Creator/StevenSpielberg film starring Creator/RichardDreyfuss, Creator/HollyHunter, Creator/JohnGoodman, Brad Johnson, and (in her final film appearance) Creator/AudreyHepburn.
to:
A 1989 Creator/StevenSpielberg romantic fantasy film directed by Creator/StevenSpielberg, starring Creator/RichardDreyfuss, Creator/HollyHunter, Creator/JohnGoodman, Brad Johnson, and (in her final film appearance) Creator/AudreyHepburn.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 1,2 (click to see context) from:
[[quoteright:300:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/always_poster.jpg]]
to:
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 42 (click to see context) from:
* WhisperedThreat: unintentionally threatening example occurs in the film as Pete's ghost sees Dorinda start to move on with her life with a new man. Jealous, he then whispers in her ear, "Don't forget; you'll always be ''my'' girl." Although she can't see him, the remark causes her once-jovial mood to turn sad again.
to:
* WhisperedThreat: unintentionally threatening example occurs in the film as Pete's ghost sees Dorinda start to move on with her life with a new man. Jealous, he then whispers in her ear, "Don't forget; you'll always be ''my'' girl." Although she can't see him, the remark causes her once-jovial mood to turn sad again.again.
----
----
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
Fun fact: this film (along with ''Film/TangoAndCash'') is the last film to be released in the 1980s, with both films coming out on the same day, December 22, 1989.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 39 (click to see context) from:
* TemptingFate: In the beginning as Pete has lost one engine due to low fuel, he radios that his other engine is good just before it clunks out as well.
to:
* TemptingFate: In the beginning as Pete has lost one engine due to low fuel, he radios that his other engine is good just before it clunks out as well.well.
* WhisperedThreat: unintentionally threatening example occurs in the film as Pete's ghost sees Dorinda start to move on with her life with a new man. Jealous, he then whispers in her ear, "Don't forget; you'll always be ''my'' girl." Although she can't see him, the remark causes her once-jovial mood to turn sad again.
* WhisperedThreat: unintentionally threatening example occurs in the film as Pete's ghost sees Dorinda start to move on with her life with a new man. Jealous, he then whispers in her ear, "Don't forget; you'll always be ''my'' girl." Although she can't see him, the remark causes her once-jovial mood to turn sad again.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* CoveredInGunge: When training Ted, Pete guides him to dump the fire slurry on Al. When he drives back to base, both him ''and'' the car are drenched in it.
Added DiffLines:
* TheMourningAfter: Dorinda struggles for a long time to get past Pete's death. His own feelings for her also (unintentionally) delays her ability to move on.
Added DiffLines:
* SecondLove: Ted serves as this to Dorinda.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Woman In White is no longer a trope. Fridge does not go in Main
Changed line(s) 36,39 (click to see context) from:
* TemptingFate: In the beginning as Pete has lost one engine due to low fuel, he radios that his other engine is good just before it clunks out as well.
* WomanInWhite: Hap appears in a completely white suit. Dorinda's dancing dress also counts.
* FridgeLogic: The smokejumpers saved at the end of the film are trying to reach the safety of a river. However, they are clearly shown moving uphill. (That said, in an actual fast-moving fire, the top of a ridge is by far a safer place to be than is the middle of a slope.)
* WomanInWhite: Hap appears in a completely white suit. Dorinda's dancing dress also counts.
* FridgeLogic: The smokejumpers saved at the end of the film are trying to reach the safety of a river. However, they are clearly shown moving uphill. (That said, in an actual fast-moving fire, the top of a ridge is by far a safer place to be than is the middle of a slope.)
to:
* TemptingFate: In the beginning as Pete has lost one engine due to low fuel, he radios that his other engine is good just before it clunks out as well. \n* WomanInWhite: Hap appears in a completely white suit. Dorinda's dancing dress also counts.\n\n* FridgeLogic: The smokejumpers saved at the end of the film are trying to reach the safety of a river. However, they are clearly shown moving uphill. (That said, in an actual fast-moving fire, the top of a ridge is by far a safer place to be than is the middle of a slope.)
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* FakeStatic: At the beginning of the movie, Pete is flying a fire-fighting tanker plane but is almost out of fuel. He wants to keep flying to help some fire fighters in trouble, but is ordered to return to the airbase to land. He starts making static noises into his radio to pretend that he doesn't hear the orders.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 38 (click to see context) from:
* Fridge Logic: The smokejumpers saved at the end of the film are trying to reach the safety of a river. However, they are clearly shown moving uphill. (That said, in an actual fast-moving fire, the top of a ridge is by far a safer place to be than is the middle of a slope.)
to:
* Fridge Logic: FridgeLogic: The smokejumpers saved at the end of the film are trying to reach the safety of a river. However, they are clearly shown moving uphill. (That said, in an actual fast-moving fire, the top of a ridge is by far a safer place to be than is the middle of a slope.)
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 36 (click to see context) from:
* WomanInWhite: Hap appears in a completely white suit. Dorinda's dancing dress also counts.
to:
* WomanInWhite: Hap appears in a completely white suit. Dorinda's dancing dress also counts.counts.
* Fridge Logic: The smokejumpers saved at the end of the film are trying to reach the safety of a river. However, they are clearly shown moving uphill. (That said, in an actual fast-moving fire, the top of a ridge is by far a safer place to be than is the middle of a slope.)
* Fridge Logic: The smokejumpers saved at the end of the film are trying to reach the safety of a river. However, they are clearly shown moving uphill. (That said, in an actual fast-moving fire, the top of a ridge is by far a safer place to be than is the middle of a slope.)
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 36 (click to see context) from:
* WomanInWhite: Hap appears in a completely white suit.
to:
* WomanInWhite: Hap appears in a completely white suit. Dorinda's dancing dress also counts.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 11,12 (click to see context) from:
* AcePilot: Naturally quite a few among the aerial firefighters, but Pete stands head and shoulders above the rest, with Ted eventually rising to a similar stature.
* BellyScrapingFlight: Frequently considering how close they need to get to accurately drop retardant on the forest fires.
* BellyScrapingFlight: Frequently considering how close they need to get to accurately drop retardant on the forest fires.
to:
* AcePilot: Naturally quite a few among the aerial firefighters, tanker pilots, but Pete stands head and shoulders above the rest, with Ted eventually rising to a similar stature.
* BellyScrapingFlight: Frequently considering how close they need to get to accurately drop retardant on the forestfires.fires, though this is mostly RuleOfCool, as retardant dropped at too high speed and/or too low altitude is extremely dangerous to fire crews on the ground
* CoolPlane: Air tankers hold a special and unique degree of coolness, being converted bombers or military transports, mostly of WWII vintage[[note]] Sadly, almost all of the classic airframes have been retired (or crashed) since the film came out. Purpose-built air tankers like the CL-415 are now becoming more common than converted bombers, and jets are slowly superseding pistons and turboprops[[/note]]. The film includes:
** Several A-26 Invaders, including Pete's.
** Al's PBY Catalina.
** A C-119 Flying Boxcar at Al's flight school.
* BellyScrapingFlight: Frequently considering how close they need to get to accurately drop retardant on the forest
* CoolPlane: Air tankers hold a special and unique degree of coolness, being converted bombers or military transports, mostly of WWII vintage[[note]] Sadly, almost all of the classic airframes have been retired (or crashed) since the film came out. Purpose-built air tankers like the CL-415 are now becoming more common than converted bombers, and jets are slowly superseding pistons and turboprops[[/note]]. The film includes:
** Several A-26 Invaders, including Pete's.
** Al's PBY Catalina.
** A C-119 Flying Boxcar at Al's flight school.
* HeroicSacrifice: Pete insists on saving Al when the latter has an in-flight emergency. Al insists that Pete's plan is too risky. [[UndyingLoyalty Pete won't be deterred]], and saves Al at the cost of his own life.
** Al's warning is very much TruthInTelevision, as large wildfires are considered one of the most dangerous flying environments imaginable. In addition to poor visibility and rough terrain, a big enough fire can generate hurricane-force winds aloft, and superheated air around/above an active fire has extremely low density (the laws of thermodynamics are a cruel and heartless bitch), meaning that when a plane enters superheated air (known among tanker pilots as "dead air"), ''the wings stop generating lift, and the control surfaces won't turn the plane, either.'' A tanker pilot can only hope he has enough airspeed to come out the other side and regain control before he runs straight into a mountain.
* IWantMyBelovedToBeHappy: Pete eventually comes to terms with the fact that, being ''dead'', he can't be with Dorinda, and that the worst thing he can do for her is to prevent her from moving on.
* IWantMyBelovedToBeHappy: Pete eventually comes to terms with the fact that, being ''dead'', he can't be with Dorinda, and that the worst thing he can do for her is to prevent her from moving on.
Changed line(s) 22,23 (click to see context) from:
** Al again when Ted's plane is bearing right down to drop the fire retardant right on him!
* OurGhostsAreDifferent: Pete appears just as he did in life, except no one can see or hear him. His purpose is to help Ted become the fire aviator he is meant to be, and put his unresolved emotional issues with Dorinda to rest.
* OurGhostsAreDifferent: Pete appears just as he did in life, except no one can see or hear him. His purpose is to help Ted become the fire aviator he is meant to be, and put his unresolved emotional issues with Dorinda to rest.
to:
** Al again when Ted's plane is bearing right down to drop the fire retardant right on him!
him! This one is PlayedForLaughs, but Al [[DudeNotFunny doesn’t see it that way]].
* OurGhostsAreDifferent: Pete appears just as he did in life, except no one can see or hear him. He can communicate, in that people will hear what he says in the back of their minds, but mostly in a vague sense, and they don't know that he's not their own conscience, so his interactions with people are frustratingly one-sided. His purpose is to help Ted become the fire aviator he is meant to be, and put his unresolved emotional issues with Dorinda to rest.
* OurGhostsAreDifferent: Pete appears just as he did in life, except no one can see or hear him. He can communicate, in that people will hear what he says in the back of their minds, but mostly in a vague sense, and they don't know that he's not their own conscience, so his interactions with people are frustratingly one-sided. His purpose is to help Ted become the fire aviator he is meant to be, and put his unresolved emotional issues with Dorinda to rest.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 7,9 (click to see context) from:
The film is a remake of a 1943 film called ''A Guy Named Joe'', which had the ghost of an expert pilot inspiring a young trainee during WWII.
!This film contains examples of:
!This film contains examples of:
to:
The film is a remake of a 1943 film called ''A Guy Named Joe'', ''Film/AGuyNamedJoe'', which had the ghost of an expert pilot inspiring a young trainee during WWII.
!This ----
!!This film contains examples of:
!!This film contains examples of:
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 3,4 (click to see context) from:
A 1989 Creator/StevenSpielberg film starring Creator/RichardDreyfuss, Holly Hunter, Creator/JohnGoodman, Brad Johnson, and (in her final film appearance) Creator/AudreyHepburn.
to:
A 1989 Creator/StevenSpielberg film starring Creator/RichardDreyfuss, Holly Hunter, Creator/HollyHunter, Creator/JohnGoodman, Brad Johnson, and (in her final film appearance) Creator/AudreyHepburn.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
* BellyScrapingFlight: Frequently considering how close they need to get to accurately drop retardant on the forest fires.
Changed line(s) 14 (click to see context) from:
* ImprobablePilotingSkills: Diving headlong into a blazing forest, with the tips of trees brushing your belly, and coming out in one piece. And Al describes just what they're up against:
to:
* ImprobablePilotingSkills: Diving headlong into a blazing forest, with the [[BellyScrapingFlight tips of trees brushing your belly, belly]], and coming out in one piece. And Al describes just what they're up against:
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 1,2 (click to see context) from:
A 1989 Creator/StevenSpielberg film starring Creator/RichardDreyfuss, Holly Hunter, Creator/JohnGoodman and Brad Johnson with Creator/AudreyHepburn in her final appearance.
to:
[[quoteright:300:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/always_poster.jpg]]
A 1989 Creator/StevenSpielberg film starring Creator/RichardDreyfuss, Holly Hunter,Creator/JohnGoodman and Creator/JohnGoodman, Brad Johnson with Creator/AudreyHepburn in Johnson, and (in her final appearance.
film appearance) Creator/AudreyHepburn.
A 1989 Creator/StevenSpielberg film starring Creator/RichardDreyfuss, Holly Hunter,
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 11 (click to see context) from:
* ISeeDeadPeople: The crazy guy at the abandoned airstrip where Ted takes shelter seems to be able to hear Pete. Pete tries to use him to send Ted a message to stay away from Dorinda, but the guy only gets about half of it, so instead staying away, Ted thinks he's being told to go after her.
to:
* ISeeDeadPeople: The crazy guy at the abandoned airstrip where Ted takes shelter seems to be able to hear Pete. Pete tries to use him to send Ted a message to stay away from Dorinda, but the guy only gets about half of it, so instead of staying away, Ted thinks he's being told to go after her.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 1,2 (click to see context) from:
A 1989 Creator/StevenSpielberg film starring Creator/RichardDreyfuss, Holly Hunter, Creator/JohnGoodman and Brad Johnson.
to:
A 1989 Creator/StevenSpielberg film starring Creator/RichardDreyfuss, Holly Hunter, Creator/JohnGoodman and Brad Johnson.Johnson with Creator/AudreyHepburn in her final appearance.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Deleted line(s) 14 (click to see context) :
* InstantlyProvenWrong: In the beginning as Pete has lost one engine due to low fuel, he radios that his other engine is good just before it clunks out as well.
Added DiffLines:
* TemptingFate: In the beginning as Pete has lost one engine due to low fuel, he radios that his other engine is good just before it clunks out as well.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 3,4 (click to see context) from:
Somewhere in the mountain wilds, a crew of aerial firefighters battle forest fires from their UsefulNotes/WorldWarII-ers planes, dropping water and flame retardant on the blazes below. The best out of all of them is Pete Sandich...until one day he gets a little too close and his fuel tank catches fire, causing his plae to explode in midair. Afterwards he finds himself in a burned out forest where a woman named Hap is waiting for him in a patch of new growth. Hap explains that he was killed in the expplosion, and sends his spirit back to guide the next young pilot, Ted Baker, who also is putting the mvoes on Pete's girlfriend, Dorinda. And Pete finds that he is still in love with her.
to:
Somewhere in the mountain wilds, a crew of aerial firefighters battle forest fires from their UsefulNotes/WorldWarII-ers UsefulNotes/WorldWarII-era planes, dropping water and flame retardant on the blazes below. The best out of all of them is Pete Sandich...until one day he gets a little too close and his fuel tank catches fire, causing his plae plane to explode in midair. Afterwards he finds himself in a burned out forest where a woman named Hap is waiting for him in a patch of new growth. Hap explains that he was killed in the expplosion, explosion, and sends his spirit back to guide the next young pilot, Ted Baker, who also is putting the mvoes moves on Pete's girlfriend, Dorinda. And Pete finds that he is still in love with her.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
A 1989 Creator/StevenSpielberg film starring Creator/RichardDreyfuss, Holly Hunter, Creator/JohnGoodman and Brad Johnson.
Somewhere in the mountain wilds, a crew of aerial firefighters battle forest fires from their UsefulNotes/WorldWarII-ers planes, dropping water and flame retardant on the blazes below. The best out of all of them is Pete Sandich...until one day he gets a little too close and his fuel tank catches fire, causing his plae to explode in midair. Afterwards he finds himself in a burned out forest where a woman named Hap is waiting for him in a patch of new growth. Hap explains that he was killed in the expplosion, and sends his spirit back to guide the next young pilot, Ted Baker, who also is putting the mvoes on Pete's girlfriend, Dorinda. And Pete finds that he is still in love with her.
The film is a remake of a 1943 film called ''A Guy Named Joe'', which had the ghost of an expert pilot inspiring a young trainee during WWII.
!This film contains examples of:
* AcePilot: Naturally quite a few among the aerial firefighters, but Pete stands head and shoulders above the rest, with Ted eventually rising to a similar stature.
* DeadPersonConversation: Pete does this several times, [[spoiler:most notably at the end when he finally tells Dorinda he loves her, and releases her]].
* HeroicFireRescue: The flying kind.
* ISeeDeadPeople: The crazy guy at the abandoned airstrip where Ted takes shelter seems to be able to hear Pete. Pete tries to use him to send Ted a message to stay away from Dorinda, but the guy only gets about half of it, so instead staying away, Ted thinks he's being told to go after her.
* ImprobablePilotingSkills: Diving headlong into a blazing forest, with the tips of trees brushing your belly, and coming out in one piece. And Al describes just what they're up against:
-->'''Al''': In a real fire, there's heat! There's heat that can suck you under, flip you over! There's currents that can tie a knot in a windsock!
* InstantlyProvenWrong: In the beginning as Pete has lost one engine due to low fuel, he radios that his other engine is good just before it clunks out as well.
* LoveTriangle: One in which the [[DeathOfTheHypotenuse hypotenuse is already dead]] but he can't let go of his feelings, and as long as he can't, Dorinda can't either so she can move onto a new life with Ted.
* OhCrap:
** Al when he realises his engine is on fire.
** Pete shortly thereafter when he realizes his ''fuel tank'' is on fire.
** Al again when Ted's plane is bearing right down to drop the fire retardant right on him!
* OurGhostsAreDifferent: Pete appears just as he did in life, except no one can see or hear him. His purpose is to help Ted become the fire aviator he is meant to be, and put his unresolved emotional issues with Dorinda to rest.
* TheReasonYouSuckSpeech: Al gives one to his class after watching them drop too soon, or too late, or right on top of him. He tries to drive home just how hostile a forest fire is to airplanes and how they'll need to be able to hit much better than a small target fire on a clear day come fire season.
* {{Retirony}}: Pete has decided to accept the position as commander of the fire school in Flat Rock, when a call comes in about a big burn and a shortage of pilots. He goes out, but makes a risky maneuver to save Al, and winds up blowing his plane up.
* SheCleansUpNicely: Dorinda when she wears "girl clothes".
* SpiritAdvisor: Hap explains that this is how it's done, the ones who have learned the skills are sent back to help those who are learning find their place, and sends Pete to be Ted's advisor. Pete finds that, while no one can see or hear him, they do seem to pick up on the things he says and does which influences their thoughts. Initially, Pete thinks it's a game and spends as much time trolling people as helping Ted.
* WomanInWhite: Hap appears in a completely white suit.
Somewhere in the mountain wilds, a crew of aerial firefighters battle forest fires from their UsefulNotes/WorldWarII-ers planes, dropping water and flame retardant on the blazes below. The best out of all of them is Pete Sandich...until one day he gets a little too close and his fuel tank catches fire, causing his plae to explode in midair. Afterwards he finds himself in a burned out forest where a woman named Hap is waiting for him in a patch of new growth. Hap explains that he was killed in the expplosion, and sends his spirit back to guide the next young pilot, Ted Baker, who also is putting the mvoes on Pete's girlfriend, Dorinda. And Pete finds that he is still in love with her.
The film is a remake of a 1943 film called ''A Guy Named Joe'', which had the ghost of an expert pilot inspiring a young trainee during WWII.
!This film contains examples of:
* AcePilot: Naturally quite a few among the aerial firefighters, but Pete stands head and shoulders above the rest, with Ted eventually rising to a similar stature.
* DeadPersonConversation: Pete does this several times, [[spoiler:most notably at the end when he finally tells Dorinda he loves her, and releases her]].
* HeroicFireRescue: The flying kind.
* ISeeDeadPeople: The crazy guy at the abandoned airstrip where Ted takes shelter seems to be able to hear Pete. Pete tries to use him to send Ted a message to stay away from Dorinda, but the guy only gets about half of it, so instead staying away, Ted thinks he's being told to go after her.
* ImprobablePilotingSkills: Diving headlong into a blazing forest, with the tips of trees brushing your belly, and coming out in one piece. And Al describes just what they're up against:
-->'''Al''': In a real fire, there's heat! There's heat that can suck you under, flip you over! There's currents that can tie a knot in a windsock!
* InstantlyProvenWrong: In the beginning as Pete has lost one engine due to low fuel, he radios that his other engine is good just before it clunks out as well.
* LoveTriangle: One in which the [[DeathOfTheHypotenuse hypotenuse is already dead]] but he can't let go of his feelings, and as long as he can't, Dorinda can't either so she can move onto a new life with Ted.
* OhCrap:
** Al when he realises his engine is on fire.
** Pete shortly thereafter when he realizes his ''fuel tank'' is on fire.
** Al again when Ted's plane is bearing right down to drop the fire retardant right on him!
* OurGhostsAreDifferent: Pete appears just as he did in life, except no one can see or hear him. His purpose is to help Ted become the fire aviator he is meant to be, and put his unresolved emotional issues with Dorinda to rest.
* TheReasonYouSuckSpeech: Al gives one to his class after watching them drop too soon, or too late, or right on top of him. He tries to drive home just how hostile a forest fire is to airplanes and how they'll need to be able to hit much better than a small target fire on a clear day come fire season.
* {{Retirony}}: Pete has decided to accept the position as commander of the fire school in Flat Rock, when a call comes in about a big burn and a shortage of pilots. He goes out, but makes a risky maneuver to save Al, and winds up blowing his plane up.
* SheCleansUpNicely: Dorinda when she wears "girl clothes".
* SpiritAdvisor: Hap explains that this is how it's done, the ones who have learned the skills are sent back to help those who are learning find their place, and sends Pete to be Ted's advisor. Pete finds that, while no one can see or hear him, they do seem to pick up on the things he says and does which influences their thoughts. Initially, Pete thinks it's a game and spends as much time trolling people as helping Ted.
* WomanInWhite: Hap appears in a completely white suit.
