Sky Riders 1976

In Greece, a tense and dramatic crisis unfolds when the wife and children of Jonas Bracken, [John Beck], an American businessman, are unexpectedly kidnapped by a radical organization known as the World Activist Revolutionary Army. The kidnappers demand an initial ransom of $5 million for their safe release, prompting Bracken to sell parts of his business empire to gather the necessary funds. However, the situation quickly escalates as the kidnappers impose additional demands, insisting that Bracken use the ransom money to purchase weapons and ammunition for their cause, adding a layer of danger and urgency to the ordeal.

The Greek police, led by Inspector Nikolidis, [Charles Aznavour], get involved to handle the hostage situation. Meanwhile, Jim McCabe, [James Coburn], a skilled smuggler and the ex-husband of Ellen Bracken, [Susannah York], and father to their son, learns about the kidnapping from the newspapers. His familiarity with seedy underworld contacts and his resourcefulness make him a key figure in the rescue efforts. When McCabe reads about the case, he immediately seeks out Bracken and offers his help, sensing that the situation requires stealth and daring.

The police manage to trace a radio signal used by the kidnappers, leading them to what seems like a possible rescue point. Sadly, it turns out to be a misleading decoy. An explosion triggered by a booby trap results in the death of several police officers, including Nikolidis’s nephew, deeply raising the stakes of the operation. Recognizing the need for unconventional tactics, Nikolidis and McCabe come together to decide that the kidnappers must be stopped by any means necessary—whether through negotiation or force.

The kidnappers send a disturbing photograph of Ellen and the children, confirming they are still alive. Without revealing their approach to the police, McCabe uses a contact to identify the location based on a fresco seen in the background of the photo. This clue leads them to a secluded cliff-top monastery where the hostages are being held captive. Understanding the gravity of the situation, McCabe arranges for a daring rescue attempt involving a unique and adrenaline-fueled plan.

He hires a hang gliding circus to assist in infiltrating the heavily guarded monastery. The plan is as risky as it sounds but presents an opportunity to secretly get close to the hostages and liberate them. As McCabe’s team makes their move using their hang gliders, they succeed in reaching the monastery and freeing the hostages. However, their escape is complicated when they are spotted, leading to a fierce gun battle between the kidnappers and police forces at the scene.

Despite the chaos, McCabe’s team, along with the hostages, manages to flee on their hang gliders, soaring away from danger. The head kidnapper, refusing to be captured alive, chases them in a helicopter. In a tense and action-packed climax, McCabe cleverly forces the helicopter to crash land, thwarting the kidnapper’s plan. Facing the shame of defeat and unable to face capture, the primary kidnapper commits suicide. The ordeal concludes with Jonas Bracken being reunited with his family in a emotional and triumphant ending, bringing closure to a harrowing and adventurous rescue mission.