The Flying Irishman

Based on a true story, Douglas "Wrong Way" Corrigan (playing himself) wants to make history by completing a solo transatlantic flight. Unfortunately, his partner (Paul Kelly) has wrecked his plane, and he can't afford to purchase a new one. Undaunted, he cobbles together a craft that gets him from California to New York, where it's deemed unsafe to attempt an ocean crossing. Corrigan agrees to fly back west -- but takes off east instead, making it to Ireland and earning him fame.