1946 Don C. Stevens Prepares 1905-Style Glider for “Gallant Journey” Film – Columbia Pictures Aviation Photo

his rare original 1946 Columbia Pictures press photograph captures Don C. Stevens, a respected veteran glider pilot, preparing to test-fly a replica 1905-style glider built for the aviation-themed motion picture Gallant Journey. The film, starring Glenn Ford and Janet Blair, was a romantic drama inspired by the life and innovations of aviation pioneer John J. Montgomery.

This beautifully composed image shows Stevens beside the open-framework motorless craft, meticulously constructed to replicate early glider designs from the dawn of flight—evocative of Montgomery’s and the Wright Brothers’ experiments. The photograph is marked by Columbia Pictures and credited to studio photographer Ellison, with a typed caption on the reverse:

"GLIDER EXPERT – Don C. Stevens, veteran glider pilot, prepares to test-fly a 1905-type motorless craft used in Gallant Journey, Columbia romance of early aviation starring Glenn Ford and Janet Blair. (D-1103-P-116)"

Stamped: "Columbia Pictures – Photo by ELLISON"

Historical Significance:
This photograph is a unique artifact at the intersection of aviation history and cinema. It represents not just a film production still, but also a serious aviation recreation project involving authentic flying replicas. Don C. Stevens’ involvement brings credibility and technical accuracy to the project, making this photograph desirable to both aviation historians and classic film collectors.

The film Gallant Journey helped bring awareness to the often-overlooked contributions of John J. Montgomery, one of the first Americans to achieve controlled glider flight—even before the Wrights' success at Kitty Hawk.

Key Features:

• Date: 1946 (film production year)

• Subject: Don C. Stevens, replica early glider, film tie-in

• Film: Gallant Journey (Columbia Pictures, 1946)

• Actors in Film (not shown): Glenn Ford, Janet Blair

• Photographer: Studio photographer “Ellison”

• Studio Stamp: Columbia Pictures

• Type: Original studio press photograph with typed caption