
The Pursuit of D.B. Cooper 1981
"Who says you can't take it with you?"
Roger Spottiswoode's *The Pursuit of D.B. Cooper (1981)* dives into one of aviation's most enduring mysteries, blending crime and adventure into a gripping thriller.
Director: Roger Spottiswoode
Cast








Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Pursuit of D.B. Cooper (1981) about?
This 1981 thriller reimagines the infamous 1971 hijacking of Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 305, where a mysterious man known as D.B. Cooper parachuted away with a $200,000 ransom. The film explores whether his disappearance was a meticulously planned escape or a gamble against fate, all while a determined lawman races to uncover the truth.
Who directed The Pursuit of D.B. Cooper?
Roger Spottiswoode directed this intriguing crime thriller, bringing a sharp, atmospheric lens to the real-life mystery.
Who stars in The Pursuit of D.B. Cooper?
Robert Duvall leads the cast as the relentless investigator, joined by Treat Williams as the enigmatic hijacker, Kathryn Harrold, Ed Flanders, and Paul Gleason.
Is The Pursuit of D.B. Cooper (1981) worth watching?
With solid performances and a premise rooted in one of history's most fascinating unsolved cases, this crime thriller offers suspense and intrigue. While critical reception was mixed, its blend of adventure and mystery makes it a compelling watch for fans of 70s-style thrillers.
How long is The Pursuit of D.B. Cooper?
The runtime for *The Pursuit of D.B. Cooper* is 100 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About The Pursuit of D.B. Cooper (1981) — A Crime Thriller Rooted in a Real-Life Mystery
Roger Spottiswoode's *The Pursuit of D.B. Cooper (1981)* dives into one of aviation's most enduring mysteries, blending crime and adventure into a gripping thriller. The film follows the audacious 1971 skyjacking by a man who vanished mid-air with a fortune, leaving behind only a parachute and a ransom note. As a relentless investigator (Robert Duvall) races against time, he uncovers layers of deception, survival, and the lure of freedom in the wild Northwest. The story crackles with tension as it speculates whether Cooper could have executed a flawless escape—or if fate had other plans.
The film's moody, atmospheric tone mirrors the rugged landscapes of its setting, where danger and exhilaration intertwine. With sharp performances from Treat Williams and Kathryn Harrold, this crime thriller transforms a real-life enigma into a cinematic chase that questions the limits of human ingenuity. Is Cooper's disappearance a triumph of cunning or a cautionary tale? *The Pursuit of D.B. Cooper* keeps you guessing until the final frame.