Travolta flies into Cannes with directorial debut

Star's Propeller One-Way Night Coach is based on his own book

by Amber Wilkinson

Propeller One-Way Night Coach
Propeller One-Way Night Coach Photo: Courtesy of Apple
John Travlota will bring his directorial debut, Propeller One-Way Night Coach to Cannes Film Festival this year.

The film is adapted by the Pulp Fiction and Grease star's own novel, published in 1997. Travolta will attend the screening of the Apple Original Film, which will be presented as part of the Cannes Premiere selection.

The book, written for Travolta's son, was Inspired by the star's childhood memories. Young aviation enthusiast Jeff (newcomer Clark Shotwell) and his mother (Kelly Eviston-Quinnett) set off on a one-way cross country odyssey to Hollywood, which transforms a simple flight into the trip of a lifetime. Between airline meals, charming flight attendants (Ella Bleu Travolta and Olga Hoffmann), unexpected stopovers, larger-than-life passengers, and a thrilling glimpse at first class, the journey unfolds in moments both magical and unexpected, charting the course for the boy’s future.

Travolta's performances have been presented three times at Cannes in the past, in Quentin Tarrantino's Palme d'Or winner Pulp Fiction in 1994, She's So Lovely, directed by Nick Cassavettes, in 1997 and, out of competition, in Mike Nichols' Primary Colors in 1998.

The 72-year-old has a lifelong passion for aviation, beginning flying at just 15 before obtaining his first pilot’s license at 22. His plane passion has even been used during his film career, as he took to the cockpit in Look Who's Talking (1989) and Broken Arrow (1996).

Propeller One-Way Night Coach is a production of John Travolta’s JTP Films Inc, and Kids At Play. The film is produced by John Travolta of JTP Productions, in addition to Jason Berger and Amy Laslett of Kids at Play. Following its premiere in Cannes, it will screen on Apple TV from May 29. The Cannes Film Festival will run from May 12 to 23.

Share this with others on...
News

It's a steal Mikel Gurrea on mothers, daughters and heists in Saints

'We don't have nearly enough films that talk about Sudanese women' Suzannah Mirghani on culture and politics in Cotton Queen

A moment of change David Arrow and Amber Paul on November 1963 and making the Oscar-qualifying Drive

The serpent's call Composer Stephen Lukach on creating tension and awe in Beware Boiúna

Care and community Mike Leigh and the Tender Loving Care cast on humanity and looking out for one another

I Swear leads charge for Scottish BAFTAs Tourette's drama has seven nominations

More news and features

Interact

Don't forget that you can follow us on YouTube for trailers of festival films and more. You can also find us on Mastodon and Bluesky.


It's a busy time for festivals and here's the latest:


San Sebastian Golden night for Tender Loving Care


Toronto La Bola Negra wins People's Choice award


San Sebastian Naomi Watts dedicates Donostia Award to Lynch


PÖFF Sir Christopher Hampton heads jury


San Sebastian Werner Herzog honoured


Dinard Full programme announced