High Flying Spy, The (television)

High Flying Spy, The (television) Three-part television show; aired on October 22, 29, and November 5, 1972. Directed by Vincent McEveety. During the Civil War, Prof. Thaddeus Lowe uses a balloon to spy for the Union forces, and hires a young telegrapher to join him and send messages to the ground. His work impresses President Lincoln who founds the Aeronautic Corps, the country’s first air force. Eventually, they are captured by the Confederates and try to get away by stealing hydrogen from a Southern gas factory to fill their balloon. Stars Stuart Whitman, Vincent Van Patten, Darren McGavin, Andrew Prine, Shug Fisher, Jim Davis, Jeff Corey, Robert Pine. The working title was High Flying Lowe.