Le Paradis des pilotes perdus (1949)
Directed by Georges Lampin

Film Synopsis

In Meknes, eight passengers are boarding an Air-Morocco aeroplane bound for Dakar.  Excluding the pilot, Captain Bertrand, and his co-pilot, Villeneuve, they are: Madame Clément, a young widow, and her baby; a shady businessman named Sorbier; Inspector Simonet and his prisoner François; Father Spach, a missionary en route to his little church in the Sudan; and young lovers Françoise and Denis.  When the aeroplane gets caught in a sandstorm, it is forced to landed in the middle of the desert.  Under Bertrand's command, the little community begins to organise itself.  Aware that there is only a limited water supply, the captain arranges for an armed man to guard the precious water cans.  One night, Sorbier attempts to steal some water, but earns himself a bullet for his greed.  As the water runs out, the group is rapidly overtaken by fear and despair...