Toward the Unknown, originally called Flight Test Center and titled Brink of Hell in its UK release, is a 1956 American aviation film about the dawn of supersonic flight filmed on location at Edwards Air Force Base. Starring William Holden, Lloyd Nolan and Virginia Leith, the film features the screen debut of James Garner.

Plot

USAF Major Lincoln Bond was captured during the Korean War and subjected to torture, finally cracking after 14 months and signing a confession used for propaganda. Upon his release, he took a year to recover from the ordeal before showing up at the Flight Test Center at Edwards Air Force Base, hoping to return to work as a test pilot. On his arrival a plane crash lands nearby on the dry lake bed; he races to offer assistance, braving flames and explosion to attempt to pry the canopy free and save the pilot. His old buddy, Colonel McKee, tries his best for him, but in spite of recognizing him as the stranger who attempted to save his life notoriously strong-willed base commander Brigadier General Banner turns him down because he does not trust him to be stable. A complication is that the general's secretary and love interest, Connie Mitchell, is an old flame of Bond's with strongly conflicted feelings toward him. Bond presses for any job and accepts the general's offer of routine flying in support. Banner is a hands-on leader, taking the most dangerous assignments himself.