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In England, Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, the Australian pathfinder known as "Smithy," who began dreaming of becoming a pilot in 1916, receives the Military Cross for his flying feats during World War I. Afterward, Smithy returns to Australia to try to raise enough money to finance a flight across the Pacific. Finally achieving recognition after breaking all existing records for circumnavigating Australia, Smith wins a government grant. Smithy then hastens to the United States to prepare to conquer the Pacific, and meets Kay Sutton, a young actress turned stenographer. When Smithy has difficulty in raising enough money to fund his flight, Kay introduces him to Capt. Allan Hancock, an American financier, who advances him the funds to fulfill his dream of crossing the Pacific in his aircraft,"The Southern Cross." Smithy's successful flight wins him acclaim, and one day, after completing another successful mission, Smithy meets Mary Powell on board an Australian-bound ship, falls in love and marries her. After settling down in Australia with his new wife, Smithy founds the Australian National Airway company. Business prospers until one day, a company plane is lost with all its passengers. When public opinion turns against Smithy, he decides to barnstorm around the country in "The Southern Cross." Determined to establish an airmail service to New Zealand despite government lethargy, Smithy plans a final flight from England to Australia, hoping that the publicity will attract financial support. Although an illness has dulled his senses and Mary has begged him not to fly, Smithy takes off with his mechanic. They arrive safely at Allahabad, but the strain has weakened Smithy. Soon after taking off for their next destination, Smithy loses contact with the ground, and neither men nor machine is ever heard from again.
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