[2] 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.

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.

With an appreciation that both pilot were to blame for the altercation, Banner eschews punishment and instead gives Bond the assignment he craves: the rocket-powered X-2, which is designed to fly to the edge of outer space.

When Bond is assigned to fly the last half-power test before the main flight, he goes to full power without authorization and barely survives a high-altitude bailout when the aircraft goes out of control.

As appearing in Toward the Unknown, (main roles and screen credits identified):[3] Like some other major stars of the era, Holden decided to try producing films himself, setting up Toluca Productions.

[N 5] Right out of the headlines of the day, Toward the Unknown also dealt with the controversial issue of military personnel undergoing torture and brainwashing, with the marketing campaign exploiting the mental anguish the character felt.

Unusual stock footage includes a rocket sled being tested, the use of the Boeing YKB-29T Superfortress aerial tanker with a F-100, F-101, and B-66 being fueled, and a Republic EF-84G Thunderjet in a Zero length launch.

"[13] Following up on the art-or-artifice depiction, latter-day reviewer Christopher McQuain states that, "Finding anything of interest in 'Toward the Unknown' depends on whether you consider the film as art or artifact; it is not a good movie, but it is a fascinating, revealing one.

It is utterly transparent Cold War propaganda, with delighted displays of military aircraft in action, an eager, anxious glimpse forward to the Space Race, and an interest in human-scale affairs so desultory as to make the machines and the ability to build and fly them seem much more important than the complications and consequences of militarism and war waged ..."[19] Although occasionally shown on television, and screened at the Edwards AFB theater in 2006 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its original premiere, Toward the Unknown was not released on home video until 2011.