Test Pilot (1938)

A brash devil may care test pilot (Clark Gable) makes a forced landing on a Kansas farm where he meets a young woman (Myrna Loy). They rush into a marriage. But she seems ill prepared for the life of a flyer's wife and the waiting each time he test flies a plane and wondering if he'll make it back alive. As directed by Victor Fleming (THE WIZARD OF OZ), the film only comes alive in the aerial sequences even if much of it is model airplanes flying against a projected backdrop. On the ground, it's a tedious domestic drama and at a two hour running time, it takes up most of the film's narrative. Fortunately, the film has three charismatic actors (real Movie Stars) at the core of the film and this helps alleviate the banality of the plot. Poor Loy fares the worst in one of those hand wringing wives parts, putting on a brave face as her hubby flies off into the wild blue yonder all the while dying inside. Gable is fine as long as he doesn't try to act (his drunk scene is pretty bad) which leaves Spencer Tracy as Gable's best buddy and mechanic to take the acting honors. If you're a fan of the three actors, you'll probably enjoy it. If you're not, it's a slog. With Lionel Barrymore, Virginia Grey and Gloria Holden.