Customer Reviews

Test Pilot [VHS]

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Among the planes used in this movie were the Army's huge new bombers, which were nicknamed "Flying Fortresses", which were, in 1938, probably the most powerful war planes on earth. The scenes in which they appear were shot at March Field, California with co-operation with the Army - doubles appeared (obviously) for the stars in dangerous scenes. This picture made the most out of a test pilot's daredevil life and the spectre of death which hung over one pilot (Clark Gable, natch), his wife (Myrna Loy) and his mechanic (Spencer Tracy). TEST PILOT got its title from a book written by one Jimmy Collins who was one of the ablest of test pilots during the thirties. One day in 1935, he was making what was to have been his last flight before retiring. Suddenly, in a power-dive, a wing sheared off; the whole craft fell apart in mid-air and Collins had not a chance to jump. The most suicidal occupation in the peacetime world sixty years ago was very likely that of a test pilot. The test pilot's job was to try out new planes af all models and see just what they can do. Sometimes they couldn't do all that the pilot asks of them; when that happened, it was a matter of jump of get killed. In 1938, there were approximately 100 test pilots in the US, most being between the ages of 20 and 30. They earned big money and lived high and hard - if not long! After a few years, they'd retire or adopt a fatalistic bravado like the hero of this MGM flick, who fancies himself as playing a game with a lady in a pretty blue dress, high above the earth. One of the 15 top grossing films of 1938, it was nominated for Best Picture at the Venice Film Festival.

All I have to say is Spencer Tracy and Myrna Loy are superb actors. With great actors, everything is automatic. They don't have to pretend to be anything because the feeling is their own. I love watching classic movies to observe actors and these two are among the most talented actors. It's just to bad Ms. Loy never received an oscar because she is superb in any role she plays and every role is always believable.

The subject says it all: this is a glorious film - with a maignificent cast. Why hasn't it been released on DVD?

this movie was a wonderful film and was based on a great persons book,Jimmy Collins.He was a great man and this was a great movie.And many people may not care what happened to him but I sure do

This is a fun movie to watch. The stars do an excellent job, Tracy and Loy especially. Worth watching more than once

I just finished watching this movie tonight on TCM and immediately looked it up on Amazon to buy it on DVD but....it's not on DVD! This movie was so good! When you hear people say, "they just don't make movies like this one anymore" - this is one of those kind of movies! The acting was incredible: Myrna Loy, Spencer Tracy and Clark Gable together make this movie so enjoyable and the storyline just draws you in. I can't believe this one is not available on DVD - if you get a chance to catch this movie on television, don't miss it!

I am amazed, nay shocked that this hasn't been released on DVD. Gable fans everywhere will unite and raise hell if this doesn't happen. Get with it. Release this on DVD. Do it!!!!!!! Now!!!!!!! Hear me???????

It is a simple story, really. Jim (Clark Gable) and Gunner (Spencer Tracy) are test pilots. They risk their lives for thrills and a quick buck. Jim loves women and Gunner loves Jim. Howard Drake (Lionel Barrymore) is their mentor, and he knows them through and through. He doesn't quite believe it when Jim marries Ann (Myrna Loy), a farmgirl from Kansas, but over time he realizes the true bond they have with each other. It is too bad Jim will never lose his love for the sky and the adrenaline rush he gets when he flies.

This weak storyline is carried off with great effect by the excellent cast. MGM boasted that it had more stars than were in the heavens, and they knew how to exhibit them. Gable is brash and masculine in his role, the perfect ladies man. Loy plays the part she always played, the perfect wife with an understanding heart. Tracy has the most difficult job here, because his character's love for his friend seems much more intense than that of a normal friendship. He balances the tricky situation brilliantly. Barrymore suffered greatly from his arthritis during this time period, so most of his scenes are done sitting down in cars, but it is nice to see him nonetheless.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) presents "TEST PILOT" (1938) - (118 min/B&W) -- Starring: Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy, Myrna Loy, Lionel Barrymore & Marjorie Main

Directed by Victor Fleming

Jim Lane (Clark Gable) is a courageous test pilot, who compromises his achievements with his frequent bouts of drinking. Jim's mechanic, Gunner Morris (Spencer Tracy), does what he can to keep his boss out of trouble. While testing a new aircraft, Jim is forced to land on a Midwestern farm, where he meets and falls in love with Ann Barton (Myrna Loy). Jim and Ann marry, whereupon he is fired by his boss Howard B. Drake (Lionel Barrymore), who is of the opinion that flying and women don't mix. Whereupon Jim goes off on another bender, compelling Ann to leave him. Once more, Gunner comes to Jim's rescue by reuniting the couple and arranging for Drake to give Jim his job back. Later, Jim and Gunner are assigned to test a huge army bomber - The B-17: The Flying Fortress

Oscar Nominated for Best Picture, Film Editing & Writing.

Fabulous adventure story ~ later in the same year Gable & Loy combined again for another aviation-type film: Too Hot to Handle (1938)

Special footnote: -- This is the second pairing of those two "mega-stars": Clark Gable & Spencer Tracy. They were to appear together on two other occasions - San Francisco (1936) & Boom Town (1940) ~ Fabulous adventure story ~ later in the same year Gable & Loy combined again for another aviation-type film: Too Hot to Handle (1938)

BIOS:
1. Victor Fleming [Director]
Date of Birth: 23 February 1889 - La Cañada, California
Date of Death: 6 January 1949 - Cottonwood, Arizona

2. Clark Gable
Date of birth: 1 February 1901 - Cadiz, Ohio,
Date of death: 16 November 1960 - Los Angeles, California

3. Spencer Tracy (aka: Spencer Bonaventure Tracy)
Date of birth: 5 April 1900 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin,
Date of death: 10 June 1967 - Beverly Hills, Los Angeles

4. Myrna Loy [aka: Myrna Adele Williams]
Date of Birth: 2 August 1905 - Radersburg, Montana
Date of Death: 14 December 1993, New York City, New York

5. Lionel Barrymore [aka: Lionel Herbert Blythe]
Date of Birth: 28 April 1878 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Date of Death: 15 November 1954 - Van Nuys, California

6. Marjorie Main [aka: Mary Tomlinson]
Date of Birth: 24 February 1890 - Acton, Indiana
Date of Death: 10 April 1975 - Los Angeles, California

Mr. Jim's Ratings:
Quality of Picture & Sound: 4 Stars
Performance: 4 Stars
Story & Screenplay: 4 Stars
Overall: 4 Stars [Original Music, Cinematography & Film Editing]

Total Time: 118 min on DVD/VHS ~ Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) ~ (June 30, 1994)