Devil's Squadron

I've had a Richard Dix film on hold for months now. It's about fliers - test pilots, to be exact. Margaret just won't watch flying films, so I held off. I now have seen "Devil's Squadron" (1936) and it's a super film! The title refers to the fact that these test pilots, working for a company that makes planes with the aim of a military contract for many planes, have a good probability of dying on the job because the planes are aerodynamically experimental and very dangerous until proved not so, or conformed eventually to be safe and sound and fit and a challenge to all competitors, whether in the United States or those countries against whom they were made to defend.

Co-starring Lloyd Nolan, Karen Morley, Shirley Ross, Henry Mollison, Gene Morgan, Gordon Jones, Thurston Hall, and others, this one is great action from the beginning to the end. The stunt flying is, quite frankly, unbelieveable! However, there are miniatures in many parts, too. But - as opposed to ships and back-lit scenes of automobiles and other things used ubiquitously during those days, these are exceptional. The comedy in the love scenes gets monotonous and over-the-top, but it's only a minuscule part of the plot and screen time - thankfully. The action scenes possibly will be complained about as clichéd - yeah, we know that's going to happen probably - but they're so well done as to be utterly enjoyable. The action's quick and intense. The parts are well done, though, as mentioned, the comedy, especially by Gordon Jones, is grating. Karen Morley, an actress I particularly admire, is wonderful and real here. Shirley Ross gets to sing. Very enjoyable. Dix is particularly excellent in this one. Reserved until needed, but when needed, tough and a good showman. Recommended for sure.