[6]

A reckless west coast flyboy (Clark Gable) is forced to make an emergency landing in Kansas where he meets and falls in love with a farm girl (Myrna Loy). Test Pilot starts out a screwball comedy and disintegrates into a predictable weepy. But despite the tonal shift, this movie features very good performances from its three stars. Gable shows uncharacteristic but welcome vulnerability, while Loy does a terrific job in a part that offers remarkable range. Spencer Tracy continues his legacy of doing a lot with very little in the role of Gable’s long-time friend and mechanic, and evuncular Lionel Barrymore brings color to the piece in a supporting role.

Oscar Nominations: Best Picture, Film Editing, Original Story