Test Pilot (1938)

Diving headfirst into the perilous world of aerial acrobatics, Jim Lane is a test pilot who thrives on danger and compensates for it with a reckless, fast-paced lifestyle. Living on the edge, he is often in debt, yet he holds an unwavering faith in his lucrative profession to pull him out of financial turmoil. His life takes an unexpected turn during a dramatic coast-to-coast record attempt when his plane, the Drake Bullet, suffers mechanical failures, forcing him to make an emergency landing on a remote Kansas farm. The farm is home to the straight-talking Barton family, and their spirited daughter, Ann Barton, finds herself captivated by the audacious pilot. The feeling is mutual, and in a whirlwind of emotion, they decide to marry, setting up home in the vibrant heart of New York. Jim's loyal sidekick and skilled mechanic, "Gunner" Morris, questions the compatibility of Jim's daredevil nature and his new marital commitment. Soon, Ann finds herself grappling with the harsh realities of being a test pilot's wife, feeling like an outsider in a love triangle where the sky is Jim's true mistress. She becomes acutely aware of the life-threatening dangers accompanying Jim's job, as he routinely pushes the planes beyond their limits, and fears that she might end up a widow, a fate she has seen befall the wives of Jim's colleagues. As Ann and Gunner strive to keep Jim grounded and sober, they face the constant threat of losing him to his dangerous profession. The question that lingers is whether the bond of love and friendship can withstand the enormous strains imposed by Jim's career as a test pilot.

Test Pilot is a drama movie featuring Clark Gable and directed by Victor Fleming.

Test Pilot is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.