When the film begins, the airship Macon is in flight. Unfortunately, as in real life, the dirigible crashed.
George Brent is the only big name WB star in this one, and he plays Bill Austin, a sailor who loses his right leg to a dirigible crash. So he is honorably discharged by the navy, but at a time when anybody with any kind of disability was looked upon as defective, Austin is looking for work during the Great Depression among an army of unemployed men who have no disability.
I like George Brent and I find it interesting to see some of his earlier films. But there are several things I don't like about this film.
Believe it or not, this film was directed by Busby Berkley and there's not an elaborate dance number, or scantily dressed women, in the film. It's about a navy man who loses his leg in a dirigible accident because he goes down with the ship.
Just a heartwarming story that make you smile from beginning to end.
Would be interesting to know the real timing of this film... released JUST after the crash of the Hindenburg.
It's hard to believe that this screenplay by Delmer Daves was based on a novel (by Peter B. Kyne), as it bears all the earmarks of an expanded short story.
_-_John_Harron.jpg)
.jpg)
