Murder in the Clouds is a fast, messy 1930s thrill ride

If you have about an hour to kill and you like the sound of 1930s engines roaring, Murder in the Clouds is worth a look today. It is definitely for people who enjoy those snappy, low-budget thrillers where everyone talks like they are running late for a train. If you hate logic or old-fashioned 'hotshot' characters, you should probably skip this one. ✈️

Bob 'Three Star' is the lead guy here. I still don't really get why they call him Three Star, maybe he’s a brandy fan? He is the kind of pilot who does loops over the airfield just to annoy his boss and impress his girl. Lyle Talbot plays him with this weird, nervous energy that makes him feel like he had about four coffees before every scene.

The story kicks off fast. There is this secret explosive formula that needs to go to Washington, because back then, every movie had a secret formula. It’s like a law of 1930s screenwriting. You have to have a scientist with a briefcase or the movie won't start.

I noticed early on that the airport set feels very lived-in. It’s dusty and small, not like those shiny modern airports. You can almost smell the oil and the cheap cigarettes. Judy, the stewardess, is played by Ann Dvorak and she is honestly the best part of the movie. She has to deal with Bob’s ego and a bunch of spies while wearing a very crisp uniform. 👩‍✈️

The bad guys are led by this guy Jason, who is a secretary. He looks so much like a traitor that it’s actually funny. He has that 'I am definitely working for a foreign power' face. He overhears the secret plan and decides to have Bob jumped before the big flight. 🥊

This leads to George taking Bob's place. Poor George. You know as soon as he steps onto that plane that he is not going to have a good day. The plane explosion scene is actually pretty effective for 1934. You can tell it’s a model, but the way it’s edited makes it feel sudden and mean.

"You can't keep a guy like Three Star on the ground for long, even with a concussion."

The movie gets a bit messy once the plane goes down. There is a lot of running around and people yelling about the 'mixture.' It reminded me a bit of the frantic energy in Melting Millions, where everyone is chasing a prize. It’s that classic B-movie scramble where the plot is just an excuse for a chase.

I really liked the scene where Judy realizes things are going wrong. She doesn't just scream; she actually tries to figure things out. It’s a nice change from some other films of the era like Daughters of Pleasure where the women just sort of stand around. Judy is a pro.

One thing that bothered me was how Bob recovered so fast. He gets beat up, but five minutes later he’s ready to fly a plane and save the world. Humans were just tougher in the thirties, I guess. Or the writers just forgot he was supposed to be hurt. 🤷‍♂️

The aerial shots are the real reason to watch this. They used real planes and you can feel the wind shaking the camera. It’s much more exciting than the stuff you see in The Star Packer. There is a real sense of danger when they are up in the clouds, even if the plot is a bit thin.

Stuff I scribbled down while watching:

• The way Bob wears his hat at a 45-degree angle at all times is impressive.
• Why does the scientist look so suspicious of his own briefcase?
• The transition shots of the clouds are actually quite pretty.
• I’m pretty sure one of the extras in the background is just staring directly at the camera for three seconds.
• The dialogue is so fast I missed a whole plot point about a telegram.

It’s not a masterpiece like Never Say Die, but it doesn't try to be. It’s just a quick story about a guy who flies too fast and some spies who aren't as smart as they think. The whole thing is over before you can get bored.

I did find the ending a bit rushed. One minute they are in a life-or-death struggle, and the next, everything is wrapped up with a joke. It’s very typical for these short features. They just run out of film and decide to stop. 🎬

If you enjoy seeing how they filmed action before CGI, this is a good example. The stunts feel heavy. When a plane moves, you feel the weight of the metal. It’s grounded, unlike the floaty feeling of modern blockbusters.

Is it a great movie? No. Is it a fun way to spend an hour? Absolutely. Just don't expect the 'secret mixture' to actually make any sense. It’s just a MacGuffin in a box.

Anyway, I’m glad I watched it. It’s better than El comediante by a long shot. It has more teeth. 🦷