The Flying Marine (1929) Review - Messy Pilots and Stolen Girls

You should probably watch The Flying Marine if you have a soft spot for 1920s planes and people who make terrible life choices. If you want a deep, moving story about the human spirit, you should probably just keep scrolling through the archives.

It’s one of those movies that came out right when sound was starting to ruin everything for silent film stars. They actually released two versions, which is a bit overkill for a story this thin.

The plot is basically about Mitch (Jason Robards Sr.), who is this grizzled WWI vet trying to make a living as a commercial pilot. He’s got a younger brother named Steve who is just... the worst. 🙄

Steve is supposed to be 'irresponsible' and 'young,' but mostly he just comes off as a guy you wouldn't want to get a coffee with. Mitch tries to teach him how to be a real pilot, but Steve is too busy being a brat.

The Love Triangle Nobody Asked For

Then there is Sally, played by Shirley Mason. She is Mitch’s sweetheart, or at least she’s supposed to be until Steve decides he wants her too.

The way Steve just moves in on his brother's girl is actually kind of wild to watch. There isn't a lot of guilt there. It’s just awkward.

I found myself wondering why Mitch didn't just kick him out of the hangar. Mitch is way too nice for his own good in this one.

The scenes where they are all hanging out together feel really heavy. Not heavy like a drama, but heavy like nobody knows where to look.

It reminds me a bit of the tension in much better movies like Orochi, though obviously that's a totally different vibe. Here, it’s just small-town drama with some propellers in the background.

Flying High (Sort Of)

The flying scenes are the only reason this movie isn't totally forgotten. You can tell they actually put some effort into getting the planes in the air.

There is this one shot where the plane looks like it’s barely holding together. It’s actually terrifying if you think about the safety standards of 1929.

• The goggles look cool.
• The leather jackets are great.
• The planes look like they are made of paper and hope.

It doesn't have the grand scale of something like Robin Hood. It feels much smaller, like a movie filmed in someone's backyard airfield.

I noticed that the actors sometimes look like they are waiting for a cue that never comes. One scene with Sally just lingers on her face while she blinks for about five seconds too long. 🤨

It makes you miss the snappy timing of a short like Double Whoopee. In a drama, that silence is supposed to be deep, but here it just feels like they forgot the script.

Why Does Steve Act Like That?

Ben Lyon plays Steve, and he’s got this energy that is just way too much for the room. He’s constantly moving and looking for attention.

Meanwhile, Jason Robards Sr. is just standing there looking like a stone wall. The contrast is pretty funny if you don't take it too seriously.

There’s a moment where Steve is supposed to be learning about the engine, but he’s basically just flirting with the air. It’s a bit much.

I started thinking about Davy Crockett and how heroes used to be much more straightforward. Here, the 'hero' is just a guy getting bullied by his own family.

The writing by Jack Natteford is... okay? It’s very 1920s. People say exactly what they are feeling all the time.

"I’m not sure if I like Steve, but I sure do like those planes."

That’s what I wrote in my notes about halfway through. The movie gets a bit better once they actually get off the ground and stop talking about their feelings.

Small Things I Noticed

The costumes are actually pretty decent for a movie that feels this low budget. Sally has some great hats that probably cost more than the script.

There is a scene in a hangar where you can see dust floating in the light. It’s actually really pretty, and I bet it wasn't even on purpose. ✨

The pacing is all over the place. One minute they are talking about life, and the next minute there's a plane crash. It’s very bursty, as they say.

If you’ve seen The Small Town Girl, you know this kind of vibe. It’s that specific brand of 'everything is a huge deal' cinema.

I wish there was more about Mitch’s time in the war. They mention it, but it’s mostly just a reason for him to be good at flying.

It’s a bit like Motherhood where the title tells you exactly what the movie thinks it’s about, but it’s actually about something else entirely.

This isn't a movie that will change your life. It’s the kind of thing you watch on a rainy Tuesday when you’ve already seen everything else.

Didja notice?

• The way the wind blows the actors' hair during the 'flying' shots is clearly a fan.
• Mitch looks like he hasn't slept in three years.
• The brotherly hug at the end is the most uncomfortable thing I’ve seen all week.
• Sally’s house looks exactly like every other movie house from 1929.

Is it a classic? No. Is it worth 70 minutes? Maybe. Just don't expect too much from Steve.

I’d rather watch Billy Blazes, Esq. if I wanted something fast, but this has its own weird charm. It’s like finding an old photo in an attic that you don't recognize but you can't throw away.