5.0 out of 5 stars Edited - Rejoice, DVD here, finally!

L. · December 8, 2012

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } Test Pilot has rapidly become one of my all-time favorites. I challenge anyone to watch it when it comes on (too infrequently) on TCM and not be alternately thrilled, humored, moved and exhilarated. Myrna Loy and Clark Gable play magnificently off of each other. I believe Mrs. Loy said this was her favorite film of all the ones she's made (quite a statement!).Clark Gable plays a true man's man, a genuine hero, but his character has more shades of gray than a popular S&M novel. (It's also a very sexy movie. The seduction scene between Loy and Gable is utterly unique and incredibly charming.) There's also great, heart-pounding action. But the character arc that Gable has to undergo is a glory to behold. He goes, kicking and screaming all the way, from a completely independent, macho, man's man beholden to no one, to a... well, you have to see the movie for yourself. You may think you know how it will go, but it takes more unpredictable twists and turns than a pilot-less plane falling out of the sky.Now for the real point of this review: Where is the dang DVD?!? They make DVDs out of such dross these days, direct-to-video crappola. Test Pilot had Clark Gable, Myrna Loy, Spencer Tracy (!), and the great one himself, Lionel Barrymore. It was nominated for three Oscars, for crying out loud! And not garbage Oscars but major categories like Best Screenplay (one of the best ever -- Frank Wead was the Ernest Hemingway of screenwriting), Best Editing, and even Best Picture!A Blu-Ray would be even better, but I'd settle for a nicely remastered DVD, if you please. I may just buy 10 all by myself, to hand out to friends as party favors, if that will encourage the copyright holder to press some discs. So let's get pressing those DVDs!EDIT: June 2014: Well, apparently Warner Archives listens to "the people," because they've finally issued a nice DVD version of Test Pilot. All praise to Warner for delivering the goods. Next up: Blu-Ray?Just to clarify, I do not own a copy of the VHS version, but I recently bought the new DVD, which is wonderful.

5.0 out of 5 stars You'll be a bit surprised by the conclusion...and your Americanism will be bolstered...as the studio intended!

P.W.G.K.A.C. · May 3, 2015

Here is a movie made in 1938 by MGM aimed at the aviation enthusiast. It tells the story Jim, of a crack aviator/air racer/test pilot/and womanizer, portrayed by Clark Gable who had just become the #1 male star in Hollywood. His best pal is "Gunner", also his mechanic and conscience/advisor in many sticky situations is played by Spencer Tracy just after he had won his first Oscar and just before he would earn his second. They are both vets of WWI and the aviation scene of the 1920s-the era of incredible advances and risks in the fiield of aeronautics. Myrna Loy portrays the farm girl Jim would marry and gradually break her heart and dash her hopes. We get to witness this against the background of the aerial feates of the thirties. The airplanes are all the real thing in close up shots and pretty good models for aerial scenes where the actual aircraft cannot be used. MGM was outstanding at the use of models and special effects through the 30s and 40s. This film show them at their best. The acting trio does a great job of dragging the viewer into the plot and at times to the edge of our seats, despite this being a now eighty year old motion picture. And being in the glorious colors of gray and white!For me, the opportunity to see actual aircrfat such as the Seversky P-35 racer, a Hall Bulldog, and the first motion pictures of the US Army Air Corps YB-17s in action, are the icing on the cake. Good story, good acting, great airplanes..who could ask for more???Bolo did their usual great job of providing this little gem to me. I expected no less!!!

5.0 out of 5 stars 3 great stars! All at the top of their game

g. · May 4, 2018

3 great stars! All at the top of their game. Its a comedy drama that works. Some really funny bits and some very emotional,heart-tugging moments as well. For me, the part where Myrna Loy goes to a baseball game with Gable is priceless, partly because you just don't think of her this way! Reportedly, this was her favorite movie of the ones she did. Highly recommend.

4.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic movie

p.c. · January 15, 2025

Myrna Loy's 'still ticking' scene is so amazing. I would have given 5 stars but ther was no closed captioning.

5.0 out of 5 stars glad I was able to find this

k. · July 3, 2020

This is awesome to find due to the fact that my father is in this movie....

5.0 out of 5 stars Good entertainment

R.C.K. · February 27, 2019

One can't go wrong with the three teamings of Gable and Tracy. And with Myrna Loy on the ride, one can sit back and enjoy.

3.0 out of 5 stars Three Stars

D.S.R. · January 7, 2015

Interesting historically, but the dialogue overwhelms the story, leaning too heavily on the stars. A little disappointing.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great movie

A.C. · March 25, 2021

Enjoyed this movie with Clark Gable and Spencer Tracy.

Old Classic is a gem!

G.R.S. · September 9, 2014

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } A wonderful old Hollywood movie which all the family can enjoy, made when film companies knew how to make great entertaining films with bad language and sex scenes. Sadly films like this are seldom seen on TV in Britain today. This classic has been unavailable for years. It's a total joy from beginning to end, when you watch the time just flies by. Clark Gable is the test pilot, Spencer Tracy his mechanic and friend, both in love with Myrna Loy, who will win? that's obvious, but there is a hell of a lot of action, adventure and fun along the way, buy it and you won't regret it!

Clark Gable classic Test Pilot

M.D.W. · October 16, 2016

A fabulous movie one my all time favourite vintage must see☺️

Five Stars

M.H. · May 23, 2017

loved the film for 30 years

Two Stars

D.H.B. · October 8, 2018

Seller service good. Film, very noisy dialogue. Shouting, loud talking. I didn't much like it.