Power Dive (1941) On DVD

Brad Farrell is a test pilot for experimental planes -- risky work at the best of times, and even more dangerous when sibling rivalry also takes to the air. Brad is determined that his younger brother Doug's feet remain planted on the ground, but Doug likes the idea of being a famous air ace like Brad, and resentment builds. Both Brad and Doug fall in love with pretty Carol, which means that one brother is due for a rough landing. Carol's blind dad designs a revolutionary plastic plane which Doug helps build and then BOTH men must test-fly, in a finale of "nerve-racking... tense suspense."

This exciting aviation drama was the first of many Pine-Thomas productions in which star Richard Arlen faced deadly hazards on land, sea and air. Producers William H. Pine and William C. Thomas were famously budget-conscious but for this, their inaugural production, they achieved some thrilling scenes, including one incorporating true-life footage of a fatal crash. Power Dive is also visually impressive courtesy of cinematographer John Alton, the future Oscar winner and giant in the realm of film noir (He Walked by Night, Raw Deal and others).

POWER DIVE was the first release from Pine-Thomas Productions, marking the beginning of a long and fruitful association between Paramount Pictures and the "Two Dollar Bills," William Pine & William Thomas. The story concentrated on a group of test pilots, busily experimenting with a revolutionary all-plastic airplane. Ace flyboy Brad Farrell (Richard Arlen) is determined to prove the practicality of the new aircraft, designed by Professor Blake (Thomas Ross), father of Brad's sweetheart Carol (Jean Parker). Back on solid ground, Brad must vie for Carol's attentions with his own brother, engineer Doug Farrell (Don Castle). Comedy relief is offered by Cliff "Ukelele Ike" Edwards as Brad's chief mechanic. Though Richard Arlen and Jean Parker were hardly hot properties in 1941, POWER DIVE did excellent business, which critics attributed to the production knowhow of the "Two Dollar Bills".