An expert test pilot finds himself pursued by a mysterious spy ring determined to acquire secret aircraft plans.
Ace Martin (Brian Donlevy), a top test pilot, is hounded by an international spy ring intent on stealing classified designs for a new military plane. To protect the documents, Martin escapes in an experimental aircraft with the plane’s designer, John Fleming (Ralph Morgan), a co-pilot, and the eccentric Colonel Gimpy (Peter Lorre). The flight for freedom is cut short when the plane crashes into the ocean. Adrift and with nowhere to run, Martin discovers the true identity of the spy ring’s leader is among the survivors.
This aviation thriller uses the familiar machinery of a spy story but gives it a sharp twist. Much of the film’s effectiveness rests on the persona of Peter Lorre, cast against type as a seemingly harmless mascot who is ultimately revealed to be the narrative’s master villain. The plot builds a straightforward tale of industrial espionage before pulling its final surprise, transforming the film from a chase picture into a claustrophobic story of survival and betrayal at sea.
Production Co: Twentieth Century Fox / 75 mins / 1936
Main Cast: Brian Donlevy (Ace Martin), Peter Lorre (Colonel Gimpy), Helen Wood (Ruth Franklin), Ralph Morgan (John R. Fleming), Thomas Beck (Joe Randall), J. Carrol Naish (Operative #77), Kay Linaker (Mrs. Fleming)
