13 Hours by Air (Drama, 1936)

13 Hours by Air (1936) is a drama with elements of action, comedy, crime, romance, and proto-disaster film. It combines screwball humor with suspense, making it a precursor to later aviation disaster movies.
Plot:
Airline pilot Jack Gordon (Fred MacMurray) flies a high-speed airliner from New York to San Francisco, betting he’ll charm passenger Felice Rollins (Joan Bennett) into dinner. Felice, a socialite, is rushing to stop her sister’s wedding. The diverse passengers include a jewel thief, a federal agent (Brian Donlevy), a suspicious nobleman (Fred Keating), and criminal Curtis Palmer (Alan Baxter). Mid-flight, a blizzard forces an emergency landing. Tensions boil over when Palmer shoots the co-pilot and agent, hijacking the plane. Jack, with Felice’s aid, subdues Palmer and lands safely. The film wraps with Jack winning both his bet and Felice’s affection, blending romance and high-stakes action.
Cast:
Fred MacMurray as Jack Gordon: Charismatic pilot and ladies’ man.

Joan Bennett as Felice Rollins: Wealthy, quick-witted socialite.

Alan Baxter as Curtis Palmer: Menacing criminal.

Brian Donlevy as Dr. James Evarts: Federal agent with a sharp edge.

Fred Keating as Gregorie Stephani: Shady nobleman.

Ruth Donnelly as Vi: Comedic passenger adding levity.

Supporting roles include Zasu Pitts, Adrienne Marden, and John Howard.

Other Facts:
Director: Mitchell Leisen, known for stylish films like Midnight (1939).

Writers: Bogart Rogers and Kenyon Nicholson, based on Rogers’ story “Wild Wings.”

Runtime: 77 minutes, delivering a tight, fast-paced narrative.

Setting: Art deco airports and a luxurious airliner, capturing 1930s aviation glamour.

Production: Paramount Pictures, released April 30, 1936.

Reception: Praised for its lively pace and humor, with Frank S. Nugent of The New York Times calling it a “pleasant enough show” and an early example of the disaster film genre.

Historical Context: Reflects 1930s fascination with aviation, showcasing transcontinental flights as a novel, glamorous endeavor.

Significance: Early example of an aviation thriller, influencing later disaster films with its mix of suspense, romance, and ensemble drama.