Watch China Clipper
- NR
- 1936
- 1 hr 28 min
-
6.2 (672)
China Clipper is a drama film from 1936, directed by Ray Enright and starring Pat O'Brien, Humphrey Bogart, and Beverly Roberts. The movie tells the story of a daring and historic flight across the Pacific Ocean and the adventurers who made it possible. The film is an exciting tale of aviation, daring feats, and hard-fought victories.
At the heart of the movie is the China Clipper, a giant seaplane whose pilots and crew are determined to make history by completing the first-ever trans-Pacific flight. The story follows the plane's crew and their supporters, as they prepare for their historic journey and push themselves to their limits in order to make it happen.
Pat O'Brien stars as Dave Logan, the flight's chief engineer who is responsible for building and maintaining the China Clipper. Logan is a hard-working man who is passionate about aviation and determined to see the flight through to completion. Humphrey Bogart plays Hap Stuart, the flight's co-pilot who is always ready for a quick laugh or a friendly barroom brawl. Stuart has an easy-going charm that endears him to his colleagues and makes him a fan favorite.
Beverly Roberts stars as the plucky and determined Sally Cameron, a journalist who is covering the trans-Pacific flight. Cameron is tough and independent, and she's not afraid to get her hands dirty in order to get the story. Along the way, she falls for Hap Stuart, adding a romantic subplot to the already-packed story.
The film's early scenes showcase the building of the China Clipper, as Logan and his team work tirelessly to create a plane that can withstand the grueling journey. Once the plane is complete, the crew - which also includes a navigator, radio operator, and mechanics - must train and prepare for the flight. They face a variety of obstacles, including bad weather, mechanical failures, and poor communication with the outside world.
The movie's middle section is devoted to the actual trans-Pacific flight. The plane battles storms, rough seas, and oppressive heat as it makes its way from San Francisco to Manila. The crew faces difficult decisions, tough moral dilemmas, and personal struggles as they fight to keep the plane in the air and reach their destination alive.
The film's final act takes place in the Philippines, where the crew celebrates their historic achievement and are honored by local officials. It is here that the romantic subplot between Stuart and Cameron reaches its climax, adding a bittersweet note to the film's otherwise triumphant finale.
Overall, China Clipper is a rousing adventure story that captures the spirit of aviation and the bravery of those who are willing to push the boundaries of what is possible. The film features impressive aerial sequences, thrilling set pieces, and charming performances from its all-star cast. It is a must-see for fans of classic Hollywood cinema, aviation enthusiasts, and anyone who loves a good tale of human achievement.
China Clipper is a 1936 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.