Neither as interesting nor a quarter as splendid an entertainment as director George Hill's previous U.S.A. Armed Services effort, "Tell It to the Marines" (1926)! But it has its moments, particularly in the earlier scenes in which fascinating character actors like Sumner Getchell (as Kewpie), Gardner James (Specs), Carroll Nye (Tex) and Edward J. Nugent (Dizzy) are the center of attention. Novarro seems miscast as a naval flier, but at least Ralph Graves gives him a bit of a run, although he has to carry the burden of being a "bad" guy. Alfred Allen is excellent in a brief role as the admiral, while the lovely Anita Page holds down the main female role and makes her character's preference for our hero (instead of Mr. Graves) almost convincing. And director Hill certainly does make real good use of all his many fascinating real locations!
Review of The Flying Fleet
