Without Orders
At Portland, Oregon, playboy pilot Len Kendrick lands at the end of a cross-country record flight, met by his father J.P. Kendrick who owns Amalgamated Air Lines. Len is a media darling, adored by fans for his daring flights. He is in love with Amalgamated stewardess Kay Armstrong who is dating veteran pilot "Wad" Madison. Len dates her sister Penny who learns that his hard-drinking and recklessness has caused the death of his co-pilot. Penny knows that he was drinking before the fateful flight and only escaped prosecution by bribing a bartender. She leaves Len who ends up at Amalgamated as a line pilot, being tutored by Wad.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young man, wrongly convicted of murder, escapes from prison to clear his name. He is aided by a young woman who believes in his innocence. As they search for the real killer, they find themselves in dangerous situations, pursued by the law and the criminals.
Critical Reception
Without Orders was a B-movie melodrama that received a mixed reception upon its release. Critics noted its familiar plot but praised the performances of its cast, particularly Margaret Sugrue in her debut. It was considered a competently made, if unremarkable, entry in the crime genre of the era.
What Reviewers Say
- The film offers a predictable but engaging crime narrative.
- Performances, especially from the lead actors, were a highlight.
- A standard, well-executed B-picture for its time.
Google audience: Audience reception for 'Without Orders' is not widely documented. However, as a 1930s B-movie, it likely appealed to audiences looking for straightforward crime dramas without significant artistic ambition.
Fun Fact
Margaret Sugrue, who played the female lead, was a stage actress making her film debut with 'Without Orders'.
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