Air Police (1931) User Reviews

sloppily made early-sound indie action film, some entertainment and historical value

[django-1 · 6/10 · 17 March 2006]

One of a handful of features from "Thrill-O-Dramas," a poverty row company dedicated to providing an alternative to the overly talky, stage-bound films of the early sound era, AIR POLICE stars gruff Kenneth Harlan and goofy Charles Delaney as partners working as "air police" to combat smugglers (never clearly defined) along the border. While the aviation sequences are few and unconvincing, the film does feature many entertaining nightclub and comedy and buddy sequences, as well as some excellent Latin orchestra numbers from Jose Cordova Cantu. Co-written by Arthur "Reefer Madness" Hoerl and directed by Stuart Paton, veteran of many low-budget silent action films, AIR POLICE provides a window into the world of independent film-making of the early-sound era, and it has an endearing sloppiness and spirit of fun that still makes for entertaining viewing today.