Mystery Plane (1939)
A daring aviator faces foreign espionage in this compact 1939 B-movie adventure adapted from America's beloved Tailspin Tommy comic strip.
Mystery Plane - Movie Information
- Original Title: Mystery Plane
- Release Year: 1939
- Directed by: George Waggner
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime, Adventure
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 0m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 8, 1939 (United States - NR)
- Production Companies: Monogram Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Mystery Plane - Plot
An American pilot with a top-secret invention is kidnapped by foreign agents.
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Mystery Plane - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- George Waggner
Main Cast
- John Trent
- Marjorie Reynolds
- Milburn Stone
- Lucien Littlefield
- Tommy Bupp
- Jason Robards Sr.
- George Lynn
- Polly Ann Young
- Betsy Gay
- William P. Carleton
Writers
- Paul Schofield
- George Waggner
- Hal Forrest
Mystery Plane - FAQs
Who plays Tailspin Tommy in Mystery Plane?
John Trent plays the lead role of Tailspin Tommy Tompkins in Mystery Plane (1939). The character originated in Hal Forrest's popular comic strip of the same name, which the film adapts. Marjorie Reynolds co-stars as Betty Lou Barnes, and Milburn Stone appears as Skeeter Milligan.
Is Mystery Plane based on a comic strip?
Yes. Mystery Plane is based on the Tailspin Tommy comic strip created by Hal Forrest, which ran in American newspapers from 1928 onward and was enormously popular during the golden age of aviation. The film's tagline — "America's Favorite Comic Strip Is on the Screen!" — directly references this source material.
Where can you stream Mystery Plane (1939)?
Mystery Plane (1939) is available to buy or rent on Amazon Video, and can also be watched with ads on Mometu. Streaming availability may vary by region. For a full and up-to-date list of viewing options, check JustWatch.
What is Mystery Plane about?
Mystery Plane follows a daring American pilot named Tailspin Tommy Tompkins who possesses a top-secret invention. Foreign agents kidnap him in an attempt to steal the technology. The film blends aviation adventure with espionage intrigue, reflecting the era's fascination with flight and national security threats.
When was Mystery Plane released?
Mystery Plane was released on March 8, 1939, in the United States. It was produced by Monogram Pictures, a studio known during the 1930s and 1940s for low-budget but entertaining genre films, often referred to as "Poverty Row" productions.
Who directed Mystery Plane?
Mystery Plane was directed by George Waggner, who also co-wrote the screenplay. Waggner was a prolific Hollywood figure of the era, later becoming well known for directing The Wolf Man (1941) for Universal Pictures. His work on Mystery Plane reflects his early career in B-movie adventure filmmaking.
How long is Mystery Plane?
Mystery Plane has a runtime of 60 minutes, making it a compact B-movie adventure typical of Monogram Pictures productions from the late 1930s. Despite its brief running time, the film delivers a complete espionage and aviation adventure story.
What are movies similar to Mystery Plane?
Fans of Mystery Plane may enjoy other aviation and adventure films such as Danger Flight (1939), Only Angels Have Wings (1939), and The Right Stuff (1983). These films share themes of daring pilots, high-stakes missions, and the romance of early aviation that defined the genre during Hollywood's golden era.
More About Mystery Plane
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