The Sky’s the Limit (1943) - film review

Having served with distinction as a Flying Tiger pilot in the war against Japan, Fred Atwell decides to spend his leave incognito when he arrives back in New York.  Shunning the publicity parades, where his fellow pilots are feted as heroes, Fred pursues photographer Joan Manion, who mistakes him for a draft dodger.  Fred’s persistence annoys her at first but soon Joan warms to his charms, although she remains adamant that he should be doing something to support the war effort.  If only she knew...

What could have been just another routine wartime moral booster is rescued by Fred Astaire, appearing in one of his earliest dramatic roles.  Admittedly, it is at times hard to see beyond the humdrum plot and shoddy production values, but Astaire’s uplifting song-and-dance numbers are well worth waiting for.  Definitely not a classic, but The Sky’s the Limit is mildly diverting, and proof, if it be needed, that Astaire could act as well as sing and dance.

© filmsdefrance.com 2009

Write a review for this film...

What do you think of this film?