Those of you who loved the modern tearjerker Always have to rent the original classic A Guy Named Joe. The story is the same, but instead of the airplane pilots being firefighters, they're fliers in WW2. Spencer Tracy and his sweetheart Irene Dunne are competitive in the air, and the sparring doesn't end when they're safe on the ground. They bicker and tear each other down, only to make up and show the audience a really sweet romance. Their mutual pal and fellow flyer is Ward Bond, and their commander is the highly decorated, fun yet stern James Gleason. When Spence gets killed during a mission, he's sent to the upstairs commander, Lionel Barrymore, who tells him he's not finished on Earth yet. Lionel orders Spence to train and watch over his replacement, Van Johnson, and in the meantime, he sees how Irene is grieving.
There are so many parts of this movie that stand out and shine, and the Hot Toasty Rag awards were proud to nominate it for Best Picture, Actress, and award it Dramatic Screenplay. Spencer Tracy, whom I normally don't care for, delivers some very sensitive monologues, explaining life, love, and freedom with beautiful descriptors. Irene gives a wonderfully layered performance, truly experiencing her grief without wallowing, and taking comfort as it's given from all of the supporting characters. When you watch movies in the silver screen, you seem to see Ward Bond everywhere, but at the same time, you wish he was used more. In A Guy Named Joe, he's given quite a large part to sink his teeth into.
In case you don't know the famous trivia about this movie, Van Johnson was in a terrible accident that would have resulted in the studio's replacement with another actor. Spencer Tracy and Irene Dunne stood by the young newcomer and insisted on waiting for him to get well. It's always touching to hear stories in a renowned callous environment about people actually being nice. And it gives you one more reason to rent this movie!
There are so many parts of this movie that stand out and shine, and the Hot Toasty Rag awards were proud to nominate it for Best Picture, Actress, and award it Dramatic Screenplay. Spencer Tracy, whom I normally don't care for, delivers some very sensitive monologues, explaining life, love, and freedom with beautiful descriptors. Irene gives a wonderfully layered performance, truly experiencing her grief without wallowing, and taking comfort as it's given from all of the supporting characters. When you watch movies in the silver screen, you seem to see Ward Bond everywhere, but at the same time, you wish he was used more. In A Guy Named Joe, he's given quite a large part to sink his teeth into.
In case you don't know the famous trivia about this movie, Van Johnson was in a terrible accident that would have resulted in the studio's replacement with another actor. Spencer Tracy and Irene Dunne stood by the young newcomer and insisted on waiting for him to get well. It's always touching to hear stories in a renowned callous environment about people actually being nice. And it gives you one more reason to rent this movie!