A Guy Named Joe (1943)
Directed by Victor Fleming

Plot Summary: A sentimental, patriotic (if not propagandistic) Hollywood fantasy about a dead World War II bomber pilot.

Two very good reasons to see this charming movie are a terrific performance by Irene Dunne and the excellent interplay in the romantic relationship between Irene Dunne & Spencer Tracy. The movie simply sparkles when these two are on screen together. A great script by Dalton Trumbo only adds to the rich, comedic and touching dynamic between these two fine actors. While the World War II background is not the most realistic ever filmed, it still adds to the overall story by evoking the important ways that even small individuals were affected by and contributed to the war effort.

The movie also showcases an uncommonly mature (for Hollywood) perspective on love as it develops between these complex, grown-up characters. Tracy genuinely evolves in a believable fashion when he comes back as an angel to advise his loved ones and the rival pilot. Dunne remains loyal to him in life and even after death, but finally honours their love by choosing not to pine away the rest of her life. Tracy is touching in their scenes together when he can't be seen by her.

Still, it's Dunne who carries this affectionate movie on her very capable shoulders with a simply wonderful, strong, funny performance as an independent woman pilot who holds her own both during the war as well as in the demanding relationship banter. She's no more willing to give up flying than is Tracy. And there's a great unexpected bonus in the ending (however much it stretches credibility) where she actually pilots the plane that blows up the ammunition dump. See this movie to enjoy Dunne and Tracy and an excellent supporting cast led by Ward Bond.

Interesting comparison with "Always"(1989) by Spielberg.

As many viewers I saw "Always", actually several times, before I even learned about "A Guy Named Joe." It is factual that the later film was a remake of the earlier one, but being in more modern times a significant story difference was depicted. I have no reason to compare the two against each other, for each one is a fine film on its own.

Set in WW II England, "A Guy Named Joe" gets its title from a comment made by one of the British children waiting to talk to Pete after one of his bombing runs over Germany. He told one of the other children, "that's what all American soldiers are called, guys named Joe." There was no actual character named Joe in the film.

Spencer Tracy plays Pete, a pilot who takes unapproved chances to get difficult jobs done. In "Always", Dryfuss as Pete does the same for putting out forest fires. In both films Pete dies during a heroic mission and in heaven is sent to help a novice pilot, who ends up romancing his old girlfriend, Drinda.

Some may think this is not a very good or realistic film. Maybe not, but it is still entertaining.Worth seeking out, for anyone who also enjoyed "Always" to see where it came from. Two different films from two different times, both excellent.

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