The Man Who Found Himself

The Depression Era drama is harmed by badly contrived screenplay and lackluster direction. The basic idea is a good one, consistent with its time. Dr. Stanton Jr. is captive of his upscale class and the family tradition of being doctors. In short, he's had little chance to define himself, being dutiful to his social class instead. So, when tragedy strikes, he's unfairly penalized, causing him to reject both his class and profession. Understandably, he strikes out on his own, looking now to find himself. On his way from New York to LA he experiences a different kind of life, one on the downside. But once employed, he develops his fondness for piloting aircraft. Now he seems to have found himself. But can he stay away from medicine, which is more a calling than a job.

Too bad that the film lacks the grit to go with the times. It's filmed in straightforward fashion, without needed emotion that would dramatize Stanton's dilemma. At the same time, Beal may well lack the depth needed to be convincing, though I've not seen enough of the actor to be conclusive. Then too, events are directed by Lew Landers who was well known for coming in reliably under-budget but in pedestrian fashion. That may have made him a natural for TV, but not for material showing promise. What the film does have is a sparkling Joan Fontaine at her most attractive and just starting out in her illustrious career. That's probably the main reason to catch this otherwise forgettable programmer.