Emergency Landing 1941

In Arizona, Doc Williams has invented a wireless remote control that can pilot an aircraft. Despite his efforts and those of his friend, test pilot Jerry Barton, they struggle to spark any interest in the invention from potential backers. When a model version of the device is flown to buzz the grounds of a wealthy aviation magnate, the sequence catches the eye of George Lambert, who runs a prominent aircraft company. Lambert is intrigued, and a real test is proposed, though his daughter, Betty Lambert, isn’t convinced—especially after the tiny craft lands in a puddle and drenches her.

A formal demonstration of the device in a genuine aircraft follows. Jerry takes the plane up and, during flight, switches to the remote control. United States Army Air Forces observers remain skeptical that Jerry is truly handling the aircraft himself, so Jerry makes a daring exit by parachuting from the craft. The device, however, is not yet perfected, and the plane crashes. The incident is witnessed by foreign agents who have infiltrated Lambert Aircraft, setting the stage for further complications. Doc and Jerry return to Arizona to refine the invention, determined to prove its worth despite the setback.

Meanwhile, Betty announces plans to go to Hollywood with her Aunt Maude, a connection that will tie the women more deeply into the unfolding events. Their car runs out of petrol near Indian Springs, and in a bid to salvage the situation, the two girls attempt to siphon petrol from an aerodrome beacon but are caught by [Jerry Barton], who tows their car back to [Doc Williams]’s house. As a local Federal Aviation Administration official, he has the authority to arrest the sisters until the arrival of the imposing Judge Gildersleeve. The girls have heard stories of the judge’s severe sentences, and the tension rises as Jerry contemplates how to handle the situation. To complicate matters, he telegraphs [George Lambert] to request permission to teach Betty a lesson she won’t soon forget. Their grandmotherly ally, Maude, overhears the plan and weighs in with a pragmatic defense of consequences, arguing that Betty’s long-standing arrogance deserves a reality check.

Across town, two foreign agents hijack a newly designed Lambert bomber during a test at Lambert Field. The craft crashes nearby, and one surviving agent, Karl, makes his way to Doc and Jerry’s home under the pretense of a car accident. Once the truth comes out, the agent seizes Doc’s aircraft, forcing the two girls to serve as hostages. Yet this time the remote-control device that Doc has developed works more reliably, allowing Doc and [Jerry Barton] to bring the aircraft down and capture the intruder. The unusual sight of the real Judge Gildersleeve materializes, appearing at the critical moment and delivering a formal, if somewhat whimsical, punishment by fining the girls. The film closes with the protagonists reassessing the potential of the invention and its implications for aviation safety and thrill-seeking risk.

Throughout these events, the interplay between innovation, ambition, family dynamics, and national security creates a tapestry of tension and humor. The story keeps its perspective grounded in the practicalities of early remote-pilot technology while exploring the human dimensions of pride, courage, and responsibility. The result is a brisk, adventure-filled arc that balances technical curiosity with lighthearted, character-driven moments, all set against the backdrop of desert skies and bustling airfields.