Films with the theme of transatlantic transportation were quite common in this era.I can think of High Treason and The Tunnel.Additionally films made in two or three language versions were quite common.The acting of Conrad Veidt overpowers everyone else.

The "F.P." could stand for floating platform, or for fluffy production - take your pick. Essentially, although loosely themed on an innovative construction in the Atlantic that could facilitate transcontinental air travel, it's really just a thinly veiled melodrama that pitches the test pilot Conrad Veidt ("Ellison") and Leslie Fenton ("Capt. Droste") who designed this floating airport into a battle for the affections of "Claire" (Jill Esmond) who owns much of it. Add a little potentially destructive espionage to the mix and we've got our story. Karl Hartl could have done more with the science of the story for me. The love triangle element is a bit dull and though faintly comedic at times, just cluttered up what could have been a enjoyable fantasy that might even border on the plausible. The acting is acceptable, but none of the characters really take flight (no pun intended). Made, simultaneously, in three languages which might be it's single claim to fame - otherwise, it's sadly just average fayre for an afternoon's gander on the telly.

Director: KARL HARTL. Screenplay: Curt Siodmak, Walter Reisch from the novel by Curt Siodmak. Screenplay translated by Donovan Parsons. Dialogue editors: Robert Stevenson and Peter MacFarlane. Photography: Konstantin Irmen-Tschet, Gunther Rittau. Production designer: Erich Kettlehut. Costumes designed by Otto Suckrow. Music composed by Allan Gray, directed by Hans Otto Borgmann. Special effects: Konstantin Irmen-Tschet, Theo Nischwitz. Stills: Karl Ewald. Technical advisor: Albert Berthold Henninger. Sound editor: Rudolf Schaad. Make-up: Waldemar Jabs. Film editor: Willy Zeyn. Sound recording: Fritz Thiery. Producer: Erich Pommer.

Copyright (as F.P. One) 29 June 1933 by Fox Film Corporation. New York opening at the 7th Avenue Roxy: 15 September 1933. U.S. release: 16 September 1933. U.K. release through Gaumont-British: 3 April 1933. Running times: 93 minutes (U.K.); 74 minutes (U.S.A.).

SYNOPSIS: Shipping interests attempt to sabotage a giant refueling platform built for the use of aircraft flying the Atlantic.

COMMENT: Even in its abbreviated USA cut, this is a fascinating and highly exotic (and at times even bizarre) sci-fi entry, with fine performances from almost the entire cast (weak-as-water Leslie Fenton lets the side down),especially nervy Conrad Veidt and the beguiling Jill Esmond. Also to be commended, George Merritt who does nobly by the biggest role of his career. A mammoth budget is right up there on the screen, complete with breathtaking sets, atmospheric photography and fast-paced, imaginative direction. AVAILABLE on DVD through Grapevine. Quality rating: Six out of ten. (Visuals are fine, but sound is out of sync throughout).