When their cat climbs to the top of a power pole, Pat (Noel Francis) and Gertie (Marjorie Beebe) call the entire fire department to come help them bring the kitty down.  The fire chief isn’t amused but two firemen, Charlie (Johnny Mack Brown) and Fishey (George Cooper), both catch the eye of Pat and Gertie.  Soon, Charlie is dating Pat and Fishey dating Gertie.  While Fishey and Gertie provide the comic relief, Charlie and Pat provide the drama.  Charlie thinks that Pat’s boss (Richard Tucker) is putting the moves on her and he responds by punching him.  Charlie and Pat break up but a fire that breaks out next door to Pat’s building brings them back together.

There’s not much to this programmer but it’s a chance to see western star Johnny Mack Brown in a “modern” role.  He’s convincingly tough as the headstrong Charlie while veteran actor George Cooper (who usually went uncredited in the 220 films that he appeared in) provides able support as his eccentric best friend.  Noel Francis and Marjorie Beebe are both likable as the two secretaries who end up with firefighter boyfriends and it’s had not to regret that neither had a bigger career in Hollywood.  As for the fire scenes, they are actually pretty effective for a 1930s film.  There are a few shaky shots but I imagine they were still good enough to thrill afternoon matinee audiences in 1932.

This film is often known as Flames, which provides a double meaning.  The characters fight flames while being flames themselves.  Personally, I think Fire Alarm is better.