I Wanted Wings (1941)

Story follows the training and personal lives of three recruits in the Army Air Corps --- a wealthy playboy, a college jock and an auto mechanic. Love interest is supplied by a female ... See full summary »

Director:

Mitchell Leisen

Writers:

Richard Maibaum (screenplay), Beirne Lay Jr. (screenplay),

Stars:

Ray Milland, William Holden, Wayne Morris

Won 1 Oscar.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ray Milland	...	Jeff Young
William Holden	...	Al Ludlow
Wayne Morris	...	Tom Cassidy
Brian Donlevy	...	Capt. Mercer
Constance Moore	...	Carolyn Bartlett
Veronica Lake	...	Sally Vaughn
Harry Davenport	...	'Sandbags' Riley
Phil Brown	...	Jimmy Masters
Edward Fielding	...	President of the Court
Willard Robertson	...	Judge Advocate
Richard Lane	...	Flight Commander
Addison Richards	...	Flight Surgeon
Hobart Cavanaugh	...	Mickey
Douglas Aylesworth	...	Lt. Hopkins
John Trent	...	Lt. Ronson

Storyline

Story follows the training and personal lives of three recruits in the Army Air Corps --- a wealthy playboy, a college jock and an auto mechanic. Love interest is supplied by a female photographer and a sultry blonde.

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Plot Keywords:

aviation | patriotism | based on book

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 March 1941 (USA)

Also Known As:

Vuelo de águilas

Filming Locations:

Kelly Field, San Antonio, Texas, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

135 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Mirrophonic Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

While Veronica Lake and Richard Webb were rehearsing a scene, director Mitchell Leisen filmed a scene which included this rehearsal for his later film Hold Back the Dawn.

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Goofs

When "Sandbags" Riley (Harry Davenport) says that he reported to President Grant after a free balloon flight in 1879. Grant, although he still could be addressed as "President," was not President of the United States in 1879. He had been out of office for two years.

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Connections

Referenced in Hold Back the Dawn (1941)

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Soundtracks

"Spirit of the Air Corps"
by William J. Clinch (as Capt. William J. Clinch)

User Reviews

Wonderful film about early pilot training

This film is a wonderful depiction of pre-WWII pilot training. Veronica Lake is wonderful as she chases her man. And although it was considered romantic in 1941, today it would be considered stalking. The film was made at Kelly and Randolph Fields in San Antonio, Texas. Today you can visit the places where the film was made and see the exact same buildings and features as are in the film. Even some of the artwork seen in the film still hangs in the same place at Randolph Field today. Many of the military actors in the film were actual military members at the time. Although a little long, it gives you a fascinating glimpse into the world of prewar pilot training. The film is a must see or own for any true military history buff.