Wings (1927)

Two young men, one rich, one middle class, who are in love with the same woman, become fighter pilots in World War I.

Directors:

William A. Wellman, Harry d'Abbadie d'Arrast (uncredited)

Writers:

John Monk Saunders (story), Hope Loring (screenplay)

Stars:

Clara Bow, Charles 'Buddy' Rogers, Richard Arlen

Won 2 Oscars. Another 3 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Clara Bow	...	Mary Preston
Charles 'Buddy' Rogers	...	Jack Powell (as Charles Rogers)
Richard Arlen	...	David Armstrong
Jobyna Ralston	...	Sylvia Lewis
El Brendel	...	Herman Schwimpf
Richard Tucker	...	Air Commander
Gary Cooper	...	Cadet White
Gunboat Smith	...	The Sergeant
Henry B. Walthall	...	David's Father
Roscoe Karns	...	Lt. Cameron
Julia Swayne Gordon	...	David's Mother
Arlette Marchal	...	Celeste

Storyline

Two young men from the same town but different social classes end up as fighter pilots in WW1. Jack Preston is a keen auto mechanic, building and modifying cars. David Armstrong comes from a wealthy family. They are both in love with the same woman, Sylvia. Her heart belongs to David but she doesn't let Jack know and plays along with his infatuation. Meanwhile, Jack's neighbour, Mary, is deeply in love with him but he just views her as a friend. WW1 interrupts the romantic entanglements as Jack and David enlist in the US Army Air Service (Air Service of the AEF at the time). They are initially bitter enemies, due to them both vying for Sylvia's affections. Over time, however, they become very good friends. They are both posted to the same fighter squadron in France, where being a fighter pilot means every day could easily be your last.

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Plot Keywords:

world war one | friendship | military training | 1910s | national film registry | 

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Taglines:

The Drama of the Skies

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Genres:

Drama | Romance | War | Action

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for war violence

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 January 1929 (USA)

Also Known As:

Alas

Filming Locations:

Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, Arizona, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$2,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Famous Lasky Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

144 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System) (musical score and sound effects) Silent Dolby Digital (2012 restoration edition)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This film played in theaters for sixty-three weeks upon initial release. One of the reasons why it was such a resounding success was that the public had become obsessed with aviation following Charles Lindbergh's successful trans-Atlantic flight.

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Goofs

Mary paints the shooting star on only one side of the car. But a shot or two later of the car from a different angle, where they are standing in front of the car, reveals enough information to show that the shooting star is now painted on both sides of the car.

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Quotes

John "Jack" Powell: Dave - I was trying to get just one more Heinie for you...

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Connections

Featured in The House That Shadows Built (1931)

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Soundtracks

Mam'selle Caprice
(credited on 2012 restored score only)
Written by Maurice Baron

User Reviews

a little dated here and there, but overall a great film

In many ways, I enjoyed this film more than the more expensive HELL'S ANGELS (which Howard Hughes RE-SHOT after its initial completion in order to make it a sound picture)--even though it was a silent film. That's because for a silent movie, it's nearly as good as you're going to find, whereas the primitive sound of Hell's Angels and less engaging plot left me feeling a bit flat--though its flying sequence were clearly better and more spectacular than those in WINGS.

Clara Bow is excellent as the sweet lead of the film whose two friends go off to war. This is a far better showcase of her talents than the equally famous movie "IT" (which did NOT age as well).

Richard Arlen and Buddy Rogers also did fine jobs in the movie, though special recognition must also be given to the cinematography--the movie is just beautiful in spots and the aerial sequences are amazing for 1927! The only down side? Occasionally, there are melodramatic lapses in the pacing--such as the drinking scene where they talk about BUBBLES incessantly. This seems to be due mostly to the style of the day, and for what it was, it was a brilliant picture. I can easily see why it got the first Best Picture award.