WINGS (1927)

Directed by: William A. Wellman

Starring: Clara Bow, Charles "Buddy" Rogers, Richard Arlen, Gary Cooper, Jobyna Ralston, El Brendel, Richard Tucker, Gunboat Smith, Henry B. Walthall, Roscoe Karns, Julia Swayne Gordon, Arlette Marchal, George Irving, Hedda Hopper, Evelyn Selbie, Robert Livingston, Nigel De Brulier, Zalla Zarana, Douglas Haig, Thomas Carrigan, Charles Barton, James Pierce, Carl von Haartman, Thomas Carr, Dick Grace, William A. Wellman

144 minutes

(NR - adult themes)

PLOT:

Two young men from the same town but different social classes end up as fighter pilots in WWI. 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. WWI 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.

Historically, the first film to be awarded the Academy Award for Best Picture and the only fully silent film to do so.

CLIP: