Wings (film)
"Wings" is a 1927 silent film directed by William A. Wellman, a former pilot himself, which captivated audiences with its authentic portrayal of aerial combat during World War I. The narrative centers on two young aviators, Jack Powell and David Armstrong, portrayed by Charles "Buddy" Rogers and Richard Arlen, respectively, who join the U.S. Army Air Service and navigate their personal and romantic entanglements. Clara Bow, known as the "It girl" of the era, plays Mary Preston, who harbors feelings for Jack, adding a layer of romantic tension to the story. The film premiered at New York’s Criterion Theatre on August 12, 1927, shortly after the public's excitement surrounding aviation was piqued by events like Charles Lindbergh's transatlantic flight.
"Wings" received critical acclaim and won two Academy Awards at the first ceremony in 1929, including the award for Most Outstanding Production, later recognized as Best Picture. Its success not only boosted the careers of its leading actors but also marked a significant moment in film history for its innovative use of synchronized sound during a re-release in 1929. The film is notable for its pioneering special effects and remains a significant cultural artifact of early American cinema, reflecting the era's fascination with both aviation and the complexities of love and friendship amidst the backdrop of war.
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Wings (film)
Identification: Film about fighter pilots in World War I
Director: William A. Wellman
Date: 1927
Directed by former pilot William A. Wellman, Wings captured the imagination of 1920s audiences with its realistic depictions of aerial battles, capitalizing on the public’s newfound interest in aviation. The film, which featured such popular actors as Charles “Buddy” Rogers and Clara Bow, was met with critical and popular acclaim and won two Academy Awards.
Known primarily as a director of action films, William A. Wellman drew on his own experience as a pilot during World War I to direct Wings. A Paramount production, the film premiered at the New York’s Criterion Theatre on August 12, 1927.
The film follows Jack Powell (Rogers) and David Armstrong (Richard Arlen), young men who join the U.S. Army Air Service following the United States’ entry into World War I. Both are attracted to Sylvia Lewis (Jobyna Ralston), who, in turn, is in love with David. The heroine, Mary Preston (Bow), loves and remains loyal to Jack, although he remains oblivious to her feelings. After completing their training, Jack and David are stationed in France. Mary joins the war effort as well, but she is forced to return to the United States after an embarrassing misunderstanding. In September of 1918, the fighter pilots participate in the Battle of Saint-Mihiel. David is shot down, but he survives and steals a German plane in an attempt to rejoin the other Americans. Mistaking David for an enemy, Jack shoots down the stolen plane, killing his friend. Upon returning to the United States after the end of the war, Jack recognizes and returns Mary’s affections.
Wings was immediately successful with audiences, in large part because it starred Bow, the popular “It girl” of the period. In addition, the film’s focus on aviation appealed to many in the wake of Charles Lindbergh’s transatlantic solo flight, which occurred several months before the film’s release. Although Wings was a silent film, it was rereleased early in 1929 with a synchronized score and sound effects, taking advantage of the newly popular sound-on-film technology.
Impact
At the first Academy Awards ceremony, held in May of 1929, Wings won the Academy Award for Most Outstanding Production, later deemed equivalent to the award for Best Picture, as well as the award for Best Engineering Effects. In addition to furthering the careers of the main cast, all of whom continued to act into the 1930s, the film became particularly notable in later decades for the appearance of Gary Cooper in one of his first credited roles.
Bibliography
Thompson, Frank T. William A. Wellman. Metuchen, N.J.: Scarecrow Press, 1983.
Wellman, William. A Short Time for Insanity. New York: Hawthorn Books, 1974.
Wellman, William, Jr. The Man and His Wings: William A. Wellman and the Making of the First Best Picture. New York: Praeger Publishers, 2006.