MEN WITH WINGS
US, 1938, 106 minutes, Colour.
Fred Mac Murray, Ray Milland, Louise Campbell, Andy Devine, Walter Abel, Virginia Weidler, Donald O'Connor.
Directed by William Wellman.
Men With Wings traces the history of aviation from the turn of the century to the '30s. It is the work of William Wellman, pilot and film director, responsible for such films as the first Oscar-winning movie, Wings.
The film stars Ray Milland and Fred Mac Murray, very popular at this time. The film has some good stunt work as it re-creates the development of aviation from the Wright Brothers to World War One to the postal services and air mail of the '20s and '30s as well as the developments prior to World War Two. The film was made in colour, one of the earliest films in colour.
1. Impact in the 1930s, now? The history of aviation? The developments in 30 short years? The contribution of William Wellman to films about aviation?
2. The colour photography, aerial photography, the range of period over 30 years? Production values? Stunt work?,
3. The title, the tribute to the aviators? The American focus, the Wright Brothers, the war the air mail services, the air force? History and tribute?
4. The focus on 1903, the work of the Wrights, their achievement? Ranson and his interest in planes, experiments, technology? The newspapers and their interests - lack of interest?
5. Ranson and his experiments, Peggy and the boys, their kite, love for aerial experimentation? Ranson's death and its effect?
6. Scott and Pat and their growing up together, achievement, skills? World War One and its repercussions?, Peggy and her love for Pat? Scott's loyalty and devotion?
7.. Pat and his involvement in World War One, wandering, his marriage, the birth of the' children, his friends, going off to Morocco, flying without instruments, the Depression, China, his death? His love for aviation? Love for Peggy - but unable to stay? His daughter? His inability to work in an office, his need to take risks?
8. The contrast with Scott, his loyalty, love for Peggy and devotion to her, technical knowledge, the air mails, taking care of Peggy, Pat and his experiments, the flight without instruments? Money, Joe? The end - and the tribute?
9. Joe and the comic touch, friendship, buddy, hard work?
10. The comic touch with the uncle and Hank? Their continual sparring about newspapers, reporting of aviation news? Their attitudes towards Pat and his heroism? Towards Scott? The uncle relenting and his involvement in aviation?
11. Peggy and her friendship with the boys, the impact of her father's death? Service in the war, marriage? Being left alone? The children? Being separated from her husband - the news of his death? The final tribute?
12. The blend of action and romance? Poignant touches? Thirty years of achievement?
