Silent movies always seem a bit, over the top. I tend to lose interest when all you hear is piano music and see overacting. I saw this was going to be on Turner Classic Movies and thought to myself, "Self, this won the first Academy Award. At least give it a shot." I am so glad I did.
On occasion the acting is over the top, but it seems rare. There is an actually decent soundtrack over the film and sound effects!!! The story line was good and, well, every gelled. To know (due to reading trivia here just before watching the film) that the lead actors actually flew the planes was just the icing on the cake. The aerial scenes were very well done even though at times they were a bit far off, it was countered by real, well done action.
Three things threw me and surprised me, taking into consideration it was made in 1927: At one point when the boys are signing up to be pilots, in the distant room others are taking their physicals. You see a line of naked guys butts. I did a double take.
At another point, you see Richard Arlen (David) with a German on his tail and he clearly mouths "Son of a Bitch!" Later on, you see Clara Bow's boobies. It's very brief and they're slightly obscured, but hey, again, 1927!!! I know, this is before censoring, but all three things took me aback and I think those small things thrown in just seriously kept my attention. Not that these were needed.
And speaking of Richard Arlen, does anyone else see a resemblance to Harrison Ford? Anyone? I'll sum up with this, it's a good movie made by a guy who knew what being a WW1 fighter pilot was all about and his experiences no doubt added to this terrific film and will enhance your experience if you watch it.
Say, is it just me or does the capitalization police around here get a little carried away? Just curious.
On occasion the acting is over the top, but it seems rare. There is an actually decent soundtrack over the film and sound effects!!! The story line was good and, well, every gelled. To know (due to reading trivia here just before watching the film) that the lead actors actually flew the planes was just the icing on the cake. The aerial scenes were very well done even though at times they were a bit far off, it was countered by real, well done action.
Three things threw me and surprised me, taking into consideration it was made in 1927: At one point when the boys are signing up to be pilots, in the distant room others are taking their physicals. You see a line of naked guys butts. I did a double take.
At another point, you see Richard Arlen (David) with a German on his tail and he clearly mouths "Son of a Bitch!" Later on, you see Clara Bow's boobies. It's very brief and they're slightly obscured, but hey, again, 1927!!! I know, this is before censoring, but all three things took me aback and I think those small things thrown in just seriously kept my attention. Not that these were needed.
And speaking of Richard Arlen, does anyone else see a resemblance to Harrison Ford? Anyone? I'll sum up with this, it's a good movie made by a guy who knew what being a WW1 fighter pilot was all about and his experiences no doubt added to this terrific film and will enhance your experience if you watch it.
Say, is it just me or does the capitalization police around here get a little carried away? Just curious.