Wings

US (1927): Drama/Romance/War/Action/Silent

Jack (Charles "Buddy" Rogers) works on his sports car and dreams of flying. His neighbor Mary (Clara Bow) is in love with him but he seems not to notice, having been smitten by the fair Sylvia (Jobyna Ralston), unaware that Sylvia has eyes only for David (Richard Arlen). The distant drums of war beckon, and Jack and David train to be pilots in the American Expeditionary Corps. Their rivalry soon evolves into camaraderie as they do aerial battle with the Germans in the skies over France. Meanwhile Mary has joined the Women's Motor Corps and despairs that Jack doesn't notice her. She runs across him while he is on leave in Paris and compromises her reputation by being caught in his room by the military police. She is sent home in disgrace. After the boys return to duty, David is shot down behind enemy lines and steals a German plane to return to his own base. While on patrol, Jack shoots down David's plane, and the men are reconciled in one of the most touching depictions of brotherly love ever filmed. Jack returns home after the war, and he pays a call on David's parents (Henry B. Walthall and Julia Swayne). He finally realizes his true feelings for Mary -- who after all has "IT!"

William A. "Wild Bill" Wellman directs the action, which features stunning flying sequences and some ground-breaking cinematography. Although Sunrise is a more beautiful film, there's no disputing Wings as the Best Picture of Oscar^®:'s first year.

2 nominations, 2 Awards