In hard times just after World War I, three ex-fighter pilots manage to land jobs as Hollywood stunt fliers working for dictatorial director Von Furst.In hard times just after World War I, three ex-fighter pilots manage to land jobs as Hollywood stunt fliers working for dictatorial director Von Furst.In hard times just after World War I, three ex-fighter pilots manage to land jobs as Hollywood stunt fliers working for dictatorial director Von Furst.
William B. Davidson
- Lelewer
- (as William Davidson)
Frank Clarke
- Flier
- (uncredited)
Thomas A. Curran
- Night Watchman
- (uncredited)
Edgar Dearing
- Policeman Wanting Report
- (uncredited)
Art Goebel
- Flier
- (uncredited)
Dick Grace
- Flier
- (uncredited)
Arnold Gray
- Tall Actor in War Film
- (uncredited)
Freeman Lang
- Freeman Lang - Radio Announcer
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaAs Richard Dix tries to wave down Robert Armstrong following the plane's sabotage by Von Stroheim, during the back and forth banter Armstrong's character clearly flips his middle finger or "the bird" to Dix, and with a smile on his face.
- GoofsAt the start, during the aerial dog fight, the front aiming machine guns fire too quickly for the bullets to pass through the propellers.
- Quotes
Lt. Woody Kerwood: Well, if I'm gonna fall apart, I'd rather do it stewed than sober.
[laughs]
Lt. Woody Kerwood: It doesn't hurt as much, huh?
- ConnectionsEdited into Histoire(s) du cinéma: Une vague nouvelle (1999)
- SoundtracksOver There
(1917) (uncredited)
Music by George M. Cohan
Strains played during the opening credits
Also played more fully as background music
Featured review
Excellent Performances Spark Aerial Drama
Never forgetting THE LOST SQUADRON of the Great War days, three former flying aces stick together and become Hollywood stunt pilots.
RKO produced this little Pre-Code adventure drama--now nearly forgotten--and filled it with good acting and fine production values. The aerial scenes are exciting and the story keeps the viewer's interest right to the end. Important names from Hollywood's future loaned their talents behind the camera, with David O. Selznick as executive producer, additional dialogue by Herman J. Mankiewiez and the score composed by Max Steiner.
Refreshingly, the four buddies in this film (the three pilots and their mechanic sergeant) remain so through every difficulty, sparing the audience from much unnecessary screen angst, anger & animosity. These are indeed friends forever.
As leader of the group, firm-jawed Richard Dix adds another fine performance to his portrait gallery. Decent, charismatic & implacably faithful to his buddies, Dix makes a good hero, even if his final act goes perhaps a step too far. Not quite yet a major star, Joel McCrea plays his character as impetuous and romantic. Robert Armstrong, his adventures with KONG still a year away, is the alcoholic pilot who takes too many risks. Rounding out the quartet is the whimsical Hugh Herbert, his gentle, quirky humor a nice balance to the film's serious tone.
Beautiful Mary Astor lends elegance to the role of the movie actress who rejects love to advance her career. Dorothy Jordan plays Armstrong's lively sister, a real pal to the pilots.
In a wonderful piece of casting, the legendary Erich von Stroheim portrays the vile film director employing the pilots. Obviously playing a parody of himself, von Stroheim seems to relish the villainous role, strutting about like a slightly maniacal martinet, consumed with jealousy & rage, inflicting pain both psychic & physical on those under his control. His eventual fate is deliciously deserved.
RKO produced this little Pre-Code adventure drama--now nearly forgotten--and filled it with good acting and fine production values. The aerial scenes are exciting and the story keeps the viewer's interest right to the end. Important names from Hollywood's future loaned their talents behind the camera, with David O. Selznick as executive producer, additional dialogue by Herman J. Mankiewiez and the score composed by Max Steiner.
Refreshingly, the four buddies in this film (the three pilots and their mechanic sergeant) remain so through every difficulty, sparing the audience from much unnecessary screen angst, anger & animosity. These are indeed friends forever.
As leader of the group, firm-jawed Richard Dix adds another fine performance to his portrait gallery. Decent, charismatic & implacably faithful to his buddies, Dix makes a good hero, even if his final act goes perhaps a step too far. Not quite yet a major star, Joel McCrea plays his character as impetuous and romantic. Robert Armstrong, his adventures with KONG still a year away, is the alcoholic pilot who takes too many risks. Rounding out the quartet is the whimsical Hugh Herbert, his gentle, quirky humor a nice balance to the film's serious tone.
Beautiful Mary Astor lends elegance to the role of the movie actress who rejects love to advance her career. Dorothy Jordan plays Armstrong's lively sister, a real pal to the pilots.
In a wonderful piece of casting, the legendary Erich von Stroheim portrays the vile film director employing the pilots. Obviously playing a parody of himself, von Stroheim seems to relish the villainous role, strutting about like a slightly maniacal martinet, consumed with jealousy & rage, inflicting pain both psychic & physical on those under his control. His eventual fate is deliciously deserved.
- Ron Oliver
- Apr 28, 2004
- Permalink
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Languages
- Also known as
- Son Tayyareciler
- Filming locations
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $621,000 (estimated)
- Runtime1 hour 19 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.19 : 1
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