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Poster for Wings

Wings

Seen it?

1927 | 144 min | Drama, Action, War, Romance

Friday Night Flick

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (94% on Rotten Tomatoes), it won 2 Oscars and it's still drawing plenty of interest. Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for romantics, action fans and history buffs. If you loved Doctor Zhivago or Casablanca, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Intense, warm and romantic.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 24 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated PG-13: peril. Probably too much for younger kids.
  • Made in 1927: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Two young men, one rich, one middle class, both in love with the same woman, become US Air Corps fighter pilots and, eventually, heroic flying aces during World War I. Devoted best friends, their mutual love of the girl eventually threatens their bond. Meanwhile, a hometown girl who's the lovestruck lifelong next door neighbor of one of them pines away.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    94% on Rotten Tomatoes, 78 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.3 out of 10

  • AwardsStrong

    Won 2 Oscars: Best Picture, Best Engineering Effects.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $4 million worldwide on a $2 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactStrong

    About 144K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by William A. Wellman

  • Clara BowMary Preston
  • Charles 'Buddy' RogersJack Powell
  • Richard ArlenDavid Armstrong
  • Jobyna RalstonSylvia Lewis
  • El BrendelHerman Schwimpf
  • Richard TuckerAir Commander
  • Gary CooperCadet White
  • Gunboat SmithThe Sergeant
  • Henry B. WalthallMr. Armstrong
  • Roscoe KarnsLieutenant Cameron