A very good movie representing the early 30's. George Archainbaud directs this excellent drama depicting an autocratic film director Arthur von Furst(Erich von Stroheim), who hires three former World War I flying aces to fly stunts in a Hollywood war movie. The aces, Capt. 'Gibby' Gibson(Richard Dix), Lt. 'Woody' Curwood(Robert Armstrong) and Red(Joel McCrea)are astounded by the fact that the director has them flying maneuvers as dangerous as if they were still in battle. For a little feminine charm there is Dorothy Jordan as Curwood's little sister; and then there is the movie star Follette Marsh played by Mary Astor. Wanting realism, the director has planes rigged to crash. There is romance, infidelity and murder involved along with the stunning aerial sequences. Other players include: Hugh Herbert, Ralph Ince and William B. Davidson.
Astor gives a certain touch of class to the film. Dix and Armstrong every bit the matinée idols. And von Stroheim superb as the overbearing movie director.
Astor gives a certain touch of class to the film. Dix and Armstrong every bit the matinée idols. And von Stroheim superb as the overbearing movie director.