Only Angels Have Wings is a 1939 American adventure romantic drama film directed by Howard Hawks, starring Cary Grant and Jean Arthur. The plot revolves around the manager of an air freight company in a remote South American port town who is forced to risk his pilots' lives to secure an important contract. The film is known for its excellent cinematography, aerial scenes, and a top-notch cast including Rita Hayworth in one of her first major roles. It is considered one of Howard Hawks' finest films, particularly praised for its portrayal of the professionalism of the pilots and its atmospheric flying sequences. The movie combines adventure, drama, romance, and a bit of comedy, making it a highly recommended classic film.
Plot
The plot of Only Angels Have Wings revolves around the manager of an air freight company in a remote South American port town who is faced with difficult decisions that put his pilots' lives at risk to secure an important contract. Cary Grant plays the tough-talking head of the air freight service, navigating through challenges and dangers in the pursuit of success in the aviation industry.
Trailer
@taskmaster4450le/re-leothreads-2fk9kqdzr
Cast
- Cary Grant as Geoff Carter
- Jean Arthur as Bonnie Lee
- Richard Barthelmess as Bat MacPherson
- Rita Hayworth as Judy MacPherson
- Thomas Mitchell
- Allyn Joslyn
- Sig Ruman
- Victor Kilian
Director: Howard Hawks
Writer: Howard Hawks, Jules Furthman, William Rankin, Eleanore Griffin
Genre: Adventure
Release Date (Theaters): May 12, 1939
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 5, 2013
Distributor: Columbia TriStar home video, Columbia Home Video
Theme
The theme of Only Angels Have Wings revolves around masculinity, professionalism, personal challenge, loyalty, and the intimate relationships among male characters. The film delves into the world of aviation, highlighting the bravery and sacrifice of pilots who risk their lives daily for their profession. Howard Hawks' signature style shines through in the film, emphasizing strong characters, dynamic storytelling, and emotional depth.
The title itself, "Only Angels Have Wings," symbolizes the courage and heroism displayed by the pilots, almost elevating them to angelic status due to their determination and resilience. The movie seamlessly blends elements of adventure, romance, and comedy while exploring themes of redemption, second chances, fear, and camaraderie among pilots. Overall, Only Angels Have Wings is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences due to its universal themes and masterful storytelling.
Reception
The reception of Only Angels Have Wings has been positive, with an IMDb rating of 7.6/10. The film is praised for its excellent cinematography, interesting aerial scenes, and a top-notch cast featuring Cary Grant, Jean Arthur, Rita Hayworth, and others. Critics highlight the film's solid storytelling, adventure-romance theme, and the engaging portrayal of characters like Geoff Carter and Bonnie Lee. The movie is commended for its blend of tension, humor, and emotional depth, making it a classic that continues to captivate audiences.
Production Challenge
The production of Only Angels Have Wings faced challenges that were overcome with innovative special effects. Howard Hawks, the director, utilized his flying expertise and the public's fascination with aviation to create a series of films leading up to this masterpiece. To capture the challenging flight stunts in the film, Hawks employed innovative special effects that combined live action with miniatures to simulate traversing the steep mountain passes of the Andes. These techniques contributed to creating breathtaking visuals for the aerial sequences in the movie.
Setting
The film Only Angels Have Wings is set in the fictional South American port of Barranca. The story unfolds in this remote location, focusing on the lives of pilots managing an airmail company amidst challenging and dangerous circumstances. The setting plays a crucial role in creating the atmosphere of adventure, professionalism, and camaraderie among the characters, highlighting the thrill-seeking nature of the pilots and the risks they face in their daily endeavors. The film's backdrop adds depth to the narrative, enhancing the tension and drama as the characters navigate through personal challenges and professional dilemmas in this unique and captivating environment.
Visual Styles & Techniques
The visual styles and techniques employed in Only Angels Have Wings reflect Howard Hawks' innovative approach to storytelling and filmmaking. The Howard Hawks screenwriting method, characterized by quick, overlapping dialogue, action over dialogue, and a focus on character over plot, contributed to the film's engaging and dynamic narrative. Hawks emphasized natural and fast-paced dialogue that captured the essence of real conversation, creating a sense of speed and excitement in the scenes.
In terms of visual aesthetics, Cary Grant's character, Geoff Carter, is depicted as a high-flying cowboy with a classic leather flight jacket, a straw planter's hat, and a studded gunbelt, embodying the adventurous spirit of the era. The film's setting in the fictional South American port of Barranca adds depth to the storytelling, enhancing the atmosphere of adventure, danger, and camaraderie among the pilots.
Furthermore, Only Angels Have Wings is praised for its high-wire aerial photography, Oscar-nominated special effects, and Rita Hayworth's breakout role. The film explores themes of masculine codes and strong-willed women challenging them, showcasing Hawks' recurring motifs in his work. The visual craftsmanship of the film, combined with its engaging narrative and memorable characters, has solidified its status as a classic piece of cinematic artistry that continues to captivate audiences decades later.
Trivia & Fun Fact
- Cary Grant, who played the lead role of Geoff Carter in the film, had a prolific career in Hollywood, starring in numerous iconic movies such as "North by Northwest," "Charade," and "An Affair to Remember".
- Howard Hawks, the director of the film, was known for his innovative filmmaking techniques and his ability to seamlessly blend different genres. He directed a series of successful films before and after "Only Angels Have Wings," including the screwball comedy "Bringing Up Baby" and the aviation drama "Ceiling Zero".
- The film's setting in a fictional South American port town added depth to the narrative, creating an atmosphere of adventure, danger, and camaraderie among the pilots.
- Only Angels Have Wings is considered one of Howard Hawks' masterpieces, known for its engaging storytelling, memorable characters, and impressive aerial sequences. The movie has stood the test of time as a classic piece of cinematic artistry.
General:
Page by @iskafan