One hell of an epic dogfight scene. Nothing much leftover.

One hell of an epic dogfight scene. Nothing much leftover.

For how famous the making of this movie is, very few people have actually seen it. Long story short: it’s got incredible flying sequences, with a very mediocre shot.

It’s incredible how cinematic these air chases are. I have never seen anything like it. The planes start swarming in the sky, and diving at each other after flying in formation. That being said, for a two year production on the flying, it’s weird that they’re only two aerial scenes.

Jean Harlow aside, the plot is fairly boring. Ben Lyon didnt intrigue me as a lead.

If you just watch this and space out during 80% of the movie, you’ll go crazy for the set pieces. Interesting watch!

For how famous the making of this movie is, very few people have actually seen it. Long story short: it’s got incredible flying sequences, with a very mediocre shot.

It’s incredible how cinematic these air chases are. I have never seen anything like it. The planes start swarming in the sky, and diving at each other after flying in formation. That being said, for a two year production on the flying, it’s weird that they’re only two aerial scenes.

Jean Harlow aside, the plot is fairly boring. Ben Lyon didnt intrigue me as a lead.

If you just watch this and space out during 80% of the movie, you’ll go crazy for the set pieces. Interesting watch!

Some parts are pretty slow but the highs definitely make up for it the cinematography is insane considering it was the 1930s

Some parts are pretty slow but the highs definitely make up for it the cinematography is insane considering it was the 1930s

6 out of 52 for the 2026 Criterion Challenge

The aerial scenes are fantastic. The scene of the Zeppelin first coming in is now one of my favorite shots from this era. I cannot stress how cool that was. Unfortunately the story was very hollow. I like Jean Harlow but she could be completely removed and this would have been exactly the same. Her character felt pointless, but that is amplified by the two male leads also giving not so great performances. It felt like there was zero development or complexity to any of these characters. I didn't really like the script either. The Karl character at the beginning also felt very wasted and kind of unnecessary. ( Wings is vastly superior.) Regardless though this is still worth seeing for the aerial scenes and its place in film history.

6 out of 52 for the 2026 Criterion Challenge

The aerial scenes are fantastic. The scene of the Zeppelin first coming in is now one of my favorite shots from this era. I cannot stress how cool that was. Unfortunately the story was very hollow. I like Jean Harlow but she could be completely removed and this would have been exactly the same. Her character felt pointless, but that is amplified by the two male leads also giving not so great performances. It felt like there was zero development or complexity to any of these characters. I didn't really like the script either. The Karl character at the beginning also felt very wasted and kind of unnecessary. ( Wings is vastly superior.) Regardless though this is still worth seeing for the aerial scenes and its place in film history.

At this point, I’m watching anything but Christmas movies. Maybe the most insane way to say “I have a billion dollars”?

Outside of the, honestly, incredible action sequences, this is soooo boring. I could care less for a love triangle / affair between brothers over a random flapper girl. JUST GIVE ME THE PLANES!!

At this point, I’m watching anything but Christmas movies. Maybe the most insane way to say “I have a billion dollars”?

Outside of the, honestly, incredible action sequences, this is soooo boring. I could care less for a love triangle / affair between brothers over a random flapper girl. JUST GIVE ME THE PLANES!!