STORYLINE: Two young men from the same town but different social classes end up as fighter pilots in WWI. Jack Preston is a keen auto mechanic, building and modifying cars. David Armstrong comes from a wealthy family. They are both in love with the same woman, Sylvia. Her heart belongs to David but she doesn’t let Jack know and plays along with his infatuation. Meanwhile, Jack’s neighbour, Mary, is deeply in love with him but he just views her as a friend. WWI interrupts the romantic entanglements as Jack and David enlist in the US Army Air Service (Air Service of the AEF at the time). They are initially bitter enemies, due to them both vying for Sylvia’s affections. Over time, however, they become very good friends. They are both posted to the same fighter squadron in France, where being a fighter pilot means every day could easily be your last.  (IMDb)

   I am a huge fan of the Academy Awards, or they also known the Oscars. Pre-pandemic I put on a massive party to watch the telecast. Post Covid I have hosted a smaller, more intimate, potluck style event.  However, this spring, when the Oscars rolled around, for various reasons, I watched them by myself. When the Oscars return next spring, I may do the same, time will tell. Why am I writing about the Oscars now, when they are eight months away?  Recently a screening of the very first film to win the award for best picture, Wings, occurred, and I eagerly took my normal seat in the auditorium, to view the silent masterpiece on the big screen. 

    I enjoy sprinkling in classic screenings, with my new release movie habits. Some of these features are pure nostalgia, for me.  I recently blogged on seeing Air Force One (1997) on the big screen again, which was the first R rated movie I ever saw.  Some features I go see, like Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), are for love of the character. Top Gun (1986) was just fun.  Regardless, I enjoy myself at each movie. 

    Wings, I wanted to experience for a feel reasons. The first being the history of the motion picture. Being a fan of the Academy Awards, the want to see the first best picture winner on the silver screen was there.  To watch the plane fights, which are some of the best on cinema history, tower over me on the screen, as well.  Finally, to see some, 1920’s war visual effects, be screened. 

    The film played beautifully.  I was thrilled watching the first best picture champion on the big screen. The airplane sequences, were exciting. I felt right in the middle of each fight. A lot of this was because it features shots of the first person point of view. The visual effects, took my breath away, as well. There were explosions, as aircraft’s fell to the ground, and missiles hit their targets.  The impressive thing about Wings, and generating these visuals, is this movie predates CGI by at least half a century. This means everything had to be done practically. 

   One last thing to note, mainly to satisfy my inner film nerd, is Gary Cooper. Wings is the film that launched his career.  In a brief role, audiences took note, and from that moment his celebrity was born. 

    Seeing Wings on the big screen was an exciting experience, and a true adventure in moviegoing.

     Until next time, I will see you at the movies!