75 Years Ago... Wings

Oscar-winning war movies are a dime a dozen, but "Wings," the first Academy Award winner and the only silent film ever to win a best picture Oscar, still stands the test of time. The story may be as clich‚ as they come, but when one considers that the movie was made back in 1927, the plot deficiencies become a little more forgiveable and the true spirit of this World War I classic shines through.

Two flyboys from different sides of the street, Jack Powell (Charles Rogers) and David Armstrong (Richard Arlen), dream of joining the air force during the First World War, even as they compete for the love of the same girl. Appropriate Shakespearean twists are thrown into the mix when next door neighbor Mary Preston, played by bombshell 1920s actress and original "it girl" Clara Bow, falls in love with Jack, and ensuing comedic follies result in a myriad of mix-ups as the two men leave for war and little heartbroken Mary tags along as a nurse.

The acting isn't exceptional, though Bow steals the spotlight with her good-girl attitude (and leaves the audience wondering why Jack couldn't have spotted her sooner). Gary Cooper ("For Whom the Bell Tolls," "High Noon") makes a guest appearance, and the other performers somehow manage to hold their own in the world of silent movies.

However, the real treat of watching "Wings" is the drag-'em-out air battles. There were few special effects in the 1920s, and the extensive dogfighting throughout the second half of the movie was filmed with real planes and stunt pilots (although Rogers and Arlen get behind the cockpit for their closeups). When you consider that everything you see is as authentic as it comes in Hollywood, not even "Star Wars" or "Independence Day" can hold a candle to the action sequences here. So whether you're in it for the airplanes or the Oscar trivia, sit back, relax, and enjoy your flight.