Hell's Angels
"Howard Hughes' Thrilling Multi-Million Dollar Air Spectacle"
Plot
As World War I erupts, brothers Roy and Monte Rutledge leave their studies at Oxford University to enlist in the British Royal Flying Corps. Roy is a man of high moral character, while Monte is a reckless womanizer who joins primarily to escape a duel and impress a girl. Their lives become complicated by their mutual involvement with Helen, a seductive socialite who tests their bond and reveals their true natures. The narrative culminates in a perilous bombing mission behind enemy lines where the brothers are captured by Germans. In a tragic climax, Roy is forced to make a harrowing choice to prevent a shell-shocked Monte from betraying military secrets, leading to a somber end for both siblings.
About the Production
Production began in 1927 as a silent film but was drastically overhauled after the success of 'The Jazz Singer' (1927) signaled the end of the silent era. Howard Hughes spent nearly three years and millions of dollars reshooting dialogue scenes for sound and perfecting the aerial combat. The original lead, Greta Nissen, was replaced by Jean Harlow because Nissen's Norwegian accent was deemed unsuitable for the new 'talkie' format. Hughes' perfectionism led him to fire several directors, eventually taking the helm himself for the action sequences while hiring James Whale to direct the dialogue.
Historical Background
Released during the transition from silent films to 'talkies,' 'Hell's Angels' represents the peak of independent epic filmmaking in the pre-Code era. It was made during a period of intense public fascination with aviation, fueled by Charles Lindbergh's 1927 transatlantic flight. The film also reflects the shifting cultural attitudes toward World War I, moving from the immediate post-war patriotism toward a more cynical and tragic view of the 'Great War' as a meat grinder for the youth of Europe.
Why This Film Matters
The film is credited with launching the career of Jean Harlow, the original 'Blonde Bombshell,' and establishing Howard Hughes as a major, albeit eccentric, force in Hollywood. It set the gold standard for aerial cinematography that would not be surpassed for decades. Its 'pre-Code' nature allowed for frank depictions of sexuality and adult language that would be censored just a few years later with the enforcement of the Hays Code.
Making Of
The making of 'Hell's Angels' is a legendary tale of Howard Hughes' obsession. After filming for over a year as a silent movie, Hughes realized the industry was shifting to sound and ordered a total reshoot of the non-aerial scenes. He built a private air force of vintage WWI planes, including Fokkers and Sopwith Camels, to ensure absolute authenticity. The aerial sequences were filmed without the use of miniatures, using real pilots performing actual dogfights. James Whale was brought in specifically to handle the actors because Hughes felt he lacked the temperament for dialogue direction. The production was plagued by delays, including a period where Hughes waited months for the 'perfect' cloud formations to provide a sense of speed in the sky.
Visual Style
The film utilized pioneering aerial photography techniques. Cinematographers Tony Gaudio and Harry Perry used multiple cameras mounted on planes to capture dynamic angles. The film also features a mix of black-and-white, tinted sequences (such as the red-tinted night scenes), and a notable two-color Technicolor sequence for the charity ball.
Innovations
Groundbreaking use of multi-camera setups for aerial combat and the integration of synchronized sound with high-action footage. It also featured early use of Multicolor/Technicolor processes and large-scale practical effects, such as the destruction of a massive Zeppelin model.
Music
The score was composed by Hugo Riesenfeld. As an early sound film, it made significant use of synchronized sound effects, particularly the roar of airplane engines and the rattle of machine guns, which added a visceral layer of realism that silent films lacked.
Famous Quotes
Would you be shocked if I put on something more comfortable?
Tired. Take me home, Monte... It's not far.
Never love a woman, just make love to her.
Murder! That's what this dirty, rotten politician's war is! Murder!
Memorable Scenes
- The Zeppelin Raid: A haunting sequence where a German airship emerges from the clouds over London, culminating in the crew jumping to their deaths to lighten the load.
- The Charity Ball: The only sequence in the film shot in full color, showcasing Jean Harlow's iconic backless dress.
- The Final Dogfight: A massive aerial battle involving dozens of planes that remains one of the most impressive action sequences in cinema history.
- The Execution: The tragic final scene where Roy shoots his own brother to save him from the dishonor of betrayal before facing his own death.
Did You Know?
- It was the most expensive film ever made until 'Gone with the Wind' (1939).
- Three pilots and one mechanic died during the production due to the dangerous nature of the aerial stunts.
- Howard Hughes personally piloted a plane for a stunt that his professional pilots refused to do; he crashed and suffered a skull fracture that required facial surgery.
- Jean Harlow was only 18 years old when she was cast in the role that made her a superstar.
- The film features the only color footage ever captured of Jean Harlow, a two-color Technicolor sequence at a ball.
- Hughes rented 185 arc lights for the film's premiere, which was so bright it was said to be visible for miles.
- The film used 137 pilots and nearly 100 aircraft to film the massive dogfight sequences.
- James Whale, who directed the dialogue scenes, made his uncredited film debut here before going on to direct 'Frankenstein' (1931).
- The film's production was so long that it outlasted Hughes' marriage to his first wife, Ella Rice.
- Stanley Kubrick cited 'Hell's Angels' as one of his top ten favorite films.
What Critics Said
At the time of its release, critics were polarized. While the aerial sequences were universally hailed as the greatest ever filmed, the plot and acting (particularly Jean Harlow's) were often dismissed as 'mediocre' or 'maudlin.' Modern critics view it as a flawed masterpiece, praising its technical audacity and its status as a precursor to the modern action blockbuster.
What Audiences Thought
Audiences were enthralled by the spectacle. Despite the high ticket prices and the Great Depression, it was a massive hit, drawing crowds to see the unprecedented aerial dogfights and the scandalous performance of Jean Harlow. The premiere at Grauman's Chinese Theatre was one of the largest in Hollywood history, with an estimated 50,000 to 500,000 people lining the streets.
Awards & Recognition
- The film did not win any major competitive awards at the time of release but is recognized as a landmark in technical achievement.
Film Connections
Influenced By
- Wings (1927)
- The Big Parade (1925)
- What Price Glory (1926)
This Film Influenced
- The Dawn Patrol (1930)
- Top Gun (1986)
- The Aviator (2004) - which depicts the making of the film
- Dunkirk (2017)
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Film Restoration
The film is well-preserved and has undergone various restorations. It was released on Blu-ray and UHD by The Criterion Collection, which restored the original color tinting and the Technicolor sequences.