dir. William Wellman
year. 1927
country. USA
run-time. 136min
rating. PG
£6 (£4.50 conc.)
Doors 700PM – Film 7:30PM
To mark 100 years since the guns fell silent at the close of the First World War, Deptford Cinema is proud to present this American classic in its beautiful new restoration edition for the first time: WINGS. We are delighted that film historian, director, programmer and silent film expert Kevin Brownlow will introduce this screening.
Forever granted a place in cinematic history by winning the first ever Academy Award for Best Picture in 1927 and the only silent film to do so, William Wellman’s silent epic Wings is more than an Oscar-winner, but an epic story of friendship with the type of thrilling action only practical effects can imagine… Hometown best friends Jack (Charles “Buddy” Rogers) and David (Richard Arlen) compete for the affection of the same woman (Jobyna Ralston), though Jack doesn’t realise that the girl next door Mary Preston (Clara Bow) has eyes for him as well. But the First World War is soon upon them, so the boys are off to France to fight against the Germans. Meanwhile, Mary follows Jack into enemy lines as a nurse.
Wellman’s sweeping drama combines the most spectacular of stunts and huge action set-pieces with the purest melodrama, and features one of Bow’s greatest performances and the screen debut of screen icon Gary Cooper.
"A mixture of melodrama, sentimental romance and heavy-handed comedy, Wings was superbly choreographed with skilfully photographed stunt flying and aerial combat...This beautifully restored print, with hand-tinted shots of cannon fire and explosions, as well as the original score, is first rate” - Philip French, The Guardian