Hell's Angels

[Barrett]

Turner Classic Movies just aired "Hell's Angels" with appropriate notes. Interesting to recall that it began as a silent film but production took so long that Howard Hughes had it revised with some cast changes to become a talkie when released in 1930.
The production values are still impressive, especially the Zeppelin shootdown. And Jean Harlow appeared to be an extremely mature 18-year-old!

[stephen]

I thought the bombing scene was especially good, with the truck getting blown 15 feet into the air and all. Everyone raves about the aerial stuff, but the bombing scenes were excellent. Also interesting to see the overriding political theme... reminds you of the hopeless, futile, anti-war feel of "All Quiet on the Western Front."

Harlow took over the part of the unfaithful girlfriend when Hughes decided to reshoot the ground-bound scenes with sound. The woman originally cast was Scandinavian (can't remember the name offhand -- Greta Nilson?) and her accent was both inappropriate and too strong for the role. Lucky break for Harlow...

Did the TCM broadcast have the tinted segment?

[Barrett]

Michael: Yes, the orange tint of the zeppelin fire (most impressive when seen from directly below as the zep falls toward the camera) as well as the blue tinted lighting inside the zep. The same tint was used for some scenes of The Night Patrol (featuring, BTW, mixed formations of SEs, Camels, a Snipe, and assorted types such as Tommy Morses.)
Tried counting the number of actual D-VIIs but they're mixed in with Travelairs. No doubt some film historians know the precise numbers. I just HATE recalling the prices being asked for "Wichita Fokkers" that had been spray planes back when I was learning to fly in 19mumble-mumble.

You can look up a great deal of information on Jean Harlow on:
www.harlean.com
or:
Find-a-Grave.com

I can remember my mother reading me the newspaper story of her death from uremic poisoning the summer I was in second grade.

Hi guys!
I don't suppose that this film has been released on video? If it has, where can I get my hot little hands on a copy?
Much obliged for the help - if any.
Thanks,
Les

[Scott]

Les:

It's listed in The Aerodrome Video Shop or go here to order a copy of the video from amazon.com.

[mike_baram]

"back when I was learning to fly in 19mumble-mumble"

Barrett,
Tell us about your experience during the great charge up San Juan Hill with Col. Teddy.
VBR,
Mike

[Richard_Schrader]

As a child my neighbor who lived two doors down was one of the last living Rough Riders. He was a great old guy who had joined up when he was 19 years old. He always told me that he was not a hero, but was assigned to hold the horses during the attack on San Juan Hill.
Come to think about it, he did say something about holding Barrett's horse that day!!!
Richard

It was not San Juan hill, but one nearby.
A poem from the time expresses it better than simple rhetoric:
In enterprise of martial kind,
When there was any fighting,
He led his regiment from behind;
He found it less exciting.