"Dawn Patrol" on Turner Classic Movies

[Gregvan]

For the younger or newer forumites who may never have seen it, the 1938 version of The Dawn Patrol with the classic trio of Flynn, Niven, and Rathbone - will be aired the night of Monday, May 25 on Turner Classic Movies (at 10:30 according to ImdB, but check your local listings as they say).



If you've never seen it, be sure you do! Yes, all the flying scenes were lifted directly from the 1930 version (with Richard Barthelmes and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr, directed by Howard Hawks) and none of the aircraft that actually flew were real WWI types. Nonetheless, they ARE real airplanes being flown by real pilots - not one CGI frame in the whole thing. On the ground you can see real (if modified) Nieuport 28's and Thomas Morse Scouts (with real rotaries) and Pfalz D.XII's. The attack on "Von Richter's" German airfield is a masterpiece of photography and flying, with real explosions that endangered the lives of some of the best stunt pilots then flying.



Furthermore, you can't go wrong with the likes of Errol Flynn, David Niven and Basil Rathbone at their prime during Hollywood's golden age. The camaraderie and horseplay involving Niven and Flynn is priceless.

This is one of THE classic and most influential of all WWI aviation flicks. Way back when I was a teenager, I bought some of the 8 mm film clips from this movie which were then available (that was long before any kind of VCR, kiddies) and wore them out on my Dad's old projector. I was already hooked on WWI aviation, but the scenes from "Dawn Patrol" had a huge influence on me and remained burned on my retinas.

So watch. And enjoy.

[rainbase]

Yes indeed, Greg, this one is a real classic.
"So stand by your glasses steady...."

[Enthusiast]

I'm watching it right now. They killed off David Niven!

No, wait, he's back.

[Gregvan]

Great flick, huh?

[josef scott]

Damn!

Got my times mixed up and missed the first half-hour! Still great. Wish I'd seen it when I was a lad.

[Frederic Mason]

FELLAS; Truly a classic movie that helped foster my interest in WWI aero. But it is available almost anywhere on DVD today for your instant viewing pleasure. Add a big home theatre screen size and it's as good as the old saturday afternoon serial seat. While it is excellent - IMHO - WINGS is the better film. That one has real SPADs buzzing around in it and more interesting vintage aircraft flying. Who is selling the best DVD print of that film?? I need to buy it. Cheers; FM

[Willi Von Klugerman]

For the younger or newer forumites who may never have seen it

Don't worry Gregvan!Im 16 and I've seen this (both versions actually) when I was 13.And your right,the flight action is quite stunning!!!I always loved the drome attack scene and the high pitch noise as the bombs drop on the hangars and aircraft.The film had a very haunting message in it.

[Willi Von Klugerman]

The fatal moment of our hero towards the end is very poigant.His aircraft in flames and he turns to the German victor and salutes him,and the German salutes back.The haunting message in the end is when after the men recieve the news of their CO's fate,more young men fill in the ranks.Thus,continuing
the endless process of leading young,inexpirienced men into battle,only to fall as well.

[Barrett]

Why-o-why does the opening montage say 1915????
Sheesh.

[Bulldog90]

Yeah, I wondered that too. And some of the Brit planes looked like Nieuport 28's with Lewis guns mounted on top, if I'm not mistaken.

Bulldog 90