The Eagle and the Hawk is a 1933 American Pre-Code aerial war film set in world war I. Directed by Stuart Walker and Mitchell Leisen, the film stars Fredric March and Cary Grant as Royal Flying Corps fighter pilots. The plot follows American pilots Lt. Jerry Young and Lt. Mike "Slug" Richards as they join Britain's Royal Flying Corps and face the challenges of aerial combat during the war. The film received positive critical reception, with reviewers praising its realism and performances. Cary Grant and Carole Lombard also feature in the film alongside Jack Oakie and Sir Guy Standing.
Plot
The plot of The Eagle and the Hawk revolves around American pilots Lt. Jerry Young and Lt. Mike "Slug" Richards, who join Britain's Royal Flying Corps during World War I. The film follows their experiences as fighter pilots facing the challenges of aerial combat in the war. Amidst the backdrop of the conflict, the story unfolds as these pilots navigate the dangers and camaraderie of wartime aviation.
Trailer
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Cast
- Fredric March as Lt. Jerry Young
- Cary Grant as Lt. Henry Crocker
- Jack Oakie as Lt. Mike Richards
- Carole Lombard as The Beautiful Lady
- Sir Guy Standing as Major Dunham
Director: Stuart Walker
Writer: Seton I. Miller, Bogart Rogers
Genre: War
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Release Date (Theaters): May 6, 1933
Release Date (DVD): Jan 18, 2011
Theme
The theme of The Eagle and the Hawk revolves around the mental and emotional toll of war, particularly focusing on the psychological impact of aerial combat during World War I. The film delves into the struggles faced by the Royal Flying Corps fighter pilots, highlighting the physical dangers of combat as well as the profound mental challenges and moral dilemmas they encounter. Through the characters of Lt. Jerry Young, Lt. Mike "Slug" Richards, and Lt. Henry Crocker, the movie explores themes of camaraderie, sacrifice, the dehumanizing effects of war, and the psychological breakdown that can occur in the face of extreme circumstances.
Reception
The reception of The Eagle and the Hawk was generally positive, with reviewers praising the film for its realism, performances, and engaging storyline. Fredric March and Cary Grant's superb acting was highlighted, with particular emphasis on March's performance. The movie was commended for its war sequences and the atmospheric charm present throughout the film. Despite some stock footage being used in war scenes, the overall quality of the production was well-received. Additionally, the pacing of the film was noted to be excellent, capturing the essence of war aviation drama effectively. Overall, the reception of "The Eagle and the Hawk" was favorable, with critics appreciating its quality despite its relatively short runtime.
Production Challenge
The production of The Eagle and the Hawk faced challenges typical of films from that era, including technical limitations in capturing aerial combat sequences realistically. During the early 1930s, creating convincing aerial scenes presented significant challenges due to the technology available at the time. Despite these constraints, the film managed to portray aerial combat effectively, showcasing the bravery and struggles of fighter pilots during World War I. The use of stock footage in some scenes was a common practice to enhance the realism of the film's aviation sequences within the limitations of production technology at that time.
Settings
The settings in The Eagle and the Hawk play a crucial role in immersing the audience in the World War I era and the aviation world of the Royal Flying Corps. The film effectively captures the atmosphere of the war, showcasing the aerial battlegrounds and the challenges faced by fighter pilots during that time. The settings include the airfields, the trenches, and the skies where the aerial combat takes place, ALL contributing to the authenticity and intensity of the wartime narrative portrayed in the movie.
Visual styles & Techniques
The Eagle and the Hawk showcases various visual styles and techniques that contribute to its storytelling. The film effectively uses cinematography to immerse viewers in the World War I era and the challenges faced by fighter pilots. Some of the visual styles and techniques employed in the movie include:
Aerial Sequences: The film utilizes aerial cinematography to capture the intensity and danger of combat in the skies, providing a realistic portrayal of aerial warfare during World War I.
Realism: Through detailed set designs and authentic costumes, the movie creates a realistic depiction of the wartime setting, enhancing the audience's immersion in the story.
Character Portrayal: Visual cues such as character backgrounds shown during opening credits help establish key traits and backgrounds, setting the stage for character development throughout the film.
Atmospheric Charm: The visual style of the film captures the atmosphere of war-torn Europe, emphasizing the emotional and psychological toll of combat on the characters.
Use of Stock Footage: While some scenes incorporate stock footage, the film effectively blends these elements with original footage to create a cohesive visual narrative.
Trivia & Fun Fact
Directorial Dispute: Mitchell Leisen, although credited as the associate director, directed the majority of the film. Stuart Walker was assigned to assist with dialogue but did not actively contribute. Leisen's experience and direction significantly shaped the movie.
Explosion Incident: During filming, an explosion went off prematurely, trapping Fredric March under Fallen beams. Cary Grant, despite being injured himself, held up a beam to allow March to escape, preventing more serious injuries.
Aerial Combat Footage: Some aerial combat footage in the film was taken from earlier movies like "The Dawn Patrol" (1930) and "Wings" (1927), blending new and existing footage to enhance the realism of the aerial sequences.
Reference to "Greentails": The Allied pilots in the film refer to the Germans as "Greentails," a nod to the German squadron Jasta 5, known for their distinctive green paint scheme on their planes' tails.
Associated Motion Picture Pilots: Twelve members of the Associated Motion Picture Pilots, also known as "The suicide Squad," worked on this film, bringing their expertise in aviation scenes to enhance the authenticity of the aerial sequences.
