Here’s a quiz: What movie by Howard Hawks involves a small group of men living by their wits in a remote camp far from civilization and faced with life-threatening odds against uncontrollable forces?
Well, the obvious answer is “The Thing,” set near the North Pole and involving a group of trapped scientists fighting a being from outer space. But in 1939, Hawks wrote and directed another movie with similar circumstances about a band of pilots flying for a small airline company in the jungles of South America dealing with the elements and the Andes mountains. Every day, these men fly dangerous missions involving high winds, storms, navigating high mountain passes and transporting cargo like nitroglycerin across the divide. And they live by a code of honor that allows for no backing down or showing of weakness.
At the center of the story is Geoff Carter, the chief pilot and manager of the company, played with swagger and self-assurance by Cary Grant. Grant had seen a formidable rise in his popularity during the late 1930s, having played in several screwball comedies like “Bringing Up Baby” and adventure movies such as “Gunga Din.” More than any other actor of that era or perhaps since then, Grant was equally adept at playing both comedic characters and action heroes, and often blending both talents. That ability is nowhere more on display than in this film in which he must equally deal with a group of hardened veterans and a screwball counterpart played by Jean Arthur.
One can see the influence this movie had on on countless action movies to come. Some that come to mind are “The Wages of Fear,” “The Dirty Dozen,” “Seven Samurai” and the Indiana Jones films. What is remarkable is that all the action and dialogue in this movie is set in only two locations: the interior of the company’s headquarters and the cockpit of a plane. The director, Hawks, adeptly juxtaposes tense dialogue and comedic interplay with thrilling visuals of small aircraft flying through the jungles and mountains. Many shots of flying aircraft are real and riveting. As most of the film takes place in the headquarters set, the film reminds one of a stage play. Grant dominates most of these scenes with a commanding presence and magnetism that drives the film. He is supported by a great cast of character actors, recognized from countless other films of the era. Among them is Rita Hayworth, who had her first important lead role in this film.
If you cannot get enough of Cary Grant, add this one to the list and come out to see a wonderful, exciting and satisfying movie from Hollywood’s golden era.
“Only Angels Have Wings” (1939, 121 minutes) screens at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, as part of the Tuesday Nights at the Movies series at Woodmere, 9201 Germantown Ave., in the main gallery. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and light refreshments will be provided prior to the screening. Tuesday Nights at the Movies screenings are free to the public, but donations are greatly appreciated.
