The Dawn Patrol

source: The Dawn Patrol

Trailer—The Dawn Patrol

The Dawn Patrol

One of the last movies before WWII to have a "futility of war" theme like All quiet on the Western Front (1930). The nobility and bravery of these fliers would continue, but the negative psychological effects of men in war and the philosophical discussion of war itself would have to wait until the war that came after the war to end all wars. There are some outstanding aerial bombing scenes and dogfights (from the original 1930 Howard Hawks film) and the remake script called for some difficult acting and the entire cast delivers. Some say this is Errol Flynn's best performance and showed his seldom used ability to deliver a great real role with emotion and humanism, and that he was more than a handsome star with a seductive smile.

Great WW1 flying drama. A remake of Howard Hawks' "The Dawn Patrol" (1930) (sometimes known as "Flight Commander"). Not sure why it needed to be remade - it was great as it was. This version doesn't add anything. Plot is almost to-the-letter identical to the original. Flying sequences and cinematography here are about as good, even though this movie was made 8 years later. Not that there's anything wrong with this movie. Still a very gritty and accurate look at life, and death, in a Royal Flying Corps (RFC) fighter squadron. Details fairly well the burden of command, of sending pilots to almost certain death. One area where this version trumps the original is in the performances. The original's performances weren't bad, but weren't great either. Here the performances are superb, especially from Errol Flynn, David Niven and Basil Rathbone. As said, not sure why this was (re)made, but a great movie nevertheless.

Clear eyed depiction of the cost and dangers for bombers during wartime. Errol Flynn is very good, a reminder that he was excellent not only in period pictures and westerns but quite capable in modern dress dramas. Strong supporting cast helps with Basil Rathbone standing out as a man who understands but is troubled by the weight of his duty even while others do not and is compassionate enough when the that weight has shifted to offer solace. David Niven's star moved much higher with his performance here, it would still be a few years before he moved into the top ranks but he was done with unimportant roles from this point on. Goulding's direction is steady and assured.

This is an extremely well-made WWI aviator film. The flying sequences are excellent and realistic, the story keeps your attention throughout, the direction is good and the actors are at their best. This is a great example of the type of movies Warner Brothers was capable of making--maybe not quite as elegant as those from MGM, but certainly highly entertaining and filled with their old standby actors (in this case Flynn). Along with the ever-exciting to watch Flynn are David Niven (providing wonderful support), Basil Rathbone and Donald Crisp. What a cast! Now if the movie had any shortcoming it might be argued that the material is a bit familiar--you know, guys risking and living beside death and all the accompanying tensions. BUT, it's not just the broad plot outline that make up the movie and everything else is just so well executed you can overlook this minor aspect of the film.

I don't have a lot to say about this movie. Errol Flynn is excellent as Captain Courtney, and the rest of the cast is excellent in their roles. That didn't surprise me. What surprised me was two things. First, how the British flying aces in World War I contend with the harsh realities of war, specifically the deaths of their friends and the decisions that had to be made to send more men to their deaths (excellently portrayed by Basil Rathbone as Major Brand). Whats most impressive, however, is how engaging the air sequences were. They were ahead of their time and they hold up rather well today. I just saw Pearl Harbour, and I would say the Dawn Patrol is more exciting. It holds up well today, and if you get a chance, give it a watch. 8 out of 10.