The Flying Fleet

A slight story of Annapolis-cadet camaraderie and a predictable romantic triangle provide excuses for extensive aerial footage of post-World War I biplanes in flight. Evidently inspired by the success of William Wellman's "Wings," "The Flying Fleet" takes the basics of that Oscar winner and makes a valiant effort to repeat the earlier success. Unfortunately, peacetime lacks the action and dynamics of World War I, Anita Page lacks the appeal of Clara Bow, and the relationship between Ramon Novarro and Ralph Graves lacks the depth of interaction between Charles Buddy Rogers and Richard Arlen.

Released in 1929, during the transition period between silents and talkies, "The Flying Fleet" is a silent film with inter-titles that has been enhanced with synchronized sound effects and a musical score. Ramon Novarro and Ralph Graves are best buddies from their days at the Academy into their basic training as pilots. However, when Anita Page enters the scene, the pair compete for her affections, and the friendship is tested. Ralph Graves, a ruggedly handsome guy, is aggressive in his pursuit of Page and often tests the bounds of friendship with his underhanded, often mean-spirited tricks to outwit Novarro. Understandably, Graves's antics tilt audience sympathy towards Novarro, the film's star, who maintains a stoic, sensitive, and dewy-eyed stance.

However, the film's best moments are provided by the formation flying and aerial stunts, well photographed by Ira H. Morgan. Although the aerial battles and dog fights in "Wings" remain more exciting, the airborne antics in "The Flying Fleet" are still awesome for the time and a treat for aficionados of vintage aircraft. Novarro retained his handsome leading man looks when this film was made, and his fans will definitely relish his presence and the occasional glimpse of his physique. However, while breezily entertaining, the story is slight and predictable, and, despite the aerial work, the movie pales beside "Wings." "The Flying Fleet" will appeal largely to admirers of the one-time "new Valentino" and to vintage aerial photography buffs.

The Flying Fleet (1929)

*** (out of 4)

Good, if rather routine and predictable, drama about buddies Tommy (Ramon Novarro) and Steve (Ralph Graves) who are trying to earn their wings in the Navy but along the way they fall in love with the same woman (Anita Page) and it starts to ruin their friendship. Screenwriter Frank Wead was well known off the camera and most people remember him today for being played by John Wayne in THE WINGS OF EAGLES but he'd also write several screenplays including the one for THEY WERE EXPENDABLE. This here was his first screen writing job and while it's very routine and contains no shocks it does remain entertaining as it really comes off like a documentary. It really does seem as if Wead wanted to give people a good idea of what it was like being in the Navy in regards to what you have to go through, the comradery between men and of course their views on women. There's a funny bit where the men see Page in her bathing suit and say that's a great bit of seafood. What really makes this film work so well are the wonderful aerial shots including a couple terrific crashes. It seems all of these movies back in the silent era were trying to top each other in regards to their stunts and this one here is mighty impressive and just goes to show that CGI isn't needed. The ending is one people will see coming from miles away but the crash is quite tense as is the scenes in the water. Another plus are the three leads who are all in fine form. Both Novarro and Graves come across as real friends and their chemistry really jumps off the screen. Page is as beautiful as ever and comes across extremely charming. The three have no problems mixing it up and the supporting players are just as good. The one problem is that by even 1929 standards the love triangle is just too predictable and it really starts to drag the rest of the film down at times. With that said, THE FLYING FLEET is still worth checking out for the stars and stunts.

Ramon Navarro and Ralph Graves are two young Navy flyers vying for lovely Anita Page. They are also training for carrier landings and competing for the honor of piloting a large flying boat to Honolulu.

The story is pedestrian at best, puerile at worst, with a few moments of high drama. What makes this film truly memorable is the awesome aireal photography of cinematographer Charles A. Marshall. It's amazing that work of such quality was done at this time. There's also very good footage of the USS Langley, the Navy's first aircraft carrier, not to mention all the first generation naval aircraft. This lends great historical importance to this otherwise trivial film.

George W. Hill directed, and seems to have taken elements of this film and grafted them onto his later (1932) 'Hell Divers.'

Because this film came out in 1929 and studios were hurriedly switching to sound pictures, sound effects and music was added to this otherwise silent film. For this time period, it's a very good film--featuring excellent footage of naval aircraft and a good, though a tad predictable story about six friends who went to the Naval Academy and wanted to earn their pilot's wings. Little by little, the original group is now whittled down to two pilots who actually are able to complete the program--Ramon Novarro and Ralph Graves (who, incidentally, made many military-oriented films in the late 20s and early 1930s set on subs, derigibles and aircraft). Unfortunately, while they are best of friends, they also want the same girl (cute Anita Page) and the story is a combination of serious drama about the training and life of a navy pilot as well as a contest to see who gets the girl.

For the time period this was made, this is a much better than average film with excellent production values and an interesting story--particularly to nuts like me that love old aircraft. Also, for those aviation and history lovers out there, it's a good opportunity to see the USS Langley in action (this was America's first aircraft carrier).

This film, by the way, was created from a story idea from Frank Wead--a retired navy pilot who, after suffering a serious spinal injury, changed careers and became a Hollywood screenwriter and consultant--mostly (but not exclusively) for aviation films. His life was recreated in the film WINGS OF EAGLES--giving it all the usual John Ford sentimentality and gloss.

As a native San Diegan I must admit my high rating is mostly for the nostalgia invoked by the incredible record this film creates of my hometown and its Navy traditions. USS Langley- check; aerial photography of San Diego and Coronado-check; more photography of the Hotel del Coronado than "Some Like It Hot"-check. The actors are beautiful and handsome, but for me, the star of the show is San Diego.