Wings for the Eagle

I dare anyone to get past the opening scene in a gas station. I promise you will never again watch ANYTHING with d. morgan in it.

I cannot disagree with the previous reviewer's assessment that this is not a particularly outstanding movie. It was made during war time about the war effort as opposed to strictly being made for entertainment, however, there are some very positive attributes about it. The aspects of the movie that do not center around Sheridan, Morgan and Carson are a little slow and convenient for a war flick. The aspects of the movie that do center around the three stars, however, are outstanding. Ann Sheridan was one of the most beautiful women ever on screen and she is glowingly gorgeous throughout this movie. Additionally, she was a bright, sharp-witted women who in this movie gets to frequently throw verbal-barbs at her co-stars. This is one of my favorite aspects of movies that she stars in. Also, Morgan and Carson play off each other well and have several good scenes including a hilarious confrontation in a bar. This is better than most movies out there.

It is a period piece that was designed to tug on American heartstrings. It did the job. Let it transport you back to that horrible time. Don't "me too" the 1940's.

Ann Sheridan, Dennis Morgan and Jack Carson usually mean light-hearted fun with some good-natured barbs for laughs. While there are some barbs, this one hits different since both of the male leads are so unlikable. Carson is grumpy baby and Morgan is what they used to call a "bounder" even hitting on, dating and openly chasing his best friend's wife (Sheridan). And he is also not shy about hiding the fact he mainly got the job at Lockheed so he would be exempt from the draft.

Other reviews have mentioned the opening interaction between Morgan and Sheridan. Major jabroni! Why Sheridan would give this jackass the time of day is beyond me.

Normally I like these three, but not this time. Sheridan could do so much better.

The best story line in the movie is the wonderful George Tobias as the immigrant father of aspiring pilot. We see him in a touching scene being sworn in as US citizen. He is the heart of the film.

Being a war movie at the beginning of America's involvement there are some moments of poignancy. Hearing the radio announcing the bombing of Pearl Harbor is one example. There are others.

Overall, not too bad as a time passer if you can get past Morgan's pushy jerk.

A good cast goes to waste in this story of two pals, Dennis Morgan (qv) and Jack Carson (qv), dueling for the affections of Ann Sheridan (qv).

Make no mistake about it -- Ann Sheridan is definitely worth fighting for. It's just too bad that Wings for the Eagle doesn't put up much of a fight when it comes to telling a story.

If you want to see the starring trio in a much better movie then check out _Shine On, Harvest Moon (1944)_ (qv). Or, to a lesser degree, _One More Tomorrow (1946)_ (qv).