War,Drama
United States of America
The Wings of Eagles is a 1957 American film directed by John Ford and starring John Wayne. The film is based on the life of Frank "Spig" Wead, a former U.S. Navy aviator turned Hollywood screenwriter. It follows Wead's career from his days as a young cadet, through his service as a Navy pilot during World War I, to his retirement from active duty in the 1920s.
After leaving the Navy, Wead struggles to find his place in civilian life and eventually turns to screenwriting. He collaborates with director John Ford on several successful films, but his career takes a tragic turn when he is paralyzed in a flying accident. Despite his physical limitations, Wead continues to write, and the film ends with a tribute to his legacy as a pioneer in aviation and film.
Throughout the movie, there are several flashbacks that showcase Wead's career and life. For example, in one flashback, Wead and fellow aviator "Jughead" Carson compete in a stunt flying competition. In another, Wead's wife and children visit him while he is in the hospital recovering from injuries sustained in a plane crash.
The movie also features a romance between Wead and his wife Min (played by Maureen O'Hara), as well as several scenes of Wead's interactions with his friends and colleagues in Hollywood. Overall, The Wings of Eagles is a tribute to Wead's remarkable life and achievements, as well as to the courage and determination of all those who have served in the U.S. Navy.
