Wings is a 1927 American silent war film directed by William A. Wellman and starring Clara Bow, Charles "Buddy" Rogers, and Richard Arlen. The film follows the story of Jack Powell (played by Rogers) and David Armstrong (played by Arlen), who both fight for the love of Sylvia Lewis (played by Bow). Powell is a wealthy young man with a rebellious streak, while Armstrong is a middle-class boy who tries to control his temper. Both Powell and Armstrong enlist in the US Air Corps during World War I and become flying aces, earning the nickname "The Shooting Stars."
The film is famous for its spectacular aerial sequences, which were accomplished without the use of special effects or models. The stunt pilots in the film were actual World War I veterans, who were used to coach the actors and perform dangerous stunts. Wings was also the first film to receive the Academy Award for Best Picture, and is widely regarded as a masterpiece of silent cinema.
As the war wears on, Powell and Armstrong become close friends and comrades-in-arms, but their relationship is strained by their mutual love of Sylvia. While Powell openly pursues her, Armstrong is more reserved and tries to keep his feelings hidden. The tension between the two men reaches a breaking point during a daring air raid on German forces, when Powell shoots down Armstrong's plane by mistake. Despite their bitter rivalry, Powell risks his own life to save Armstrong's when he is shot down by a German soldier.
The film's climax takes place during a thrilling dogfight between Powell and a German ace. In a twist of fate, it is Sylvia who ultimately saves the day, shooting down the German plane with a rifle. In the end, Powell and Armstrong are able to put aside their differences and embrace as brothers in arms, while Sylvia returns to her life in America, forever changed by the war and the sacrifice of those who fought in it.