Flight Angels

Flight Angels is a compelling movie released in 1940. Directed by Lewis Seiler, the movie stars Virginia Bruce, Dennis Morgan, and Wayne Morris in the lead roles. The film’s central plot rotates around the theme of the flying industry, conveying a compelling narrative that relates to love, career, and friendship. The main characters in the movie are not only pilots but also flight attendants, injecting a fresh perspective which was rarely explored in the films around that period.

The film begins by introducing us to the glamorous and exciting life of commercial airline pilots and flight attendants, the “angels in flight.” Virginia Bruce portrays the role of Mary Norvell, an experienced flight attendant who works for an airline called Federal Airlines. Bruce shines in the film as she shows her character's dedication to her job. Her portrayal of a competent woman, who takes her job seriously and cares about her passengers' well-being, allows viewers to connect with her and invest in her journey throughout the film.

The storyline then introduces the character of Chicken; played energetically by Wayne Morris. Chicken is trained as a commercial pilot and is best friends with co-pilot Artie Dixon, played by Dennis Morgan. The dynamic of their shared friendship and their common love interest in Mary creates a love triangle that fuels the plot.

Dennis Morgan delivers a solid performance as Artie. He is shown as a thrill-seeking pilot who has developed habits of taking unnecessary risks during his flights. Mary and Artie share a romantic past, and their unresolved feelings weave a subplot in the movie. Morgan perfectly balances the recklessness and charm in his character, making the audience root for him despite his flaws.

Wayne Morris’s character, Chicken, harbors an unrequited love for Mary. Through the course of the movie, we see his earnest attempts to win her affections. Morris brilliantly projects his character's emotions, showing the disappointment of a one-sided love through a mix of humor and heart.

Artie's reckless flying style soon gets him grounded, and he is tasked with training new pilots. During this time, he also comes face to face with the reality of his feelings for Mary. The movie gradually shifts towards his character’s evolution and how he endeavors to alter his carefree ways for love and responsibility.

The film takes the viewers on an emotional rollercoaster ride as it deep dives into the personal lives of its characters. Their individual growth through the movie plot forms the backbone of the storyline. The characters are not just workers in the industry, but they mold and shape the industry around them. The flight domain in the movie is expertly presented as more than just a job or a career; it is a way of life for these characters.

The movie also presents the training and working of airline personnel. It illustrates the strict guidelines and stringent operation procedures prevalent in the commercial airlines industry. The depiction of flight training sequences and cutting-edge (for the time) aviation technology serves to maintain the audience's interest. The film, in its unique way, is a tribute to the ever-evolving industry and the people who make it what it is.

The director carefully keeps the love triangle away from becoming a melodramatic spectacle, giving equal weight to the career challenges faced by the characters, thereby adding depth and substance to the cinematic experience. The additional drama provided by the side characters, the shifting interpersonal dynamics, and the gripping climax make this movie an engaging watch.

Flight Angels stands as a representation of the world of early commercial aviation. It presents a unique blend of romance, friendship, and career struggles against the backdrop of the fascinating airline industry. The movie is a classic testament to the era of old Hollywood, where plotlines reflected societal adjustments towards technology and evolving career roles for women. It is a must-watch for those who enjoy vintage movies replete with nostalgic charm.