Wings (1927)

In a small town, two young men (Buddy Rogers, Richard Arlen) are unfriendly rivals for the same girl (Jobyna Ralston). But when WWI happens, the two men become pilots and bond. This epic action/adventure film, the first film to win the best picture Oscar, holds up today mainly because of the still stunning aerial sequences. The aerial photography is remarkable. But it's not just in the sky that the cinematography impresses. The director of photography Harry Perry is just as fluid on land. One shot with the camera passing over a series of tables in a restaurant until it finds our protagonist is just incredible. The film is rather racy for its day. Clara Bow briefly goes topless, surely a first for a major American actress and if you're halfway decent at reading lips, the fliers use some choice curse words. As for the acting, Rogers tends to overdo it in contrast to Arlen's subtle underplaying. Despite top billing, Bow's role is really supporting, she's there for box office insurance. The film's last 20 minutes or so pack a powerful punch from Arlen and Rogers' tender (and homoerotic) goodbye to Rogers' heartbreaking meeting with Arlen's parents. Strongly directed by William A. Wellman. With a lanky looker by the name of Gary Cooper in a small part, who would soon become a major star in his own right.