The Dawn Patrol

"GREATEST AIR EPIC EVER!"

Aug 20 1930 Passed 1h 48m
Action, Drama, War

World War I ace Dick Courtney derides the leadership of his superior officer, but he soon is promoted to squadron commander and learns harsh lessons about sending subordinates to their deaths.

Plot

During the First World War, British combat pilot Dick Courtney mocks his commanding officer Major Brand for being too cautious, unaware that Brand is tormented by the requirement of his command that he send young men to their likely deaths in substandard aircraft and with insufficient training. When Brand is transferred, Courtney becomes the commanding officer and quickly realizes the burden Brand labored under. When Courtney's best friend, Douglas Scott, asks him to spare his newly arrived and inexperienced brother Gordon Scott from combat duty, Courtney cannot justify doing so. A rift grows between the friends as Courtney realizes the tragic demands of his job.

Written by

John Monk Saunders, Dan Totheroh, Howard Hawks

Directed by

Howard Hawks

Production Countries

United States of America

Production Companies

First National Pictures

Languages

Deutsch, English, Français

Awards

Won 1 Oscar. 1 win total

Scores
# of Votes
2,112
Average Rating
7.1 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA