The Eagle and the Hawk

The World War I aviation film ‘The Eagle and the Hawk’ (1933) was released on DVD in 2012 as part of a three-DVD set produced by Turner Classic Movies and Universal: ‘Cary Grant: The Early Years’. It featured an introduction by the much-missed Robert Osborne (two minutes) + a TCM article about the film (text-on-screen), movie posters, lobby cards and publicity stills (but no subtitles). None of these extras are included with the new Blu-ray, so I’ll be keeping my old DVD. However, the new Blu-ray does have a sharper picture and includes English SDH subtitles (I'm getting old). Plus two new, worthwhile extras: -- audio commentary by film historian Lee Gambin -- original theatrical trailer ‘The Eagle and the Hawk’ is definitely a Pre-Code film. The shocking ending would never be permitted in films released after July 1, 1934, when Hollywood censorship went into effect. According to the Internet Movie Data Base (IMDB), when ‘The Eagle and the Hawk’ was re-released in 1939, five minutes were cut from the film. Both the TCM DVD and the new Blu-ray restore the cut scenes and present the uncensored 1933 version. Frederic March (the Eagle) is a wealthy American volunteer in the British Air Force who suffers a nervous breakdown when faced with the reality of war. Not a big stretch for March, but debonair Cary Grant is cast wildly against type. Cary Grant (the Hawk) is a two-fisted common man who punches anyone who disagrees with him, and has no problem shooting men in parachutes: “Why don't you get wise? This is a war. I'm hired to kill the enemy, and there ain't no book of rules about that. Every one I put away means one less to kill me. That's my job, and I'm doing it.” PRE-CODE WORLD WAR I AVIATION FILMS: 1927: ‘Wings’ directed by William Wellman 1930: ‘Young Eagles’ directed by William Wellman 1930: ‘The Dawn Patrol’ directed by Howard Hawks * 1930: ‘Hell’s Angels’ directed by Howard Hughes ** 1933: ‘The Eagle and the Hawk’ directed by Stuart Walker/Mitchell Leisen These five films are often confused - all have the same anti-war theme (and practically the same plot). ‘Wings’ and ‘The Eagle and the Hawk’ are available on Blu-ray. ‘The Dawn Patrol’ and ‘Hell’s Angels’ are on DVD. I’ve never seen ‘Young Eagles’ anywhere. * ‘The Dawn Patrol’ was remade in 1938 with Errol Flynn, David Niven and Basil Rathbone, directed by Edmund Goulding. The 1930 original starred Richard Barthelmess, Douglas Fairbanks Jr, and Neil Hamilton, directed by Howard Hawks. ** Like all Howard Hughes films, ‘Hell’s Angels’ (1930) never got much respect from the critics, but I would love to see it on Blu-ray. Cornball drama, but the aerial photography is spectacular - not rear projection. You can see real terror in the actor’s faces.

I found this to be a very good classic movie. Of course, I am also a Cary Grant fan. This movie had a lot of action, and also showed respect for your comrades in arms, even if you didn't especially care for them. Thought it was good overall, and worth watching. Black and white, of course. It is after all an old movie!

1930's movies are a hobby for me. I have seen thousands. It is obvious that the overwhelming majority were made for one purpose-- to maximize profits. To do this they were "designed" to give the public what it wanted--and still wants, i.e., bigger than life movie stars, a few endlessly repeated popular themes, shamelessly uncomplicated scripts, formula directing. In the 30's, they were the ultimate mindless escape entertainment for hard times. For these reasons (and the black and white, 4:3 format), most of my friends think I am wasting my time with these "old movies." I can't really defend myself and don't try. I am having a good time. The Eagle and the Hawk is different from what I just described. It isn't a great, but it is a far better movie than the standard fare today. Roger's and Miller's screenplay was a thoughtful treatment of one man's struggle with the human wreckage of war. Stuart Walker's direction captured many of the subtleties of real people doing real things. The sets were completely believable and the cast well chosen. The climax was not the inevitable feel-good, tiddying-up of loose ends to keep us happy. It was ultimately a sad movie. A statement movie. You think about it afterwards. It was a powerful production that owes much to whoever so expertly brought all the pieces together. Do not, however, go for the illustrations on the VHS box. Carole Lombard and Cary Grant never share a scene. In fact, Lombard's part is best described as a cameo, as another reviewer has already said. Furthermore, Cary Grant's role is minor when compared to Frederich March's. March is the focal point and does a fabulous job. There are quite a few other really good and even great movies from the 30's. Unlike "Gone With the Wind" or "It Happened One Night," these often have unrecognizable titles and will remain unknown as long as audiences favor "modern" star vehicles, repetitous story lines, etc.

Compelling performances by March, Grant and Oakie, and a brief appearance by the lovely Lombard as well. Still meaningful today.

A truly great great movie

Great and fast service.

Interesting movie with strong performances by Cary Grant and Frederick March. The acting was a little intense and emotive with Frederick March as a sensitive World War I pilot being overwhelmed by pressure, casualties, and the carnage. He is initially a good example for the younger officers and usually seems more worried about the other pilots and the observers than himself. Cary Grant is a tough, brawling aerial observer/gunner who works with the Frederick March character in an uneasy partnership. He is less sympathetic, but redeems himself at the end. Carole Lombard has a small part as a woman who becomes briefly interested in one of the pilots at a party. Also, here is an exhibit from the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum of a World War I aerial observer.

Ein sehr früher Cary Grant Film, der den 1. Weltkrieg zun Thema hat. Sehr erschütternde Bilder und Story.