The Dawn Patrol
1930 · Movie · NR · 108 min · ★ 6.8 · 95% critics
During World War I, a daring fighter pilot clashes with his commanding officer over orders that send inexperienced flyers into near-certain danger. When he’s promoted into the same role, he’s forced to face the crushing weight of command, strained friendships, and the daily toll of relentless missions in fragile early aircraft.
Also known as Flight Commander
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Details
- Years
- 1930
- Release date
- 1930-07-10
- Language
- English
- Rated
- NR
- Runtime
- 108 min
- Max quality
- SD
- Critic score
- 95/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.8/10 (32 votes)
- Box office
- $1,624,000
- Budget
- $759,000
About
You’ll likely enjoy this if you want a sober World War I flying drama focused on pressure, duty, and friendship more than romance, with standout air battles; Not for you if you want nonstop action or a light tone like Wings.
Pros: gripping aerial action; strong camaraderie; thoughtful war drama | Cons: slow early pacing; uneven acting; rough early sound
Themes
- world war i
- fighter pilot
- pilot
- aerial combat
- royal flying corps (rfc)
- suicide mission
- pre-code
- brothers
Awards & recognition
- Academy Award — Best Story · 1931
- Academy Award — Best Story · nominated
Cast & crew
Richard Barthelmess
as Dick Courtney
Douglas Fairbanks Jr.
as Douglas 'Doug' Scott
Neil Hamilton
as Major Brand
Frank McHugh
as Flaherty
Clyde Cook
as Bott
James Finlayson
as Field Sergeant
Gardner James
as Ralph Hollister
William Janney
as Gordon 'Donny' Scott
Edmund Breon
as Lieutenant Phipps
Jack Ackroyd
as Ackroyd (uncredited)
Directed by Howard Hawks