Only Angels Have Wings Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Cary Grant runs a dangerous airmail service in South America, sleeps with Rita Hayworth, and makes Jean Arthur fall in love with him, all while battling fog and outdated airplanes.

🍿 Only Angels Have Wings: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival in Barranca

Bonnie Lee, a traveling showgirl, finds herself stranded in the South American port of Barranca. She encounters Geoff Carter, the tough and pragmatic manager of a struggling airmail company. The pilots risk their lives daily, navigating treacherous mountain passes to deliver mail and supplies.

Dangerous Skies

Bonnie is drawn to Geoff, despite his detached demeanor and the inherent danger of his profession. The unforgiving environment claims the lives of some pilots, but Geoff remains focused on keeping the airline afloat. He struggles to maintain order and efficiency while battling the elements and financial difficulties. This displays Geoff’s internal struggle between caring for his pilots and his dedication to the job at hand.

Past Shadows

The arrival of Bat MacPherson and his wife Judy stirs up old tensions. Bat has a clouded history of a flight gone wrong, and Judy is Geoff’s former flame. This creates a complex web of relationships, forcing the characters to confront their pasts and make difficult choices. Jealousy and distrust threaten to undermine the already precarious situation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Geoff Carter (Cary Grant): The tough and cynical owner of Barranca Airways, who risks his pilots’ lives to secure a vital mail contract.
• Bonnie Lee (Jean Arthur): A traveling showgirl who falls for Geoff and challenges his detachment from emotional connections.
• Judy MacPherson (Rita Hayworth): Geoff’s former girlfriend who arrives with her husband, bringing up unresolved feelings and past conflicts.
• Bat MacPherson (Richard Barthelmess): A pilot seeking redemption from a past incident, hired by Geoff despite a checkered reputation.
• Kid Dabb (Thomas Mitchell): A loyal veteran pilot and friend of Geoff’s, facing the harsh reality of his declining health and ability to fly.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Geoff Carter: “Who’s Joe?” – Geoff asks this, showing his callousness, after Bonnie mentions Joe’s name after his sudden death.
• Bonnie Lee: “It’s like being in love with a buzz saw!” – Bonnie says this to Kid Dabb, describing her feelings about Geoff and the dangerous nature of his life as a pilot.
• Geoff Carter: “What’s your angle?” – Geoff says this to Bonnie when he is distrustful of why she is sticking around.
• Kid Dabb: “The boat doesn’t stop at Santa Maria this trip.” – Kid says this to Geoff to inform him of the lack of bananas.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1,165,000 (estimated)
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $8,554

💥 Only Angels Have Wings Reviews

Personal Review

I was absolutely captivated by ‘Only Angels Have Wings’. The film’s atmosphere is incredible, and the aerial scenes had me holding my breath. I loved Cary Grant’s tough exterior hiding a vulnerable heart, and Jean Arthur was a perfect match for him. The scene where they’re singing around the piano after Joe’s death really hit me hard. It perfectly captured the way these characters coped with loss.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood cinema”
  • “Those interested in aviation history”
  • “Admirers of Cary Grant, Jean Arthur, and Rita Hayworth”
  • “Viewers who enjoy stories about courage, sacrifice, and male bonding”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depictions of plane crashes and death”
  • “Themes of risk and danger”
  • “Mature themes related to relationships and loss”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Howard Hawks delivers a thrilling tale of bravery and romance against the backdrop of treacherous Andean skies. Cary Grant shines as the stoic pilot, while Jean Arthur provides a touch of heart.
• Variety: “A high-flying adventure that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The aerial sequences are breathtaking for their time, and the ensemble cast delivers strong performances all around.
• AllMovie: “One of Hawks’s most underrated films, ‘Only Angels Have Wings’ is a masterclass in character development and suspenseful storytelling. The film’s themes of duty, sacrifice, and camaraderie resonate even today.

Audience Reactions

The aerial stunts are breathtaking and still hold up today.: Viewers praised the film’s realistic portrayal of the risks faced by early aviators and the strong performances from the entire cast.

The camaraderie among the pilots felt authentic and heartwarming.: Many appreciated the film’s exploration of male friendship and the way these characters relied on each other in the face of danger.

Overall Consensus: A classic adventure-romance that continues to resonate with audiences due to its thrilling aerial sequences, compelling characters, and exploration of themes such as duty, sacrifice, and camaraderie.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Howard Hawks, a pilot himself, drew heavily on his own experiences and the stories he heard from other aviators to create a realistic portrayal of the dangers and camaraderie of early aviation.”
• “The film’s aerial sequences were considered groundbreaking for their time, utilizing miniatures and rear projection to create the illusion of flight. Paul Mantz, a renowned stunt pilot, contributed significantly to the aerial cinematography.”
• “Jean Arthur reportedly clashed with Howard Hawks during filming, feeling that he favored the male characters and downplayed her role. Hawks, however, admired her talent and dedication to the character of Bonnie Lee.”

🖥️ How to Watch Only Angels Have Wings?

As a classic film, ‘Only Angels Have Wings’ is often available for streaming or purchase on various platforms. Check streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu for rental or purchase options. Availability may vary by region, so be sure to confirm before attempting to watch.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Only Angels Have Wings, you might like these similar films:

• The Right Stuff (1983): Explores the lives and risks taken by early American test pilots and astronauts, emphasizing their bravery and the tight-knit community they formed.
• Air Mail (1932): Features a similar storyline about pilots risking their lives to deliver mail through dangerous mountain passes, highlighting the courage and sacrifice involved.
• Casablanca (1942): Shares a similar atmosphere of romantic fatalism and features a cynical protagonist running a business in a remote, exotic location.
• Top Gun (1986): A modern action drama focused around elite pilots.

🛒 Only Angels Have Wings Related Products

• Howard Hawks: American Artist: A comprehensive biography of Howard Hawks, the director of ‘Only Angels Have Wings’. Provides insights into his filmmaking techniques and influences.
• Vintage Aviator Goggles: Authentic-looking aviator goggles, reminiscent of those worn by the pilots in the film. A great addition to any aviation enthusiast’s collection.
• Airplane Models: Scale model airplanes resembling those from the film, for display or collecting. Handcrafted details showcase historical aviation.
• Cary Grant: A Celebration of Style: A digital guide focusing on Cary Grant’s timeless style and fashion sense, with tips on how to emulate his iconic look.

🎧 Soundtrack

Only Angels Have Wings features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Gwine to Rune All Night (Camptown Races)” – performed by Stephen Foster
• “Some of These Days” – performed by Shelton Brooks

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Only Angels Have Wings

Ever wondered what “Only Angels Have Wings” would be like as a music video? This fan took scenes from the movie and brilliantly re-edited them to the tune of “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling”! It’s actually quite a moving take on the film’s romance, you should check it out.

A tribute to the Love Goddess

Rita Hayworth was truly a legend! This tribute video compiles some of her best moments, including scenes from “Only Angels Have Wings”. Seeing her in action really makes you appreciate what a star she was, it’s a must-watch!

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