Wings

Wings

Year: 1929

Runtime: 144 min

Language: English

Directors: William A. Wellman, Harry d'Abbadie d'Arrast

ActionDramaRomanceWar

During World War I, a determined young aviation officer strives for excellence and recognition as a fighter pilot. He faces perilous missions and intense competition while also navigating a complicated romance with a nurse. Driven by a desire to prove himself, he pushes the boundaries of early aviation, risking his life for both victory and the woman he loves.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Wings (1929)

Trace every key event in Wings (1929) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Jack and David's Rivalry

In a quaint American town, Jack Powell and David Armstrong find themselves in a fierce rivalry for the affections of Sylvia Lewis. Both young men are unaware of the feelings that Mary Preston has for Jack, who is oblivious to the true nature of Sylvia's feelings.

American Town
2

Enlistment in the Air Service

To prove their worthiness to Sylvia and pursue their ambitions, Jack and David enlist in the Air Service to train as combat pilots. This decision marks the beginning of their complicated journey toward love and friendship amidst the backdrop of war.

3

Training Camp Arrival

Upon arriving at the training camp, Jack and David are shocked to learn they will be sharing a tent with Cadet White. Their initial excitement quickly turns to sorrow when White dies tragically in an air crash on the very same day.

Training Camp
4

From Rivals to Friends

Despite their rivalry, the death of Cadet White brings Jack and David closer together, transforming them from adversaries into steadfast friends. They start to support each other through the challenges of their military training.

5

Deployment to France

Completing their training, Jack and David are deployed to France where they are tasked with combatting enemy forces. The horrors of war test their friendship and loyalty amidst the chaos of battle.

France
6

Mary's War Effort

Meanwhile, Mary Preston dedicates herself to the war effort and becomes an ambulance driver. Her commitment to support the troops leads her to Paris, where she hears of Jack’s increase in fame.

Paris
7

A Failed Reunion

Mary attempts to reconnect with Jack, seeking to remind him of her feelings. Unfortunately, when she finds him intoxicated and unaware of her presence, their moment of reconnection is interrupted by military police.

Paris
8

Mary's Resignation

After being caught in a compromising situation while changing back into her uniform, Mary is left with no choice but to resign from her ambulance duties. Disheartened, she makes the difficult decision to return home to the U.S.

9

The Battle of Saint-Mihiel

During the historic Battle of Saint-Mihiel, chaos ensues as David's aircraft is shot down, leading everyone to believe he is dead. However, David survives and commandeers a German biplane in a daring escape, showcasing his courage.

Saint-Mihiel
10

A Tragic Mistake

In a moment fueled by revenge, Jack mistakenly shoots down David's aircraft, thinking it belongs to the enemy. The devastating realization of his tragic error hits Jack hard as he learns that David is gravely injured and dying.

11

David's Forgiveness

Amidst heartbreak, Jack rushes to David's side, who, despite his injuries, finds it in his heart to forgive Jack for his mistake. This final moment between them encapsulates the profound bond they forged through their trials.

12

Jack's Return Home

After the war concludes, Jack returns to a hero’s welcome, bearing the scars of battle and loss. Despite the accolades, he grapples with the emotional weight of his friendships and the consequences of the war.

Home
13

Confronting David's Family

In a somber visit, Jack meets with David's grieving parents to return their son’s belongings. He seeks their forgiveness but learns that Mrs. Armstrong holds the war itself accountable for her son’s fate rather than Jack.

Armstrong Home
14

Reunion with Mary

Ultimately, Jack's journey of grief and redemption leads him back to Mary, who is waiting for him. In her embrace, he discovers the love that he once overlooked, finding solace after his harrowing experiences.

Last Updated: October 25, 2024 at 10:02

Unlock the Full Story of Wings

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Wings Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Wings, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Wings Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Wings

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Wings. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Wings

More About Wings

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More About Wings

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