Ace of Aces (1933)

Plot: Hoping to win back his girlfriend, a pacifist sculptor joins the Air Service and becomes an Ace
Stars: Elizabeth Allan, Richard Dix, Ralph Bellamy
Best Quote:  It’s a grand war. I only hope the next one is half as good. I used to think I could take clay and mold it into the semblance of a living thing. The closer it came to being alive, the greater my glory. The power of life is more than that, Nancy. Life! Life for myself as I control my plane. And then, death. Swift and final. In the squeeze of my fingers.” 

This is an interesting, unusual, anti-war movie.

The Lead Actors
We can start with our "hero" played by Richard Dix - who plays the part well. Starting as a pacifist sculptor he's uninterested in the war,  he wants to create. Later, stung by his patriotic girlfriend with the charge of coward, he joins the Air Service and finds he likes killing and fighting. Eventually, he becomes famous - decorated Ace with 42 kills. Throughout this, he remains pompous and entitled.  Its only when he's wounded and put in a Hospital bed next to a German pilot - that he softens and becomes likable. Dix is able to express the egotism - and the softening - without excess.

 Next there's Elizabeth Allan who not only acts well, she's beautiful and manages to be believable as the naive, but always good-hearted, girlfriend and nurse. She meets Dix on 48 hour leave in Paris, and in a risque scene agrees they should do more than play Parcheesi - surprising for 1933.

The Movie
Refreshingly, there's a complete lack of cynicism, over-the-top emotionalism, or graphic violence. The death of a German flier is touching.  The Aerial scenes are well done (for their time) but are somewhat disappointing if you're expecting the aerial stunt work of Wings. The film's main drama is on the ground - not in the air. Its only 71 minutes and moves at fast clip. 

Summary: I enjoyed the movie. Someone called it "dated" which it is.  The flying scenes have been done better (cf: Wings and Dawn Patrol) and everything else is just above average. But its a good war movie - with two good leads.