Some films are propelled into greatness simply because of who is involved with their creation and production. There is magic when the perfect director, actors, and crew green-light a project. The universe opens and smiles its approval. The celluloid put into the can has the power to change the trajectory of those involved. Careers can catapult. Opportunities can be discovered around every corner.
We have all experienced these unexpected moments in a different paradigm. By taking a last-minute meeting, being stuck in an unplanned location, or accidentally bumping paths with an unlikely colleague or love interest, everything automatically clicks in a new direction. I call this the kaleidoscope connection. Just gently turn the dial, and the picture before your eyes has blurred and changed. The challenge is to always be open to what is being offered.
This is how I directed and taught. Life is too short to be stuck in a “same-old” situation. I tried to take a chance on new, fresh talent or do something different outside the box when funding was unavailable or being turned down for royalty rights. I loved solutions for all the hiccups standing in the way. If someone said, “you can’t,” I usually responded, “just watch me.” I still get a kick thinking about those days.
As the decades roll by, it is imperative to be sharply attuned to life’s cues. In my heart, I believe this pattern of looking at the world is something the brilliant director Howard Hawks also did throughout his illustrious career. He, by chance, learned of a tragic flying incident, which led him to create one of the best aerial adventures of all time. This was 84 years ago, and ONLY ANGELS HAVE WINGS launched several cast members to become Hollywood royalty, and it helped propel Hawks to be remembered as one of cinema’s greats.
Even though ONLY ANGELS HAVE WINGS failed to bring home the gold, the film was recognized for its stunning flying feats. CGI was not around in 1939, so pilots had to create every one of its daring in-air stunts. Over 35,000 miles of flying was logged in during very perilous weather. Watching planes plummet to the ground, catch on fire, and spiral out of control was simply put… amazing. It was a wonder the crew was not injured while creating such crazy sequences.
Howard Hawks, the director, valued characterization over plot. He believed in letting his actors improvise occasionally, especially if he was not getting the emotional impact a scene required. This was showcased in Judy’s (Rita Hayworth) big drunken rant to Geoff (Cary Grant). Hawks gave Grant the thumbs up to take over, and that is precisely what he did when he dunked Judy’s head in a tub of cold water to “sober” her up. Her astonished reaction was real as Grant plunged her several times. Then he proceeded to dry her head and hair with an oversized towel until she looked like a mop-head. Then, he recited the final lines of the scene and pushed her out the door. It was perfect, and it made the final cut. It was shocking and hilarious.
Hawks was a master at his craft, directing such films as BRINGING UP BABY, SERGEANT YORK, HIS GIRL FRIDAY, and GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES. He never received an Oscar for directing until he was awarded an honorary statue later in life. Hawks was recognized as catapulting the careers of his stars in ONLY ANGELS HAVE WINGS, especially Grant, Jean Arthur, Hayworth, and Thomas Mitchell. This feature film allowed audiences to accept Grant as a comedic, romantic character and an actor who can handle and shine in dramatic roles. It changed his future.
ONLY ANGELS HAVE WINGS is a sky-flying adventure classic. It boasts the typical sexist attitudes of men vs. women in the 30s. It was not your typical modern romance. Alas… duty would call, and the men would go following their first love, flying (Oh, these G-rated films). It all makes me appreciate the power of a good story. In the end, some things are just meant to be.
ONLY ANGELS HAVE WINGS is available on Amazon Video.
