Wings

[anteros_lmc]

I'm sure many of you will have seen this before, but it's new to me and it's rather lovely so I'm posting it here. This clip, which is allegedly one of the first same sex kisses filmed, is from the 1927 silent film Wings starring Clara Bow, Charles Rogers, and Richard Arlen. (The music is modern.) There's a fascinating wikipedia entry about the film here. The plot is a classic love triangle and the film climaxes with the following scene:

The climax of the story comes with the epic Battle of Saint-Mihiel. David is shot down and presumed dead. However, he survives the crash landing, steals a German biplane, and heads for the Allied lines. By a tragic stroke of bad luck, Jack spots the enemy aircraft and, bent on avenging his friend, begins an attack. He is successful in downing the aircraft and lands to retrieve a souvenir of his victory. The owner of the land where David's aircraft crashed urges Jack to come to the dying man's side. He agrees and becomes distraught when he realizes what he has done. David consoles him and before he dies, forgives his comrade.

It has to be said, as final lines go, "All set" is up there with "Better already". *sniffle*

Comments

[esmerelda-t.livejournal.com]

If I recall correctly films in the 1910's and 20's were 'racier' than what came in the 30's and onwards as there was no classification system. It therefore doesn't surprise me there was a same sex kiss in the 20's but I bet it would never have happened by the 30's.

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

Yes, the watershed was the Hayes Production Code in the late 1920's I think. Apparently the film above is also notable for a degree of nudity. Personally I think this clip should also be noted for the splendid Gallic shrug and the WTF?! dog cart!

[eglantine-br.livejournal.com]

The Hayes act, another offering from the anti-fun league!

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

Hmmm yes. I think the London Females Mission would have heartily approved of the Hayes Code!

[mylodon.livejournal.com]

*sniffs* Always gets me. That kiss is what the Hornblower scene needed, of course.

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

That kiss is what the Hornblower scene needed, of course.
Oh believe me, they kissed. Though sadly not on screen :}

[charliecochrane.livejournal.com]

LOL When we first watched it, my girls were shouting "Just kiss him, for goodness sake."

[stevie-carroll.livejournal.com]

Cute, no matter how many times I see it.

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

It's so sweet isn't it? I'd actually really like to see the whole film.

[stevie-carroll.livejournal.com]

So would I! I wonder if we could track it down.

[stevie-carroll.livejournal.com]

Found it!. Now, I'm almost tempted...