Review of Hell's Angels (1930) by Jay N — 26 Aug 2011

I can't believe how well this movie has held up over almost 100 years. One of the earliest sound pictures, and it still fairly explodes off the screen.

Everyone talks about the gripping aerial sequences, which deserve their sterling reputation. But I was also floored by Jean Harlow's almost demonic portrayal of a sex-crazed woman with no allegiance to anything but her own pleasure. I can see why there were calls for censorship shortly after this picture was released.

Also captivating were some of the dramatic sequences, such as the murder of the German soldier dangling from the zeppelin. Director Howard Hughes demonstrates mastery of story-telling in some of these sequences. The final sequence involving the lead character shooting his own brother was immensely powerful.

Anyone who cares about cinema's history has to put "Hell's Angels" on their must-see list. It is shocking that it didn't receive a Best Picture nomination in 1930. Preposterous. Hollywood must have felt incredibly jealous of Hughes, just as they were jealous of Orson Welles 10 years later. I am sure Welles considered Hughes a hero and inspiration.