The Flying Fleet (1929)

Very best movie i ever watch

Excellent but underrated film

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

Neither as interesting nor a quarter as splendid an entertainment as director George Hill's previous U.S.A. Armed Services effort, "Tell It to the Marines" (1926)! But it has its moments, particularly in the earlier scenes in which fascinating character actors like Sumner Getchell (as Kewpie), Gardner James (Specs), Carroll Nye (Tex) and Edward J. Nugent (Dizzy) are the center of attention. Novarro seems miscast as a naval flier, but at least Ralph Graves gives him a bit of a run, although he has to carry the burden of being a "bad" guy. Alfred Allen is excellent in a brief role as the admiral, while the lovely Anita Page holds down the main female role and makes her character's preference for our hero (instead of Mr. Graves) almost convincing. And director Hill certainly does make real good use of all his many fascinating real locations!

This is our first review of a 'Silent Film' and we felt we should explain the ground rules of our rating. Though the 'Silent Film' is part of the visual medium it should not be considered in the same light as the 'Sound Film'. Nor is it a derivative of the 'Stage'. It is an entity of its own with a separate language, the art of acting in pantomime and visual expression. THE FLYING FLEET is a fine example of this medium. To be correct though, made in 1928 (release 1929) it is a transition 'Silent' by M.G.M. It came at the end of a twenty-five (25) year development of the feature 'Silent Film' starting with THE GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY (1903). So it had more then a piano, organ or orchestra a synchronized soundtrack. The soundtrack would be used to enhance the visuals and featured Music, Sound Effects and Voice Overs. The InterTitles carried the dialog of the principals (ie actors).THE FLYING FLEET starts with the story of six (6) MidShipMen from just before their graduation. All six (6) are friends and going for the same goal, to become Naval Aviators. The story involves their careers. Four (4) of them FAIL for the following reasons; Trivial, Physical, Fear and Tragic. Two (2) succeed, STEVE (Ralph Graves) and TOMMY (Ramon Navarro) who become involved in a romantic triangle with ANITA (Anita Page). What follows is a standard service rivalry with a logical conclusion. Those familiar with the screenplays of Frank 'Spig' Wead have an instant advantage because he co-wrote it.The United States Navy gave its "sanction" for the making of this film. Which meant its full support. So we are treated to what was then the latest in aircraft and technology. One (1) thing this film clearly illustrates is that the U.S.N. WAS NOT anti-air minded, contrary to bogus claims of General Billy Mitchell. The U.S.N. was very interested in the development of its air-power. The only restraints upon it were monetary and the technical developments of the time. The U.S.N. wisely invested its limited resources in developing its MEN the Aviators. The only AirCraft Carrier footage coming from the converted collier LANGLEY (CV1) a largely experimental unit useful only for training. LEXINGTON (CV2) and SARATOGA (CV3) commissioned in 1927 were not featured at all. Most likely because of their size, second only to the British BattleCruiser H.M.S. HOOD and their advanced features such as aircraft arrestor gear. At that time the U.S.N. thought (rightly) they had most powerful warships in the world.This 'Silent Film' has much to offer the viewer as do many others. For those who have never watched a 'Silent Film' or have trouble watching one (1) we have a few tips that will help out. ONE (1), turn off all the lights and watch the film after dusk so there is no ambient light. The only light should be coming from your T.V. TWO (2) NO EATING you may have drinks but thats it. If anyone needs a refill or go to the washroom pause the film and DO NOT restart till everybody settles back down. THREE (3) 'EVERYBODY' keep your comments to yourself till the picture ends. In other words SHUTUP! No running commentary or criticism. Just because YOU don't get it does not mean you should spoil it for others or YOU do get it and your embarrassed, keep it to YOURSELF. WATCH, LEARN and ENJOY.

This is the second Ramon Novarro picture I've seen (the first being 1925's "Ben-Hur") and it is every bit enjoyable as the last picture I saw with him. Ralph Graves delivered a great performance but I somehow had mistaken him for Burt Lancaster (?!?!?!?!). No joke, I thought he really looked like a young Lancaster (which he couldn't have been since Burt was only 15 when this picture was made). Though it is mainly an adventure film, parts of it are really funny. The funniest moment is when Novarro dives his plane toward his friend on the ground and nearly runs him over. Anita Page was a year younger than me (I'm 19) when she took this part, and as small as her part was, she deserved the upmost praise for her early, but dazzling performance. The synchronized music track is phenomeonal considering that it was produced in 1928. To whoever scored this picture, you're not only a genius, but you made this picture work!

Six young midshipmen about to graduate from Annapolis dream about the glory of joining the FLYING FLEET, unaware of the heartache & happiness the future has in store for them...While almost a commercial for the Navy's aviation wing, this late MGM silent film is still very enjoyable. The flying scenes are well produced and exciting and the slight plot of friendships, rivalries, a pretty girl & a tragic flight to Honolulu grab the viewer's attention.Ramon Novarro does a sturdy job as the foremost amongst the six comrades. Ralph Graves scores as Novarro's best buddy. Anita Page is lovely in a role that calls for her to do very little else except look lovely. (Decades later she claimed Novarro proposed marriage to her!)Unbilled, Alfred Allen does a fine turn as a blustery, comic Admiral; and Gardner James is excellent as Specs the navigator, who's heroism & self-sacrifice effortlessly steals the climax of the film.