Hell's Angels (1930): The Criterion Collection

South West Silents' co-director James Harrison explores Howard Hughes' Hell's Angels (1930) and the new release by The Criterion Collection. Plus a chance to win a Blu-ray/UHD copy!

There is something wrong with Howard Hughes’ Hell’s Angels (1930). It has nothing to do with the impressive action sequences, the cast, or even the lousy dialogue, it’s just the drab storyline. Actually, the lousy dialogue doesn't help really. Director James Whale knew he was in trouble when he realised that he was only being hired to reshoot all the dialogue scenes in sound; replacing over a year’s silent film rushes. But he knew it was a job, and a job which he would be able to benefit from in the future… and he did.

18-year-old star Jean Harlow would also benefit from the film. Due to the success of Hell’s Angels (and it was a success, box office wise anyway) the film rocketed Harlow’s career into the stratosphere, making her an international star. Because of Hell’s Angels, Harlow would co-star alongside the likes of James Cagney in The Public Enemy (1931), Chester Morris in Red-Headed Woman (1932) and Clark Gable in Red Dust (1932) three of the most important films of the 1930s.

There are images which stick in the mind here as well. The haunting sight of a German Zeppelin slowly breaking through the clouds. Hundreds of aircraft swirling around each other in a massive dogfight. A closeup of a pilot with blood pouring out his mouth as his plane spins violently out of control. The lone observer’s car speeding across the sky and the sight of figures falling to their doom into the cloudy abyss below.

If only Hughes had left Hell’s Angels as a silent film. It might be more celebrated as being a good film (at least) instead of an incredibly over bloated piece of fluff.

This doesn’t mean that Hell’s Angels isn’t a fascinating film to watch or even a film worth owning on Blu-ray/UHD. Technically, the film is impressive. With its two-strip Technicolor sequences, sound sequences and mighty air battles (with its fire breathing machine guns). There is something here. To be honest, you might find yourself being a kid and just skipping all the acting scenes and jumping straight to the action sequences.

In fact, this Criterion release, with its incredible transfer is worth getting for the technical aspects alone. The cinematography shines and the colours, whether tinted, black and while or in Technicolor, are extraordinary. On the extras side, an interview with visual-effects expert Robert Legato (The Aviator) is highly informative as well as Farran Smith Nehme’s discussion about Harlow.

The best feature however is the outtakes with a special commentary by David Stenn; they are simply perfect to view and Stenn’s commentary, yet brief, is great as well. If only we had an audio commentary on the entire film to cover Howard Hughes’ ropey dialogue and storyline.

And Hughes is the problem here. If only someone said no to him. The film and its key subject matter (aviation) obsessed Hughes from an early age, especially after seeing another key aviation First World War film, William A. Wellman’s silent film masterpiece Wings (1927). Hughes thought he could do better; and to some standards he did, the action flying sequences are eyepopping. But it’s just the slow dialogue and dull pacing.

We all know that Hell’s Angels is a bad film. It always has been. But it doesn’t matter. It is a landmark in the history of Hollywood. It is a film that marks the moment when a rich man, with more money than sense, wanted to start making movies (take note Elon Musk).

Hughes gambled and won when it came to Hell’s Angels. Next up was The Front Page (1931) and after that, Scarface (1932). Two great films directed by two great directors (Lewis Milestone, Howard Hawks). So at least something good came out of this film.

Thanks to the Criterion Collection UK team we have a brand new copy of Hell's Angels (1930) up for grabs, as well as a Criterion tote bag! Just send us your answer to the question below via our contact page by mid-night on Sunday 30th November to be in with a chance. Good Luck!

Question: Which film studio did Howard Hughes purchase in in May 1948?