Wings is a pioneering 1927 film in many ways. For example, it was the first film made with the support of the U.S. Army (then including the Air Force), the beginning of a tradition. It was the first film ever to receive an Oscar for best picture. In terms of technical effects, the film was groundbreaking: aerial battles were shot with aircraft-mounted cameras, so that pilots were in close-up view as they performed maneuvers in the air (the main actors had to learn to fly themselves). Although the film was black and white, some details were colored in (by hand) for added effect.
Furthermore, the film stands out because it saw Gary Cooper break through to the general public.
It is also considered the last great silent film, the conclusion of an era.
Janet Gaynor, born Laura Gainor (Philadelphia, October 6, 1906 – Palm Springs, September 14, 1984) was an American actress and also the first actress to win an Academy Award for Best Actress.
Emil Jannings (23 July 1884 – 2 January 1950) was a German actor. He was the first winner of the Oscar for best actor and is among the most outstanding actors of the silent era.
