Wings tells the story of two friends who become flying aces in the first world war. The spectacular aerial photography and stunning visual effects, strong even by contemporary standards, is reason enough to see this film. The story is less inspired, rarely more than a serviceable soap opera. But it's usually a compelling one and ends with a riveting climax.

The film won the Best Picture Oscar at the very first Academy Awards. It's also probably the most well known (though atypical) film of the notorious flapper girl icon Clara Bow, said to be the inspiration behind the cartoon character Betty Boop. Also watch for Gary Cooper in a brief early role.