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John Wayne, Dan Dailey, Maureen O'Hara, Ward Bond, Ken Curtis ... see more see more... , Edmund Lowe , Kenneth Tobey , James Todd , Barry Kelley , Sig Rumann , Henry O'Neill , Willis B. Bouchey , Dorothy Jordan , Tige Andrews , Veda Ann Borg , Danny Borzage , Olive Carey , James Flavin , Mimi Gibson , Fred Graham , Sam Harris , William Henry , Louis Jean Heydt , Stuart Holmes , Cliff Lyons , Mae Marsh , May McAvoy , Alberto Morin , Peter Ortiz , Chuck Roberson , Evelyn Rudie , William Tracy , Charles Trowbridge , Harlan Warde , Jack Pennick , Janet Lake , Sig Ruman

The Wings of Eagles is filmmaker John Ford's paean to his frequent collaborator--and, it is rumored, drinking buddy--Cmdr. Frank "Spig" Wead. John Wayne stars as Wead, a reckless WW1 Naval aviator who... read more read more... (it says here) was instrumental in advancing the cause of American "air power". In private life, Wead becomes estranged from his wife Minnie (Maureen O'Hara) after the death of their baby. Drinking heavily, Wead tumbles down the stairs of his home, and as a result he is apparently paralyzed for life. With the help of happy-go-lucky Navy mechanic Carson (Dan Dailey), Wead is able to regain minimal use of his legs, but it seems clear that his Naval career is over. Fortunately, he manages to find work as a prolific Hollywood screenwriter, and after the attack of Pearl Harbor he is called back to active duty to oversee the construction of "jeep carriers". Not one of John Ford's more coherent films--in fact, it's downright sloppy at times--The Wings of Eagles nonetheless contains several highlights, not least of which are the "I'm gonna move that toe" scene with John Wayne and Dan Dailey, and Ward Bond's inside-joke performance as irreverent film director "John Dodge". ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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63% liked it

4,095 ratings

Unrated, 1 hr. 50 min.

Directed by: John Ford

Release Date: January 1, 1957

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DVD Release Date: June 6, 2006

Stats: 120 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (120)

  • kenstachnik
    March 28, 2011
    kenstachnik
    John Ford's follow-up to The Searchers is surprisingly un-remarkable. A biopic of Frank "Spig" Wead, a solider turned cripple turned screenwriter, "The Wings of Eagles is an impeccably crafted piece of fluffy propaganda.
  • deano
    August 30, 2010
    deano
    An excellent and often-moving biopic about navy-flier-turned-screenwriter Frank "Spig" Wead, this film features fine dramatic performances from John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. Features the usual John Ford elements of sentimentality and brawling slapstick, but there's also an under... read morelying poignancy that makes this a treat.
  • ythelastman89
    August 23, 2010
    ythelastman89
    A movie that's powerful enough to make a grown man cry. John Ford tells the story of Frank Spig like no one else could have. With a combination of great action sequences and intimate character moments, this becomes more than just an average movie. John Wayne delivers a powerhouse... read more performance, like always, and makes you truly admire Spig. It's such an uplifting and human story which shouldn't be missed by anyone.
  • fb68600877
    January 17, 2012
    fb68600877
    Often terrific biopic that has some tremendously sharp visuals, but seems a bit cliche at times. John Wayne plays one of his more vulnerable characters here though he doesn't have much time to show it because there's so much action going on all the time. Wead lived an interesting... read more life, and it shows.
  • fantazunique
    January 23, 2007
    fantazunique
    I loved how John Wayne protrayed the irrepressible Spig Wead in this movie, if I have the mans last name right that is.
  • swedishsouffle
    October 1, 2006
    swedishsouffle
    Worth watching, but I didn't think it was particularly interesting because navy stories aren't exactly my cup of tea ;)
  • satinsongcats
    July 25, 2006
    satinsongcats
    I don't think John Wayne got the credit he deserved for his role s Spig Weade. Also watch for Dan Daley in a meaty, comedic subordinate role.

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Critic Reviews

Christopher Lloyd
April 25, 2011
Christopher Lloyd, Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Wants to be epic in scope but ends up feeling like ham-fisted CliffsNotes version of a man's life. The film loiters way, way too long on Frank Wead's early days as a hell-raising test pilot, then skip... Full Review

Emanuel Levy
July 15, 2008
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

Though sentimental as a biopic of Navy hero Frank (Sig) Wead, John Ford's film has old-fashioned charm, a result of John Wayne's lead performance and his chemistry with Maureen O'Hara. Full Review

Dennis Schwartz
February 8, 2005
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews

This routine sentimental biopic is directed with much feeling by John Ford. Full Review

Bosley Crowther
March 25, 2006
Bosley Crowther, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Dave Kehr
January 1, 2000
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

Click to read the article Full Review

January 26, 2006
Time Out

Click to read the article Full Review

May 24, 2003
Film4

Click to read the article Full Review

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The Wings of Eagles Trivia

  • McQ, The Quiet Man, was not on the Stagecoach when Brannigan and His Private Secretary crossed the Rio Grande On The Wings Of Eagles. Who am I?  Answer »
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