Geoff Carter is the head of a small run down air freight company in Barranca, one of his best pilots (and friend) is killed, but this is merely only one of the problems he has to deal with as ex flames, potential new sweethearts, and dissension in the camp, all fuse together to test him to the limit.

Howard Hawks was the perfect man for this film because of his aviation background, the result is a very well crafted character study set in a very small locale. Looking at it from the outside you would think that the film was lining up to be a soft soap romantic fable, but here the emotion is channelled into a sort of character bravado that is flawed - yet something that makes for a viewing experience that draws you in deep with the finely etched characters.

The cast are on fine form. Cary Grant gets to flex his non comedic muscles with great results as Carter, the film relies on Grant to glue the story together which he does with great aplomb. Jean Arthur & Rita Hayworth are the girls in amongst this strongly male orientated story, and it's a testament to both of the ladies ability that they don't get bogged down by all the macho heroism pouring out in the plot. Smart camera work and exciting aerial sequences further up the quality that is dotted within the piece, and were it not for some terribly twee dialogue, Only Angels Have Wings would surely be ranked as a classic of the 1930s. As it is, it's a wonderfully involving film that shows Hawks at his most humane. 8/10

"Only Angels Have Wings" is an entertaining film, that I feel is overlooked. It is mature in its storytelling, has memorable characters and has very action fine sequences thanks to Howard Hawk's skillful direction. The film looks very beautiful, with excellent cinematography, pleasant scenery, well done special effects(the one with Thomas Mitchell's cockpit window breaking open with the condor was surprising) and nice costumes. If I had a criticism though, the film could've done with more of a South American feel. That said, the performances are splendid, Cary Grant is a macho and hard-bitten sort of person here, and Jean Arthur is suitably sympathetic and chirpy. The best performances come from Richard Bathelmess as a disgraced flier and Rita Hayworth, looking as glamorous as ever. Overall, overlooked and entertaining. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Considering that this film was directed by Howard Hawks and featured Cary Grant, Jean Arthur, Rita Hayworth and a star-filled supporting cast, it's not a big surprise that the film worked so well. Now this isn't to say that it is perfect or the finest film of the age--in fact, since it came out in 1939 (probably the greatest year for American films),it was doubtless overshadowed by a host of other films. Sure it couldn't keep up with GONE WITH THE WIND, MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON, GOODBYE MR. CHIPS and a whole host of other huge films that year, but in no way does this mean it wasn't a very good film. In fact, I really can't think of anything bad about the film, though I did find it a bit odd seeing Cary Grant play a role that seemed more designed around an actor like Clark Gable or perhaps Gary Cooper. In other words, seeing the sophisticated gent that was Cary Grant in the South American jungle just didn't seem real. It wasn't really a problem with Grant's performance but more my expectations based on the types of roles he generally played.

The story is about a small struggling airline in the Andes and the group of outcasts who often give up their lives trying to make the dream work. Cary is the boss and the entire organization is thrown into some disarray when Jean Arthur enters this all-male enclave. A bit later, when Richard Barthelmess and Rita Hayworth come along, the chaos seems to intensify. Instead of discussing exactly why all this comes to a boil, it's probably best you just see the film for yourself. The acting and direction, as I stated above, are excellent--plus the writing and action are very good as well. A very good film--particularly for airplane and old movie buffs like myself.

UPDATE: Since seeing this film, I saw John Ford's 1932 film "Air Mail" and the plot is very, very, very similar.