Movie
Lafayette Escadrille
Romance film with a runtime of 93 minutes, released in 1958. Presented in English.
At a Glance
Synopsis
Though director William Wellman was attached to the Lafayette Flying Corps during WW1, many people believed that he was actually with the celebrated Lafayette Escadrille, and this 1958 actioner does little to dispel that belief. The film concentrates on a group of courageous young American aviators who, long before the USA's entry into the Great War, band together to fight the minions of the Kaiser in the skies of France. One of these reckless flyboys is Thad Walker (Tab Hunter), who arrives in Paris after being thrown out of his wealthy father's home. Joining the Escadrille with Walker are fellow expatriates Tom Hitchcock (Jody McCrea), Duke Sinclaire (David Janssen) and "Wild Bill" Wellman (played by the director's son, Bill Wellman Jr.). After a bit of parlez-vous with the local mademoiselles, Walker and his pals take to the air, and at this point, the film really gets off the ground (no pun intended). The spectacular aerial sequences are evocative of those in Wellman's silent classic Wings, though Lafayette Escadrille itself falls a bit short of classic status.
Where to Watch
Start with the quickest viewing option we have for this title.
Availability can vary by country and over time.
Cast
- Etchika Choureau
- Tab Hunter
- Marcel Dalio
- Jody McCrea
- David Janssen
- William Wellman Jr.
- Dennis Devine
- Paul Fix
- Veola Vonn
- Will Hutchins
- Clint Eastwood
- Bob Hover
- Tom Laughlin
- Brett Halsey
- Henry Nakamura
- Maurice Marsac
- Raymond Bailey
- George Nardelli
- Gordon Bau
- Marjorie Best
- Owen Marks
- John Beckman
- William Clothier
- Donald A. Peters
