I Wanted Wings (1941): Cast & Plot
I Wanted Wings is a 1941 war drama directed by Mitchell Leisen, starring Ray Milland as Jeff Young, William Holden and Wayne Morris. It runs 2 hours 15 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 15m (135 min)
- Director
- Mitchell Leisen
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Paramount Pictures
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is I Wanted Wings About?
The premise of I Wanted Wings without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
The story follows a charismatic blonde bomber who captures the nation’s imagination. Told in flashback, it tracks the rigorous training and personal lives of three Army Air Corps recruits—a wealthy playboy, a college jock and an auto mechanic. Their romantic entanglements involve a determined female photographer and a seductive blonde.
I Wanted Wings Themes & Keywords
· 4 tags- aviation
- leisen and milland
- patriotism
- based on book
I Wanted Wings Cast & Characters
Ray Milland leads the cast as Jeff Young, with William Holden as Al Ludlow and Wayne Morris as Tom Cassidy. Directed by Mitchell Leisen; 18 actors are credited in all.
- Director Mitchell Leisen
-
Ray Milland as Jeff Young -
William Holden as Al Ludlow - Wayne Morris as Tom Cassidy
- Veronica Lake as Sally Vaughn
Also Starring in I Wanted Wings
· 14 more- Constance Moore Carolyn Bartlett
- Phil Brown Jimmy Masters
- Brian Donlevy Capt. Mercer
- Hobart Cavanaugh Mickey
- Addison Richards Flight Surgeon
- Richard Lane Flight Commander
- Harry Davenport 'Sandbags' Riley
- Willard Robertson Judge Advocate
- Edward Fielding President of the Court
- Archie Twitchell Lt. Clarkton
- Richard Webb Cadet Captain
- John Hiestand Radio Announcer
- John Trent Lt. Ronson
- Douglas Aylesworth Lt. Hopkins
More from Mitchell Leisen
More films directed by Mitchell Leisen, best-rated first: Remember the Night, Hold Back the Dawn, To Each His Own and Death Takes a Holiday.
I Wanted Wings Plot Summary
What happens in I Wanted Wings from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 5-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
It is 1940, on the eve of the United States entering World War II. During a large-scale training exercise, eighteen U.S. Army Air Corps Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress bombers simulate a retaliatory raid on Los Angeles. One aircraft crashes in the desert on the way back to base, and the bizarre discovery of a dead woman in the wreck raises immediate questions. The pilot responsible for the flight, Second Lieutenant Jefferson Young III, is accused of letting an unauthorized civilian passenger ride along, a charge that could end his promising military career. As the court martial commences, the board meticulously reviews his military record and personal history, trying to separate nerves of steel from reckless disregard.
Full summary
The whole story of I Wanted Wings, scene by scene
How Well Do You Know I Wanted Wings?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Which actor portrays Second Lieutenant Jefferson Young III in the film?
I Wanted Wings Also Known As
4 alternative titles, including “L'escadrille des jeunes” and “I cavalieri del cielo”.
- Also known as
-
- L'escadrille des jeunes
- I cavalieri del cielo
- Vuelo de águilas
- Мне нужны крылья
Seen I Wanted Wings?
Movies Like I Wanted Wings
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Wings, Winged Victory and Wings.
I Wanted Wings FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of I Wanted Wings, each answered in a sentence.
How long is I Wanted Wings?
I Wanted Wings runs 2 hours 15 minutes (135 minutes).
When was I Wanted Wings released?
I Wanted Wings was released on March 26, 1941.
Who directed I Wanted Wings?
I Wanted Wings was directed by Mitchell Leisen.
More films by Mitchell Leisen Who is in the cast of I Wanted Wings?
I Wanted Wings stars Ray Milland as Jeff Young, William Holden as Al Ludlow and Wayne Morris as Tom Cassidy, among 18 credited actors.
Does I Wanted Wings have a post-credit scene?
No. I Wanted Wings has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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