Lafayette Escadrille 1958

Thad Walker, [Tab Hunter], a spoiled, privileged Boston youth who has tangled with the law, flees to France to enlist in the French Foreign Legion during World War I. In Paris, he bands together with fellow Americans—Duke Sinclair, [David Janssen], Dave Putnam, [Will Hutchins], Tom Hitchcock, [Jody McCrea], and Bill Wellman, [William Wellman Jr.]—and learns about the Lafayette Escadrille, a new squadron of American volunteers flying for France. These expatriates enlist and begin training on basic aircraft before stepping up to combat roles.

While off duty, Thad falls for Renée Beaulieu, [Etchika Choureau], a streetwise woman who abandons her old life to reform for his sake. Haunted by a father who beat him, he harbors a deep resentment of authority. An incident with a boastful French officer, frustrated by Thad’s trouble understanding commands in French, ends with Thad striking the officer—an offense that could land him in jail. Before punishment can be carried out, his friends smuggle him out of camp, and he hides for a long while in Renée’s Paris apartment. His comrades continue their training while Thad works for the Madam, [Veola Vonn], hoping to earn enough money to run away with Renée to South America.

Gradually, the veteran aviators he befriended return to the scene, and Thad realizes he still seeks redemption. Convincing an American general that he is sincere, when the United States enters the war, he joins the American Air Service. Thad is finally able to fly a mission with the Lafayette Escadrille, proving himself as a superb fighter pilot. Returning to Paris, Thad asks his friends to join him as he weds Renée.