CLIPPED WINGS

Cinemavixion Review

Stuart Paton's 1937 aviation drama, "Clipped Wings," offers a tale of fraternal ambition and aerial derring-do set against the backdrop of World War I and its aftermath. The film centers on Mickey Lofton, whose aspirations to follow in the footsteps of his fallen brother, Jerry, are initially thwarted by a childhood fear of thunderstorms and a rejection from flight school. The narrative takes a turn towards intrigue when Jerry, now a Captain in the U.S. Department of Justice, goes undercover to dismantle a gang of oil smugglers. The plot skillfully weaves Mickey's personal life, including his affection for Molly, the sister of one of the suspects, into the dangerous proceedings. The climax delivers on the promise of aerial action as Mickey is forced to pilot a plane, with Jerry providing crucial aerial support, leading to a dramatic confrontation and a daring rescue. While perhaps not a landmark of the genre, "Clipped Wings" provides a solid dose of adventure and melodrama, anchored by the performances of Lloyd Hughes, Rosalind Keith, and William Janney, making it a noteworthy piece of 1930s cinema.