You won't be disappointed!

Did you people see the same film I saw?

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

The U.S. Naval Academy successfully graduates handsome aviators Ramon Novarro (as Tommy Winslow) and Ralph Graves (as Steve Randall). While training, the men in uniform see pretty blonde Anita Page (as Anita Hastings) water-skiing and think, "That's what I call seafood!" Nice line. Both men want to spend their off-duty time making it with Ms. Page. Friendly bickering grows more serious as Page plays along with both Mr. Novarro and Mr. Graves. A grand seafaring adventure leads to the final clinch...With not much of a plot, but plenty of pilot footage, "The Flying Fleet" was a top production and box office hit, despite its appearance during the waning days of silent films. The synchronized sound effects score is nicely done (a DVD release implies the soundtrack is newly recorded; if so, whoever put it together knows the old style exceptionally well). The film benefits from spectacular photography from Charles A. Marshall and Ira H. Morgan. And, of course, Novarro and the cast are irresistibly charming.****** The Flying Fleet (1/19/29) George W. Hill ~ Ramon Novarro, Ralph Graves, Anita Page, Edward J. Nugent

Because this film came out in 1929 and studios were hurriedly switching to sound pictures, sound effects and music was added to this otherwise silent film. For this time period, it's a very good film--featuring excellent footage of naval aircraft and a good, though a tad predictable story about six friends who went to the Naval Academy and wanted to earn their pilot's wings. Little by little, the original group is now whittled down to two pilots who actually are able to complete the program--Ramon Novarro and Ralph Graves (who, incidentally, made many military-oriented films in the late 20s and early 1930s set on subs, derigibles and aircraft). Unfortunately, while they are best of friends, they also want the same girl (cute Anita Page) and the story is a combination of serious drama about the training and life of a navy pilot as well as a contest to see who gets the girl.For the time period this was made, this is a much better than average film with excellent production values and an interesting story--particularly to nuts like me that love old aircraft. Also, for those aviation and history lovers out there, it's a good opportunity to see the USS Langley in action (this was America's first aircraft carrier).This film, by the way, was created from a story idea from Frank Wead--a retired navy pilot who, after suffering a serious spinal injury, changed careers and became a Hollywood screenwriter and consultant--mostly (but not exclusively) for aviation films. His life was recreated in the film WINGS OF EAGLES--giving it all the usual John Ford sentimentality and gloss.

Two buddies in the Navy, Tommy (Ramon Novarro) and Steve (Ralph Graves) fall in love with the same girl--Anita (Anita Page). It starts a rivalry which slowly gets serious--can their friendship survive?Very obvious (you KNOW how it's going to end) but pretty good. The story moves quickly, Graves is tall and handsome, Page is pretty and Novarro is just incredibly beautiful with his dark eyes blazing. The direction is very good and there is some truly unbelievable aerial footage. This was all done with the full cooperation of the Navy so we get to see what it was really like back in 1929.No great shakes but a very good silent movie (with some sound effects here and there). Recommended.

Six young midshipmen about to graduate from Annapolis dream about the glory of joining the FLYING FLEET, unaware of the heartache & happiness the future has in store for them...While almost a commercial for the Navy's aviation wing, this late MGM silent film is still very enjoyable. The flying scenes are well produced and exciting and the slight plot of friendships, rivalries, a pretty girl & a tragic flight to Honolulu grab the viewer's attention.Ramon Novarro does a sturdy job as the foremost amongst the six comrades. Ralph Graves scores as Novarro's best buddy. Anita Page is lovely in a role that calls for her to do very little else except look lovely. (Decades later she claimed Novarro proposed marriage to her!)Unbilled, Alfred Allen does a fine turn as a blustery, comic Admiral; and Gardner James is excellent as Specs the navigator, who's heroism & self-sacrifice effortlessly steals the climax of the film.