hyped garbage

There's a more than satisfactory amount of boom-boom in the movie's trim running time.

A film of deceptively outspoken contemporary relevance, this is cinema at its most alert, alarming and alive.

One of those movie experiences that is so good it makes you realize you've been grading everything else on a curve.

I love the silents because the story relies as much on motion, lighting, and mannerism as they do dialogue panels. This movie was excellent. Now the special effects get a pass because of the times but that is no reason to not spend about 100 minutes of your life enjoying this little gem. You are treated to the camaraderie of a group of cadets about to graduate from the United States Naval Academy, follow their career development through training in Florida and California, and witness two friends vie for the affection of a beautiful water skier. I found myself caring about the characters and in wonderment at a short visual history lesson on military technology of the time. I wish more movies were made this way.

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.

This is our first review of a 'Silent Film' and we felt we should explain the ground rules of our rating. Though the 'Silent Film' is part of the visual medium it should not be considered in the same light as the 'Sound Film'. Nor is it a derivative of the 'Stage'. It is an entity of its own with a separate language, the art of acting in pantomime and visual expression. THE FLYING FLEET is a fine example of this medium. To be correct though, made in 1928 (release 1929) it is a transition 'Silent' by M.G.M. It came at the end of a twenty-five (25) year development of the feature 'Silent Film' starting with THE GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY (1903). So it had more then a piano, organ or orchestra a synchronized soundtrack. The soundtrack would be used to enhance the visuals and featured Music, Sound Effects and Voice Overs. The InterTitles carried the dialog of the principals (ie actors).THE FLYING FLEET starts with the story of six (6) MidShipMen from just before their graduation. All six (6) are friends and going for the same goal, to become Naval Aviators. The story involves their careers. Four (4) of them FAIL for the following reasons; Trivial, Physical, Fear and Tragic. Two (2) succeed, STEVE (Ralph Graves) and TOMMY (Ramon Navarro) who become involved in a romantic triangle with ANITA (Anita Page). What follows is a standard service rivalry with a logical conclusion. Those familiar with the screenplays of Frank 'Spig' Wead have an instant advantage because he co-wrote it.The United States Navy gave its "sanction" for the making of this film. Which meant its full support. So we are treated to what was then the latest in aircraft and technology. One (1) thing this film clearly illustrates is that the U.S.N. WAS NOT anti-air minded, contrary to bogus claims of General Billy Mitchell. The U.S.N. was very interested in the development of its air-power. The only restraints upon it were monetary and the technical developments of the time. The U.S.N. wisely invested its limited resources in developing its MEN the Aviators. The only AirCraft Carrier footage coming from the converted collier LANGLEY (CV1) a largely experimental unit useful only for training. LEXINGTON (CV2) and SARATOGA (CV3) commissioned in 1927 were not featured at all. Most likely because of their size, second only to the British BattleCruiser H.M.S. HOOD and their advanced features such as aircraft arrestor gear. At that time the U.S.N. thought (rightly) they had most powerful warships in the world.This 'Silent Film' has much to offer the viewer as do many others. For those who have never watched a 'Silent Film' or have trouble watching one (1) we have a few tips that will help out. ONE (1), turn off all the lights and watch the film after dusk so there is no ambient light. The only light should be coming from your T.V. TWO (2) NO EATING you may have drinks but thats it. If anyone needs a refill or go to the washroom pause the film and DO NOT restart till everybody settles back down. THREE (3) 'EVERYBODY' keep your comments to yourself till the picture ends. In other words SHUTUP! No running commentary or criticism. Just because YOU don't get it does not mean you should spoil it for others or YOU do get it and your embarrassed, keep it to YOURSELF. WATCH, LEARN and ENJOY.

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.