The Flying Fool | 1929 | Drama, Romance, Aviation

Title: The Flying Fool | 1929 | Drama, Romance, Aviation Director: Tay Garnett Studio: Pathé Exchange Starring: William Boyd, Marie Prevost, Russell Gleason, Tom O’Brien Based on: Original story by Elliott J. Clawson Release Date: June 23, 1929 Runtime: 73 minutes Format: Black and white; 35mm; released in both sound and silent versions Country: United States Language: English Genres: Drama, Romance, Aviation. --- Chapters: 00:00:00 War ace to “Flying Fool” 00:12:00 Nightclub singer Pat Riley 00:27:00 Brothers’ rivalry escalates 00:46:00 Aerial duel over affection 01:03:00 Landing and consequences 01:12:00 Choice and reconciliation --- Summary: World War I ace Bill Taylor, now a celebrated barnstormer known as the “Flying Fool,” grows concerned when his younger brother Jimmy falls for nightclub singer Pat Riley. Bill investigates, only to find Pat sincere and hardworking, and he unexpectedly falls for her himself. Tension between the brothers builds as affection and loyalty collide. The conflict culminates in a risky aerial contest that forces a reckoning. After the stunt-filled showdown, Pat makes her choice and the brothers reach an understanding, restoring family bonds. --- Background: Produced and distributed by Pathé Exchange during Hollywood’s transition to synchronized sound, The Flying Fool was issued in both RCA Photophone sound and silent versions. Principal photography ran from late March to early June 1929, and noted cinematographer Arthur C. Miller photographed the film. Contemporary sources report multiple running times due to differing versions. --- Trivia: William Boyd, the film’s star, would soon become widely identified with the screen character Hopalong Cassidy, anchoring a long-running series of Westerns and later a hit television program. Songs by George Green and George Waggner were featured, including a number performed onscreen, reflecting the industry’s rapid adoption of sound. The film’s cinematography was by Arthur C. Miller, an important figure in American cinematography whose career spanned the silent and sound eras. Reports vary on length: trade and catalog sources list approximately 73 minutes for the sound release and about 63 minutes for the silent version. --- Public Domain / Rights: Original Release: June 23, 1929 Original Studio / Distributor: Pathé Exchange Copyright Status: Public Domain as of January 1, 2025 Renewal: Unknown. --- Hashtags: TheFlyingFool PublicDomain ClassicFilm 1929 TayGarnett WilliamBoyd AviationMovies Source page: https: //commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Flying_Fool_(1929).webm Direct media URL: https: //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e8/The_Flying_Fool_%281929%29.webm