The Dawn Patrol poster

The Dawn Patrol( 1930)

TV-MAWarDramaAction
67%
User
Score

GREATEST AIR EPIC EVER!

Overview

World War I ace Dick Courtney derides the leadership of his superior officer, but he soon is promoted to squadron commander and learns harsh lessons about sending subordinates to their deaths.

    Top Billed Cast

    1. cast image

      Richard Barthelmess

      Dick Courtney

    2. cast image

      Douglas Fairbanks Jr.

      Douglas 'Doug' Scott

    3. cast image

      Neil Hamilton

      Major Brand

    4. cast image

      Frank McHugh

      Flaherty

    5. cast image

      Clyde Cook

      Bott

    6. cast image

      James Finlayson

      Field Sergeant

    7. cast image

      Gardner James

      Ralph Hollister

    8. cast image

      William Janney

      Gordon 'Donny' Scott

    9. cast image

      Edmund Breon

      Lieutenant Phipps

    10. cast image

      Jack Ackroyd

      Ackroyd (uncredited)

    11. cast image

      Harry Allen

      Allen (uncredited)

    12. cast image

      Howard Hawks

      German Pilot (uncredited)

    13. cast image

      Jack Jordan

      German Soldier (uncredited)

    14. cast image

      Dave O'Brien

      Pilot (uncredited)

    Social

    Review 1Discussion

    A review by CinemaSerf

    7
    Written by CinemaSerf on Thu Oct 09 2025
    Richard Barthelemess is the cocky airman “Dick” in this pioneering aviation drama set during the Great War. Using mono and biplanes that were made of little more than balso wood and glue, he is part of the Royal Flying Corps that is trying to combat the nasty Bosch for control of the skies. He’s always being critical of his boss “Brand” (Neil Hamilton) without really understanding that with that command goes the responsibility, all too often, of sending men barely out of their teens to their deaths. He does come to realise that, though, when he is promoted and asked by his best friend “Douglas”...

    Media

    Videos 1Backdrops 1Posters 6

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    Facts

    Status

    Released

    Original Language

    English

    Budget

    -

    Revenue

    -

    Keywords

    • world war i
    • fighter pilot
    • pilot
    • aerial combat
    • royal flying corps (rfc)
    • suicide mission
    • pre-code
    • brothers