MovieChat Forums > Wings (1929) Discussion > Jack's (premature?) grey hair

Jack's (premature?) grey hair

posted 17 years ago by saginaw1
4 replies | jump to latest

'Wings' has been one of my all-time favorite silent films, as well as one of my favorite war films. Still, there's one "little" thing that seemed out of place, at least to me.

It's Jack's grey hair, which can be seen near the end of the film, when he returns home. Since the scene card suggested that the war "matured" him, I'm sure it was included to give the audience that impression. IMHO, it just seemed a bit unnecessary to show his maturity in that manor, unless Dave's unintentional death at his hands had that much of an impact on him. Of course, that little detail doesn't detract at all from what is essentially an outstanding and entertaining film.

Comments?

[–] twistedude 17 years ago

Charles "Buddy" Rogers lived to be over 90...whatever that adds to the discussion. I didn't notice the gray hairs...but my clunky old Zenith (my Toshiba was stolen) doesn't show you everything.

"Thus began our longest journey together." To Kill a Mockingbird

[–] bigpeeler 17 years ago

I thought it got the point across of the horrors of war. Granted it wasn't all too subtle, but when Clara Bow reaches up and strokes it softly, I thought it a nice touch. Fantastic movie by the way. Simply fantastic.

[–] georgestrum 16 years ago

Most certainly some men who have gone through war have experienced premature graying a very certain medical fact for some but not all.

[–] artistathome 16 years ago

The first time I saw this movie I was astounded by the gray hair. I felt it was certainly out of place and not necessary to show that he had changed to the extent that he would have gray hair. But now looking back I can see why the producer felt it necessary to show the ravages of combat.

And certainly times were more innocent in 1927 when the film was made. (It was supposed to be 1917?)
Being a silent movie, he couldn't speak how he felt, we could not hear it in his own voice... I guess the gray hair made a big impression on 1927 audiences.

It is a great movie and deserves every accolade. I am watching it tonight because years ago I was able to "tape" it on my vcr. Back in 1998 I think.

Wasn't Clara Bow gorgeous? and Buddy Rogers and Richard Arlen SO handsome.