Flying on Film: A Century of Aviation in the Movies 1912-2012
by Mark Carlson, Bear Manor Media, Duncan, Okla., 2012, $24.95.
Few of my articles have elicited more letters to the editor than “Top Ten Best and Worst Aviation Movies Ever Made” (see the March 2010 Aviation History, and letters in subsequent issues). Try as any author might to be objective, there’s no way his selections will match those of many (or even a few) of the readers—and their objections are sure to be prompt and pithy. Mark Carlson’s new book provides plenty of ammunition as he looks at the remarkable confluence of film and flying for more than a century. Both disciplines started out in a primitive manner, both gained style and expertise through the years and in both we find accurate reflections of their era.
Carlson conducted many interviews with movie pilots, directors, heroes such as the late, great Ralph Parr and also—in the interest of full disclosure—me. In addition, he had guidance from William A. Wellman Jr., son of the famous director who combined his flying and film experience to create such greats as Wings, the first Oscar winner, and 11 other memorable pictures.
Carlson adopted a sensible, if a bit unusual, approach: In general the book is organized chronologically, but he also includes chapters devoted to film types, e.g., airliner, action, comedies. Movies within the thematic chapters are also kept in chronological order, as a rule.
Major films naturally receive more extensive treatment, and whenever possible Carlson provides information on where the film was made, what aviation interests any of the principals might have had and what aircraft were used. He doesn’t pull any punches, especially when it comes to genuine turkeys such as Von Richthofen and Brown.
Flying on Film covers many motion pictures that are rarely seen anymore, even on the Turner Classic Movies channel. Its indices provide quick references to even the most obscure films. If you like aviation or films, and particularly if you like aviation films, this book is for you.
Originally published in the September 2013 issue of Aviation History. To subscribe, click here.
