L’Euipage or Gentlemen at Arms 1928

     This is the first adaptation of Joseph Kessel’s World War I novel.  An aviator falls in love with a woman who turns out to be the wife of one of his flying comrades.  L’equipage was filmed in France and the language is also in French.  The release date was 30 March 1928 in France.  
     There is also a French version from 1935 directed by Anatole Litvak.  And there is another version titled Last Flight 1935 directed by Frank Capra.  The Frank Capra film was dedicated to United States Marine Corps and the production was greatly aided by their participation.

     The 1935 L’Equipage film is directed by Anatole Litvak and he is a Ukrainian born director.  He is best remembered today for the films he made during his prolific time in Hollywood.  Classics such as All This and Heaven Too 1940, The Snake Pit 1948, Decision Before Dawn 1951 and Anastasia 1956.  This film is primarily a melodrama concerned mainly with a moral dilemma faced by the three leading characters.  There is a convincing depiction of combat in WWI.  The battle sequences may last a few minutes but they are stunningly realized and vividly convey the frenzy and savagery of modern warfare.  3 1/2* (I liked this movie)
 
Note:  Amazon 4.5* out of 5* with 141 reviews, French films.org review 4*, Goodreads gives the book 3.63* out of 5* with 183 ratings.