Story: It's very simple but honestly that is fine.

Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

The movie really just wants to entertain people.

Following service in the Great War (aka World War I), US military men are assured their lives will be as good, if not better, than before they enlisted. But for three fighter pilots, this proves not to be the case. Handsome young Joel McCrea (as "Red") must give up his job as his company downsizes. Debonair drinker Robert Armstrong (as Woody) learns has business partner has squandered their fortune. And, brave leader Richard Dix (as "Gibby") loses his attractive girlfriend Mary Astor (as Follette Marsh) to a wealthy filmmaker who can advance her career. To make ends meet, the men go to Hollywood and become stunt pilots in aviation movies..."The Lost Squadron" is entertaining, due to some strange plotting...The "romance" part involves Mr. Dix and Mr. McCrea in competition for Mr. Armstrong's pretty young sister Dorothy Jordan, who is called the "Pest" (for some unfathomable reason). Dix also still likes Ms. Astor, who has married loudmouthed director Erich von Stroheim (as Arthur Von Furst) solely to advance her career. The scenes with Von Stroheim barking direction while filming battle scenes are a perverse highlight. After about 55 minutes, watch for Armstrong to wave a "middle finger" salute from his cockpit. It all leads to jealousy and attempts to murder. Why one crime is concealed from police is not particularly clear, although Dix asks nicely enough.***** The Lost Squadron (1932-03-10) George Archainbaud ~ Richard Dix, Robert Armstrong, Erich von Stroheim, Joel McCrea

By now, everyone knows that this film is significant to anyone writing a dissertation on obscenity in popular culture because of the flipping of the bird. However, this is not the film's only claim to modernity. The collaboration of many skilled film makers at the beginning of the talkie era, it has several imaginatively crafted scenes, with one (you will know which one I mean) being positively Jarmuschesque. The sound track in particular is brilliant. I can't get the song of the wind out of my head.Plus, if you love Erich von Stroheim, and who doesn't, his character is based on him, or his reputation. Of course you love von Stroheim, who doesn't love Max from Sunset Boulevard? Here, he gets to show his directorial style, while giving the sort of all out performance he was trying to get out of his actors. If you like this, try "The Great Flamarion".I am not surprised to read that the ending was re-shot. My husband and I were both mystified the first time we saw it. Some of the plot is hackneyed, but the acting and production values transcend.

A rather different relic from the early sound era. The in vogue at the time fixation on "aeroplanes" was a justifiable wonder of the modern age. Also, the plight of the returning WWI soldiers was still very fresh in the public consciousness and this makes honorable use of the shortcomings of the soldiers homecomings.This one goes quickly from the end of the war to the behind the scenes making of Moving Pictures circa 1920 Hollywood and that makes it of interest to film buffs (and flight freaks). Add in a bonus of Von Stroheim playing pretty much a take on his own eccentricities of a real life troubled Director.It is a well mounted film with an interesting cast although Robert Armstrong's irritating drunk shows why, accept for King Kong the next year he will be forever mostly forgotten. But it is Stroheim, the on the set realism, the flying acrobatic special effects, and the dark ending that makes this an in interesting inclusion that has been parked in the Odd Cinema Hanger, and is only brought out once in awhile to be looked at like a Smithsonian.

A very good movie representing the early 30's. George Archainbaud directs this excellent drama depicting an autocratic film director Arthur von Furst(Erich von Stroheim), who hires three former World War I flying aces to fly stunts in a Hollywood war movie. The aces, Capt. 'Gibby' Gibson(Richard Dix), Lt. 'Woody' Curwood(Robert Armstrong) and Red(Joel McCrea)are astounded by the fact that the director has them flying maneuvers as dangerous as if they were still in battle. For a little feminine charm there is Dorothy Jordan as Curwood's little sister; and then there is the movie star Follette Marsh played by Mary Astor. Wanting realism, the director has planes rigged to crash. There is romance, infidelity and murder involved along with the stunning aerial sequences. Other players include: Hugh Herbert, Ralph Ince and William B. Davidson.Astor gives a certain touch of class to the film. Dix and Armstrong every bit the matinée idols. And von Stroheim superb as the overbearing movie director.