The Lone Eagle


The Lone Eagle is a 1927 American silent melodrama directed by Emory Johnson, based on the story by Emilie Johnson, and starring Raymond Keane, Barbara Kent and Nigel Barrie. It was released by Universal Pictures on September 18, 1927.

Plot

During World War I, American pilot Lieutenant William Holmes accepts an assignment with the Royal Flying Corps. The unit location is on the Western Front and has seen plenty of action. During Billy’s first air battle, he is accused of cowardice.
He meets an attractive French woman named Mimi. They start to fall in love, but the cowardice accusation continues to dog Billy. Mimi stirs Billy’s emotions, and he becomes determined to prove his mettle in battle.
The unit receives its next flying mission. The group takes to the sky and encounters a squadron of German aircraft. American Ace Red McGibbons is one of Billy’s best friends. During the aerial battle, Red manages to shoot down a German plane. During the dogfight Red is also killed.
The pilot of the downed German aircraft turns out to be the brother of the leader of the German squadron. Lebrun, the squadron leader, is the top German ace of the squadron. He determines to avenge his brother’s death. He challenges the Royal Flying Corps to an aerial gunfight.
Still thinking of his best friend, Billy accepts the challenge from LeBrun. Mimi tries to dissuade him but fails. He jumps in the cockpit of his Sopwith Camel, takes off in pursuit of Lebrun. An epic air duel breaks out, and Lebrun shoots down Billy's aircraft. Billy survives, then commandeers another aircraft from his friend Sven Linder. He returns to the air and shoots the German ace down.
Billy is a hero and soon the Allies and the Germans sign the Armistice. With the war over, Billy returns to the United States along with his new bride – Mimi.

Cast

The credits of The Lone Eagle claim that Emilie Johnson only “assisted” in the screenwriting.
Principal photography took place on location at a small airport near San Diego, California.

Reception

Aviation film historian James Farmer in Celluloid Wings: The Impact of Movies on Aviation noted, despite the film's tagline: "Greatest of all airplane stories taken from the great war", The Lone Eagle was "a cheaply produced World War I air drama."

Preservation status

No known copies of The Lone Eagle have survived.

Citations