Somewhere in the claustrophobic and geographically challenging landscape of a remote part of South America there’s a ramshackle, fog-bound port and a landing strip from where postal pilots risk their lives over mountain passes to win a lucrative delivery contract. Into the life of an ace pilot and despatcher arrive two women: one a sassy nightclub pianist, the other his ex-lover.
Produced in a vintage year for cinema, Only Angels Have Wings was overlooked on its initial release and is now recognised as a classic of American cinema and boasts an impressive cast. Viewers are treated to one of Hawks’s most enjoyable explorations of his favourite themes: the connections between strong-willed women and stoical men, and the love and loyalty between men.