This film began shooting in 1927 as a silent by
Howard Hughes about World War I brother aviators betrayed by the
same woman. However during the filming the talkies came in and
Hughes decided to add sound effects to the aerial sequences and
decided to reshoot dramatic scenes with sound. This resulted in
a problem since his female lead Greta Nisson was Norwegian and
had a thick accent. This wouldn't do since this part was that of
a British Lady. Hughes decided to go with an unknown and Jean got
the part. Jean was only ninteen at the time and to showcase her
looks Hughes ordered a two-color Technicolor sequence to showcase
her green eyes, provocative figure, porcelain skin, and white-blonde
hair.
In typical Hughes style, the Hollywood premier was the largest
event of its kind in history. Opening on May 27, 1930, opening
at Grauman's Chinese Theater it drew 50,000 to Hollywood Boulevard
which was illuminated by 185 arc lights rented by Hughes and
he had an actual fighter squadron flying overhead.'
The film made Harlow an overnight international star. |
