All 25 William A Wellman Movies In Order — All The Best (And Worst) Films To Watch Online
Discover the captivating world of William A. Wellman’s movies with this comprehensive roundup. From timeless classics to innovative masterpieces, Wellman’s directorial journey spans over a century, redefining the cinematic landscape. Dive in and explore the magic behind his films, unlocking the secrets to his undeniable success in the ever-evolving film industry.
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1. Wings (1927)
“Wings, “ released in 1929, is a captivating war drama that explores the powerful emotions of love and friendship amidst the chaos of World War I. Two contrasting young men, a rich suitor and a middle-class pilot, are both smitten by a woman causing a love triangle.
2. The Legion of the Condemned (1928)
In 1928, amidst the turbulence of war, four audacious young men hailing from distinct backgrounds, held together by their fervor and bravery, chose to join the esteemed Lafayette Escadrille — a notorious squadron infamously dubbed as “The Fatal Legion.” Discover the exhilarating narrative of these valiant warriors as they forge their way through the exhilarating chaos of World War I, confronting not just the enemy, but also their personal struggles.
3. Night Nurse (1931)
“Night Nurse”, a 1931 cinematic gem, delivers a unique blend of comedy, crime, and drama in just one hour and twelve minutes. Directed by William A. Wellman and written by Grace Perkins, Oliver H. P. Garrett, and Charles Kenyon, the film revolves around a nurse who seeks assistance from an unwilling ally in thwarting a sinister plot aimed at the murder of two innocent children.
4. Central Airport (1933)
Central Airport, released in 1933, is an adventure-drama film that takes the thrill of aviation to new heights. Featuring Richard Barthelmess, Sally Eilers, and Tom Brown as the stars, this movie showcases daring aerial stunts and dangerous airplane crashes that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
5. College Coach (1933)
A tale of relentless ambition and marital turmoil set amidst the high-stakes world of college football, “College Coach” (1933) stars Pat O’Brien as Coach Gore, a man who sacrifices everything, including his wife, in his unrelenting quest to turn Calvert College into a football powerhouse. Directed by William A.
6. Viva Villa! (1934)
“Long Live Villa!” Is an enthralling 1934 biographical Western film that delves into the fascinating life of Pancho Villa and the grim events that followed the assassination of his father.
7. Tarzan Escapes (1936)
Experience the thrill of Tarzan Escapes as Johnny Weissmuller reprises his iconic role as the jungle-loving hero in this 1936 classic. Jane has been kidnaped by a villainous expedition with a deceptive plan to bring the Tarzan character into captivity. An action-packed adventure filled with deceit, Tarzan uses his wits, strength, and primal instincts to protect his beloved Jane and defend his wild kingdom.
8. Beau Geste (1939)
Prepare yourself for heart-pounding action and adventure in the 1939 classic film, “Beau Geste,” starring Gary Cooper, Ray Milland, and Robert Preston. This masterpiece, directed by William A. Wellman and written by Robert Carson and Percival Christopher Wren, captivates audiences as it tells the story of three adopted English brothers who join the French Foreign Legion in North Africa.
9. Story of G.I. Joe (1945)
Step into the thrilling heart of World War II with the gripping tale of “Story of G. I. Joe” (1945), a classic war film centered around Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ernie Pyle. Set at the end of WWII, Pyle, portrayed by Robert Mitchum, accompanies the US Army’s Company C Division on their liberation mission in Italy.
10. Yellow Sky (1948)
“Yellow Sky” is a gripping Western drama that dates back to 1948, featuring a captivating narrative of adventure, crime, and familial bonds in the desolate landscape of the Arizona Territory. The film opens with a spirited tomboy, accompanied by her grandfather and a posse of bank-robbing criminals, who seek refuge in a nearby abandoned town. Set within the perilous and unforgiving environment of the Arizona desert, the plot takes a thrilling twist as these characters face the trials of an untamed frontier.
11. It’s a Big Country: An American Anthology (1951)
“It’s a Big Country: An American Anthology” is a captivating and diverse movie masterpiece released in 1951. This anthology film, which showcases eight unique episodes of varying quality, boasts contributions from MGM Studios’ most esteemed directors, writers, and actors. The film is narrated by the enigmatic Louis Calhern, offering a distinctive narrative flavor throughout.
12. Island in the Sky (1953)
“Island in the Sky, “ released in 1953, is a gripping tale of survival and adventure set in the harsh, frozen terrain of Quebec. John Wayne stars as Captain Dooley, a resilient pilot whose C-47 transport plane, the Corsair, makes a desperate landing in the middle of the snow-covered wilderness. With temperatures plummeting and rescue seemingly impossible, Captain Dooley must rally his crew to endure and combat the unforgiving conditions.
13. The High and the Mighty (1954)
Unleash the thrill of a lifetime as you experience the action-packed adventure of The High and the Mighty! In a gripping tale of loyalty, courage, and unexpected heroism, the 1954 blockbuster takes you on board a trans-Pacific flight where engine problems threaten the lives of its passengers. Amidst the tension-filled atmosphere, the washed-up co-pilot Dan Roman finds himself in the spotlight. With his pilot colleague having lost his nerve, Dan must rise to the challenge and bring the plane in safely.
14. Ring of Fear (1954)
“Ring of Fear, “ a 1954 film directed by James Edward Grant and William A. Wellman, follows the Clyde Beatty Circus as it continuously falls victim to seemingly accidental yet sinister occurrences. As the circus appears to be cursed, a mysterious saboteur continues to wreak havoc.
15. Track of the Cat (1954)
Plunging into the icy depths of a Northern California winter circa the early 1900s, “Track of the Cat” paints a portrait of a dysfunctional family grappling with internal strife as they struggle to protect their life’s investments. Drawn into a deadly game of cat and mouse, two oldest sons venture forth into the wild in pursuit of a man-eating panther ravaging their livestock.
16. Light’s Diamond Jubilee (1954)
1954 was the year when the world got a glimpse of the extraordinary documentary named “Light’s Diamond Jubilee”. This remarkable film, comprised of an elite cast that included Judith Anderson, Lauren Bacall, and Robert Benchley, enthralled viewers with its fascinating exploration of light and its unparalleled significance in our world.
17. Blood Alley (1955)
Experience the thrilling action and adventure of Blood Alley, a classic American film from 1955. Directed by William A. Wellman and starring iconic Hollywood personalities John Wayne and Lauren Bacall, this movie follows the story of American Merchant Captain Tom Wilder (John Wayne) who finds himself under the control of the Chinese Communists. His ship is seized, leading him to a life of confinement until a group of kind-hearted Chinese villagers help him escape from prison. Desperate to reach the safety of Hong-Kong, Tom Wilder finds sanctuary while sailing a small fishing vessel.
18. Good-bye, My Lady (1956)
“Farewell, My Sweet Lady” is a heartfelt drama released in 1956 that focuses on the heartwarming bond between an elderly gentleman and a young boy, both avid dog lovers. Set in the enchanting, southern swamps of Mississippi, this emotionally engaging story showcases the extraordinary human-dog connection in a delightfully unexpected manner.
19. Lafayette Escadrille (1958)
Lafayette Escadrille is a World War I-era drama film from 1958 that stars Tab Hunter and Clint Eastwood. The story follows an American youth who joins the French air force as a flying ace and embarks on a thrilling journey filled with love, loyalty, and danger.
20. A Star Is Born (1976)
A Star Is Born (1976) is a heart-wrenching drama, music, and romance film directed by Frank Pierson and starring Barbra Streisand, Kris Kristofferson, and Gary Busey. Set in 1976, the film is about a former superstar who begins a love affair with a young, burgeoning songstress, only to be consumed by the destructive nature of their intertwined lives.
21. The Making of a Legend: Gone with the Wind (1988)
“The Making of a Legend: Gone with the Wind (1988)” is a mesmerizing documentary that delves into the historical journey of the iconic film, “Gone with the Wind. “ This in-depth exploration brings forth captivating archival footage, revealing screen tests, and insightful interviews that offer a rare glimpse behind the scenes. The filmmaker, David Hinton, meticulously unravels the intricate web of the film’s creation at RKO Studios, paying homage to the original film producer, David O. Selznick.
22. Wild Bill: Hollywood Maverick (1995)
Dive into the fascinating world of Hollywood’s legendary director, Wild Bill: Hollywood Maverick, a riveting documentary unveiling the illustrious career of William A. Wellman! Join us as we explore the thrilling journey of this innovative and groundbreaking filmmaker. From his early beginnings to the heights of success and beyond, this compelling documentary brings you closer than ever to the dynamic life and filmography of one of Hollywood’s most remarkable mavericks.
23. Filmmakers in Action (2005)
“Filmmakers in Action, “ a thought-provoking documentary from 2005, delves into the fascinating world of filmmakers fighting for the protection of their copyrights. Directed by Carlos Benpar and written by Ferran Alberich, the film is a follow-up to the documentary “Filmmakers vs. Tycoons. “ Focusing on the legal intricacies of copyright law in the United States and France, the film explores the unique figures of the author in these countries and the importance of upholding their rights.
24. Public Enemies: The Golden Age of the Gangster Film (2008)
“Public Enemies: The Golden Age of the Gangster Film” takes you on a captivating journey through the birth of crime genre storytelling and its impact on Hollywood during the early years of cinema. This documentary explores the contributions of legendary stars and directors, shedding light on their creations and how they shaped the cinematic world.
25. A Star Is Born (2018)
“A Star Is Born” is a gripping tale of love, ambition, and artistic struggle, released in 2018. The powerful story revolves around a seasoned musician, played by Bradley Cooper, who discovers a promising young singer, portrayed by Lady Gaga. The musician becomes her mentor, guiding her towards fame, as his own career spirals downward due to age and alcoholism.
