Wings of the Morning (1937)

Wings of the Morning Poster

A beautiful Gypsy girl falls in love with a horse trainer.

Introduction to "Wings of the Morning"
"Wings of the Morning" is a historical film launched in 1937 directed by Harold D. Schuster. Notable for being the very first British feature movie to be shot in Technicolor, it is a romantic drama set against the background of the horse racing milieu. The movie stars Annabella as Maria, a young Romani woman, and Henry Fonda as Kerry Gilfallen, a Canadian horse breeder, in their first roles on the British silver screen.

Plot Overview
The story unfolds with the intro of Maria, a Romani woman who inherits her grandpa's significant horse breeding stables in England. She possesses a filly called Wings of the Morning, which she has high expect. Nevertheless, Maria deals with bias and rejection from the local upper class due to her heritage. Despite these struggles, her filly shows fantastic prospective to be a champ racehorse, bringing a twinkle of hope and a possibility for vindication.

Get In Kerry Gilfallen, an affable Canadian with an enthusiasm for horses who takes a trip to England. He meets Maria by opportunity after his own horse triggers him to fall under a river, and she rescues him. The 2 form an immediate connection, and Kerry ends up being interested by Maria's charm and decision to prosper in the horse racing world.

Love and Challenges
A romance blossoms in between Maria and Kerry as they train Wings of the Morning for the distinguished Epsom Derby. Their chemistry is undeniable, and they share a typical imagine victory at the race that would elevate both Maria's social standing and their cumulative spirits. However, their path is laden with difficulty; societal standards of the time frown upon their union, and unethical people look for to thwart Maria's opportunities at success.

The film captures the bias and bigotry of the time, with Maria caricatured by the racegoing elite. The motion picture uses these trials to raise its romantic and significant tension, positioning Maria and Kerry as underdogs combating versus the odds.

The Historic Race
The main event of "Wings of the Morning" is the Epsom Derby race. The movie remarkably showcases the race series in full Technicolor, bringing the adventure and drama of horse racing to life. These scenes are technically substantial for their time, exhibiting the magnificence and strength of the sport while also utilizing the technology of color movie to give audiences a spectacular visual experience.

Throughout the race, Maria's faith in Wings of the Morning is tested as they vie for success among a sea of rivals. In a remarkable and heart-pounding climax, Wings of the Morning surges ahead, strengthened by both Maria's determination and Kerry's assistance from the sidelines. The sensational visuals of the race and the passionate rooting for the underdog culminate in a rewarding reward as Maria and her filly cross the finish line, triumphant.

Conclusion and Legacy
"Wings of the Morning" is a movie not simply remembered for its historic significance in British movie theater but also endures as a heartwarming and visually captivating piece of storytelling. The movie champs styles of love, courage, and determination against societal bias. It is a celebration of breaking barriers, both thematically in its story and technically in its production.

The performances of Annabella and Henry Fonda deliver authenticity and interest to their roles, making the characters' journey engaging and compassionate. The movie leaves viewers with a sense of jubilation and a suggestion of the transformative power of passion and determination. It stays an example in British movie history and a testament to the abundant storytelling found within the world of early cinematic endeavors.

Top Cast

  • Annabella (small)
    Annabella
    Young Marie (Prologue) / Maria, Duchess of Leyva
  • Henry Fonda (small)
    Henry Fonda
    Kerry Gilfallen
  • Leslie Banks (small)
    Leslie Banks
    Lord Clontarf
  • Irene Vanbrugh (small)
    Irene Vanbrugh
    Old Marie
  • Stewart Rome (small)
    Stewart Rome
    Sir Valentine
  • Harry Tate (small)
    Harry Tate
    Paddy
  • Helen Haye (small)
    Helen Haye
    Aunt Jenepher
  • Edward Underdown (small)
    Edward Underdown
    Don Diego
  • Mark Daly
    James Patrick Aloysius 'Jimmy' Brannigan
  • Sam Livesey
    Angelo
  • E. V. H. Emmett
    Racing Commentator