Only Angels Have Wings (1939 Howard Hawks)

There's one of those Hawks touches when Thomas Mitchell is about to attack Richard Barthelmess and Grant does an interrupting cigarette light - same thing happens in To Have and Have Not. Quintessential tough Hawks group led by tough Cary Grant isn't allowed to dwell on deceased colleagues - Jean Arthur quickly learns. Code of honour, though - they cover up what they know about Bartlemess from his wife Rita Hayworth. Jules Furthman's screenplay is punchy and sardonic. Quite long but exciting and satisfying.

Evocative filming by Joe Walker