The Dawn Patrol, 1930

The Dawn Patrol defined all the classic elements of the aviation film genre.  Its influence can be seen in virtually every military aviation movie made since it premiered in 1930.  The story revolves around a timeless theme of war films: the stress and psychological effects on commanders who have to make the life and death decisions to send young people into battle.  With its dramatic aerial combat scenes, heroic and tragic pilot figures, and an Academy Award-winning original story, The Dawn Patrol is the father of all military aviation films.

Request free tickets for the Dawn Patrol screening at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center using the ticket form below.

Come early for opening remarks from one of the Museum's curators. Remarks will begin at 6:50 pm.

This film will also be shown at the same time at our location in Washington, DC.  Request tickets for the Dawn Patrol screening in Washington, DC.

About the Film Series

Movies have always shaped our cultural memory of historical events, and World War I has been a rich subject for filmmakers. Hollywood Goes to War: World War I on the Big Screen, a year-long film series, presents the most visually striking and engaging dramas set during the First World War ever made. Once a month, join us as we screen Hollywood’s finest feature films on World War I and explore how the war and its far-reaching effects have been represented and interpreted on the big screen.

This film series is part of the National Air and Space Museum’s observance of the hundredth anniversary of the First World War.