Ace of Aces (1933 film)

Ace of Aces
Original theatrical poster
Directed byJ. Walter Ruben
Screenplay byJohn Monk Saunders
H.W. Hanemann
Based onThe Bird of Prey
by John Monk Saunders
Produced byMerian C. Cooper (executive producer)
StarringRichard Dix
Elizabeth Allan
Ralph Bellamy
CinematographyHenry Cronjager
Edited byGeorge Hively
Music byMax Steiner
Production
company
Distributed byRKO Radio Pictures
Release date
  • October 20, 1933 (1933-10-20)
Running time
76 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Ace of Aces, also known as Bird of Prey, is a 1933 American pre-Code war film based on the story "The Bird of Prey" by World War I pilot John Monk Saunders that explores how war can turn a man's moral compass from pacifism to warmonger. Starring Richard Dix, it was similar to many of the period films that appeared to glorify the "knights of the air", but was more complex, examining the motivations of those who choose to go to war.