"For Hawks, the highest human emotion is the camaraderie of the exclusive, self-sufficient, all-male group" (Peter Wollen). What is the nature of the group of pilots in this film? How do these men relate to one another? What are their values, customs, and attitudes? How do they regard the danger that is a constant in their profession? How do they respond to death?
How do gender relations between men and women work in this Hawksian context? What is Geoff's problem with women? How does he relate to Bonnie? and to Judy?
What sort of cinematic style does Hawks display? How does it convey the values that are espoused by most of the characters, and that seem to be at the heart of the film?