Original story and direction by William A. Wellman in 1958. While trying to steal a car in NYC, Thad Walker wounds seriously a pedestrian. After having been severely beaten by his father, Thad decides to take the next boat for France and to engage in the Foreign Legion. From now on, he will fight under the French colors and is sent to Avord to become a pilot in the company of Americans in the same situation.
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When on leave in Paris, Thad gets acquainted with a young prostitute, Renee Beaulieu, and falls in love with her. Back in Avord, Thad accepts with some difficulty the discipline required by the officer responsible for the group and, after a reprimand, smashes him. The same evening, his comrades help him to escape and Thad goes by foot to Paris to join Renee.
During this time, the members of the Lafayette escadrille learn how to fly the various planes of the French Air Force and obtain finally their pilot's licence. On the other hand, Thad does not bear any more to remain locked up all day long in Renee's hotel room in fear of being arrested as deserter. Finally, one day, Thad dares to speak to an American General and explains his peculiar situation to him. The General agrees to give him a second chance and, soon, Thad also passes his pilot's licence and can join the Lafayette Escadrille that is ready to fight the German Air Force.
The review of this Movie prepared by Daniel Staebler