The Military Air-Scout (1911) is considered by some aviation film historians as one of the first aviation films recorded worldwide. William J. Humphrey directed the two-reeler in 1911, with the cooperation of the U.S. Army authorities who allowed Lt. Henry Arnold , a pioneer military pilot to carry out stunt flying for the film.
7-397: In 1914, the commanding officer of the U.S. Army ( Alec B. Francis ), with his daughter, Marie ( Edith Storey ), and Lieutenant Wentworth ( Earle Williams ), are watching the flight of the latest military aircraft. Wentworth studies aviation and after becoming a pilot, makes his first flight, witnessed by the general's daughter, his sweetheart. At an informal luncheon, Commander Arthur learns
14-612: A legal firm in London. Disliking legal work, Francis joined a stock theater company for which he played bit parts, and was baggage master and property man. He eventually came under contract with a touring company headed by Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Kendall , acting in leading roles in England, India, South Africa, and the United States. He also performed in vaudeville. Francis served twice in the military, once for Britain and once for
21-541: Is reunited with Marie. His brave and daring deeds were well received, and Commander Arthur now accepts him as a prospective son-in-law. The Military Air-Scout was filmed following the Aero Club of America Second International Aero Meet at Long Island , New York in September 1911. Beginning on September 30, 1911, U.S. Army Signal Corps pilot Lt. Henry "Hap" Arnold was seconded to do the stunt flying, doubling for
28-657: The Army to become an actor." He would later fly again in The Elopement (1912), also filmed in October 1911. Alec B. Francis Alec B. Francis (born Alec Francis Budd ; 2 December 1867 – 6 July 1934) was an English actor, largely of the silent era . He appeared in more than 240 films between 1911 and 1934. Francis was born in Suffolk, England. He studied law at Uppingham College in England and practiced with
35-438: The United States is at war and has to face European enemies. Lieutenant Wentworth is ordered to attack the enemy's fleet, succeeding in sinking two of the enemy battleships. The enemy shoots down Wentworth on his next flight. Extracting himself from the wreckage, he is badly injured with a broken arm, but manages to report back to his headquarters. He tells Commander Arthur what has occurred, and after recovery at an army hospital,
42-923: The United States. He was in India for a four-year tour of duty with the British Royal Horse Artillery, and He was a nurse with American forces during the Spanish-American War. Although Francis tried farming after his service as a nurse, he returned to acting and appeared in some plays, including musical productions in which he sang as a baritone. He began acting in films in 1913 and worked for Vitagraph , World , and other film studios. Francis died in Hollywood Hospital in Hollywood , California , on 6 July 1934, three days after emergency abdominal surgery. His funeral
49-465: The lead actors. Arnold had brought his Army Wright Model F/Wright Burgess Hydro biplane from College Park Airport , Maryland, by train. Flight operations were conducted from the Nassau Boulevard aerodrome , Garden City , Long Island , New York, and were completed in October 1911. Arnold, who picked up "a few extra bucks" for his services, became so excited about films that he almost quit
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