Question 1

Why did William A. Wellman throw a coffee machine on set?

Accepted Answer

According to Tab Hunter's memoirs, Wellman was furious because Warner Brothers replaced a coffee man, who gave free coffee to the crew, with an automatic machine where everyone had to pay. He grabbed the machine, threw it on the floor, and brought it to the street. The coffee man returned.

Question 2

Which actors were originally considered for the lead and best friend roles?

Accepted Answer

William A. Wellman wanted Paul Newman for the lead and Clint Eastwood as his best friend Duke Sinclair. Newman chose 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' instead, and the studio insisted on Tab Hunter for the lead. Wellman replaced Eastwood with David Janssen.

Question 3

What real-life incident inspired the brothel scene with Thad Walker?

Accepted Answer

The scene where Thad Walker escorts a U.S. General to a brothel is based on a real incident from Wellman's wartime experience, where he supposedly encountered General John J. Pershing in a Paris brothel.

Question 4

How did William A. Wellman's war experiences influence this film?

Accepted Answer

Wellman based the movie on his experiences as a combat pilot in WWI. He joined the Lafayette Flying Corps, flew a Nieuport 24 fighter named 'Celia', was shot down, and received the Croix du Guerre.

Question 5

Why did the studio change the original ending of the film?

Accepted Answer

The original tragic ending for Thad Walker and his Parisian bride was changed to a happy ending at the demand of studio head Jack L. Warner. When Wellman refused, the studio took over and shot a new ending.

Lafayette Escadrille

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