John Carpenter Reveals His Favorite Howard Hawks Film: Only Angels Have Wings

John Carpenter, best known as the master of modern horror behind Halloween and The Thing, has long been open about his admiration for Howard Hawks, one of classic Hollywood’s most versatile directors. Carpenter has frequently cited Hawks as his greatest influence, even dedicating four spots on his Sight and Sound list to Hawks films, including Bringing Up Baby, Rio Bravo, and the original Scarface.

Yet, above all, Carpenter has one clear favorite: Only Angels Have Wings (1939), Hawks’ adventure-romantic drama starring Cary Grant and Jean Arthur.

Why Only Angels Have Wings Stands Out

Carpenter once said he loved “everything” about the film. The story follows Geoff Carter (Grant), a pilot managing a dangerous air freight company in South America, and Bonnie Lee (Arthur), a traveling entertainer who falls for him. The film blends romance, adventure, and melodrama, with Hawks’ signature mix of male camaraderie, witty banter, and strong female characters.

Carpenter highlighted the film’s fatalistic themes, noting that the pilots risk their lives daily while serving commercial interests. Despite the constant threat of death, they carry themselves with bravery, pride, and personal codes of honor—elements Carpenter often integrates into his own films.

Hawks’ Influence on Carpenter’s Work

• Halloween (1978): The communal bonds of a suburban neighborhood under threat reflect Hawks’ emphasis on character dynamics.

• The Thing (1982): A group of men isolated in Antarctica mirrors Hawks’ exploration of teamwork and fatalism.

• They Live (1988): Like Hawks, Carpenter infuses social commentary into genre storytelling, balancing thrills with character-driven narratives.

Carpenter’s appreciation for Only Angels Have Wings underscores that even in his darkest horror films, character relationships and codes of survival are central, much like Hawks’ films.

Only Angels Have Wings – Film Details

• Release Date: May 15, 1939

• Director: Howard Hawks

• Runtime: 121 minutes

• Stars: Cary Grant, Jean Arthur

For Carpenter, Only Angels Have Wings is more than just a favorite film—it is a blueprint for storytelling that balances tension, humanity, and cinematic adventure, influencing his entire career.