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In Howard Hughes' 1930 epic Hell’s Angels, the plot is set in motion by a combination of personal scandals and the geopolitical eruption of World War I. Here are the specific actions that start the story:
The film begins at Oxford University, where the two British brothers—the noble Roy (James Hall) and the womanizing, somewhat cowardly Monte (Ben Lyon)—are students. They are close friends with a German student named Karl (John Darrow).
While visiting Germany just before the outbreak of the war, Monte is caught in a compromising position with the wife of a high-ranking German officer (Baron von Kranz). According to the German code of honor, a duel is called. Knowing that Monte is a coward and a poor marksman, Roy secretly takes his brother's place in the duel. Roy survives, but this sequence establishes the core character dynamic: Roy’s selfless protection of his brother and Monte’s lack of moral fiber.
The primary catalyst for the plot is the sudden outbreak of World War I. This international conflict immediately destroys the personal harmony of the trio. Karl is called back to Germany to serve his country, despite his personal affection for his British friends. This sets up the tragic irony later in the film when Karl is forced to participate in a Zeppelin raid over London, the very city where his friends live.
Following the declaration of war, the brothers return to England. Roy, driven by duty and patriotism, immediately enlists in the Royal Flying Corps. Monte, however, is reluctant to join and only does so because of social pressure and Roy’s influence.
While in London awaiting their deployment, the brothers meet Helen (played by Jean Harlow in her breakout role). While Roy is genuinely in love with her and believes her to be a virtuous woman, Monte discovers she is actually a "loose" socialite who is not interested in commitment. Monte has a brief fling with her behind Roy's back. This creates the internal tension and guilt that haunts the brothers as they head to the front lines in France.
The summary omits the specific detail that Monte enlists to get a kiss from a girl (Marian Marsh), which is a key character beat establishing his impulsiveness and womanizing nature.
The summary implies both brothers meet Helen at the same time, whereas Roy is already involved with her and introduces Monte.
The plot of Hell's Angels (1930) is set in motion by the friendship of Oxford students Roy, Monte, and Karl, which is disrupted by two main events: Monte's affair with a German Baroness (leading to a duel where Roy takes Monte's place) and the outbreak of World War I. The war forces Karl back to Germany and leads the British brothers to enlist in the RFC—Roy out of duty, and Monte impulsively to receive a kiss from a girl (Marian Marsh) at a recruiting station. The romantic conflict begins when Roy introduces Monte to his girlfriend Helen (Jean Harlow), who seduces Monte.