Hangman's House (1928)

Victor McLaglen, an exile Irish patriot, risks his life by returning to Ireland and helping a young couple. John Wayne is an over-enthusiastic spectator who smashes a picket fence.

Writers:

Philip Klein (adapted by), Marion Orth (scenario),

Stars:

Victor McLaglen, June Collyer, Earle Foxe

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Victor McLaglen	...	Citizen Hogan
June Collyer	...	Connaught O'Brien
Earle Foxe	...	John D'Arcy
Larry Kent	...	Dermot McDermot
Hobart Bosworth	...	Lord Justice O'Brien

Storyline

As "Hanging Judge" James O'Brien approaches death, he prepares for his daughter's welfare by arranging her marriage to the wealthy John Darcy, whom she despises. Meanwhile, an exiled patriot named Hogan returns to Ireland to kill the man who caused his sister's suicide. That man is Darcy.

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Plot Keywords:

ireland | marriage | melodrama | escape | alcohol | 

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Taglines:

Victor McLaglen in the role of an avenging soldier of the Foreign Legion, in a colorful romance of action.

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

Passed

Details

Country:

USA

Release Date:

13 May 1928 (USA)

Also Known As:

Den smilende Hævner

Company Credits

Production Co:

Fox Film Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

80 min 80 min

Sound Mix:

Silent

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

User Reviews

Good Silent

Hangman's House (1928)

*** (out of 4)

John Ford directed this melodrama about an infamous hangman judge who's on his death bed when he asks his daughter (June Collyer) not to marry the man she loves (Larry Kent) but instead marry a man (Earle Foxe) who isn't any good but carries a certain social flame. As it turns out, this man is responsible for the suicide of a woman who just happens to have a brother (Victor McLaglen) who sets out for revenge. Once again Ford perfectly captures the mood, feel and atmosphere of the Ireland settings and makes a very fast paced film. The movie is mainly melodrama but there's an added touch of what would eventually become known as Gothic Horror. The creepy house used in the film is something you'd expect to see in a Euro Horror film as it really becomes its own vital character. The visuals are great throughout and really add to the dread of the situations and the entire cast shines in their roles. Foxe makes for a great villain with Kent a likable and sympathetic character. McLaglen steals the show as the brother who will stop at nothing to get vengeance. The finale contains some great stunts with the climax clearly being the highlight of the film. There's a scene here, which Ford would later use in The Quiet Man and we also get a clear view of a young John Wayne during one scene.