What a hero! as critic Mordaunt Hall sarcastically headlined in his 100% negative New York Times review. Actually the 5-reel Kodascope condensation, available on a well-worn 7/10 Grapevine DVD in its original tints, is not without interest, if only for the absurdities of its dime-novel plot. And better still, Alpha now offer a very nice black-and-white copy which runs just under 70 minutes. And although you wouldn't think that an extra 5 or 6 minutes would make all that much difference, it does! In fact, the Alpha version is played and directed rather well. Even frozen-faced Barthelmess who seems to sleepwalk through his role in the Grapevine cut, now appears more animated. True, Barbara Kent still manages the rather difficult feat of making her immature but prudish heroine somewhat unsympathetic, but she does seem just a bit more colorful and a lot more desirable!
Nevertheless, Dorothy Revier still makes a stand-out femme fatale who could give lessons to any number of noir nightingales, while a sleek Hedda Hopper (the movie's real heroine) is as composed and deadly as a snake. Strong delivers convincingly as the inadequate Hathaway, and there's a great cameo by Bill Elliott at the dance. I didn't spot John Wayne, but I've no doubt he's in there somewhere.
One of Hollywood's top studios in the '20's, First National was always short of money. Fortunately, they sold many films to Kodak. Otherwise we'd not be enjoying this typical but fascinating release which Kodak originally issued as a six-reeler (they did do that once or twice in a blue moon) before cutting it right down to their standard five reel length.
Nevertheless, Dorothy Revier still makes a stand-out femme fatale who could give lessons to any number of noir nightingales, while a sleek Hedda Hopper (the movie's real heroine) is as composed and deadly as a snake. Strong delivers convincingly as the inadequate Hathaway, and there's a great cameo by Bill Elliott at the dance. I didn't spot John Wayne, but I've no doubt he's in there somewhere.
One of Hollywood's top studios in the '20's, First National was always short of money. Fortunately, they sold many films to Kodak. Otherwise we'd not be enjoying this typical but fascinating release which Kodak originally issued as a six-reeler (they did do that once or twice in a blue moon) before cutting it right down to their standard five reel length.