A blowhard who poses as a railroad executive but is really just a $30-a-week clerk catches a young bride, then drives her family's finances to the brink of ruin.A blowhard who poses as a railroad executive but is really just a $30-a-week clerk catches a young bride, then drives her family's finances to the brink of ruin.A blowhard who poses as a railroad executive but is really just a $30-a-week clerk catches a young bride, then drives her family's finances to the brink of ruin.
Charles Goodrich
- Pop Fisher
- (as C.W. Goodrich)
Claire McDowell
- Mom Fisher
- (as Clare Mc Dowell)
Joseph W. Smiley
- Railroad Executive
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaTwo old Philadelphia newspapers are seen being read in the film, The (Morning) PUBLIC LEDGER (1845-1934) and THE EVENING PUBLIC LEDGER (1914-1942).
- GoofsWhen Pop Fisher gives his son a cheque, it bears a date in May, 1926, but later, after many plot events go by, presumably at least a few weeks later, Piper gets another cheque, which is now dated in April, 1926.
- Quotes
Pop Fisher: Keep your damn hands to yourself! I never saw such a pest in my life!
- Alternate versionsKino International distributes a version with a violin and piano music score, compiled and directed by Timothy Brock. The copyright is by Film Preservation Associates in 1998, and the running time is 82 minutes. Judging from the copyright length of the film, this version was run at about 20 frames per second, a comfortable silent speed rate.
- ConnectionsEdited into American Experience: Mary Pickford (2005)
Featured review
Very enjoyable--unlike the later sound version with Spencer Tracy
This film was based on a play that has been around a long time and been made into films on several occasions. As far as I know, this is the earliest version, though I know they also made a 1930 version as well as an awful one in 1934 (starring Spencer Tracy) and yet another in 1946 with Red Skelton. I've seen the 1934 version and had I realized that this 1926 film was essentially the same plot, I probably wouldn't have watched it! That's because the 1934 film was horrible--with Tracy playing the most obnoxious and detestable character I can think of one film! While the plot is very similar to the 1934 film which I disliked, there is enough different about it so that I do recommend you see this film. First, this is a rare case where a film is better as a silent because listening to the title character brag and talk incessantly really gets on your nerves when it's a talkie. But, silencing the guy made it much more bearable. Also, the intensity of his boorishness is less in this film, as Tracy (still relatively new to acting) actually way over-played the part. Ford Sterling, in contrast, had a performance that was a bit more comical as well as not so unlikable.
I won't say much about the plot, as I don't want to spoil it. However, here's the basic outline: Sterling plays a braggart who is always making it sound as if he's a big-wig with the railroad. In reality, he's just another clerk. He manages to convince a dim girl from a nice family that he's rich and successful, so she marries him. Only after the wedding does she realize who he really is. Unfortunately, like for them is tough, as Sterling can't support them with his meager salary and extravagant spending. What happens next and how he manages to turn things around is just something you'll need to see for yourself.
A good film, though one that you don't need to rush to see. And please, do NOT see the 1934 version unless you are a glutton for punishment!
I won't say much about the plot, as I don't want to spoil it. However, here's the basic outline: Sterling plays a braggart who is always making it sound as if he's a big-wig with the railroad. In reality, he's just another clerk. He manages to convince a dim girl from a nice family that he's rich and successful, so she marries him. Only after the wedding does she realize who he really is. Unfortunately, like for them is tough, as Sterling can't support them with his meager salary and extravagant spending. What happens next and how he manages to turn things around is just something you'll need to see for yourself.
A good film, though one that you don't need to rush to see. And please, do NOT see the 1934 version unless you are a glutton for punishment!
helpful•51
- planktonrules
- Jul 31, 2008
Details
- Runtime1 hour 22 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.33 : 1
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