Posts from ethanedwards in thread „Brown Of Harvard (1926)“

Jim,
thanks for posting these.
They're wonderful shots,
and add well to the one's we have

Brown of Harvard is a 1926 American silent film directed by Jack Conway
and starring William Haines, Jack Pickford, and Mary Brian.
Released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, the film is based on the successful
1906 Broadway play Brown of Harvard by Rida Johnson Young
who also co-wrote the popular music for the play along with Melvin Ellis.

The film is the best known of the three Brown of Harvard films,
presenting the screen debut of John Wayne. Uncredited,
Wayne played a Yale football player. Grady Sutton and Robert Livingston,
both of whom went on to long and successful careers, also appear uncredited.
The 1918 film included future Boston Redskins coach William "Lone Star" Dietz
and the only Washington State University football team to win a Rose Bowl.

This is a most significent film,
as initially it was thought
that this the first movie that
the young Duke Morrison appeared in, but not visibly seen.
However its is now considered that Duke
first visible appearance was in
the Ham Hamillton Comedy.
Careful Please
released earlier in the year of 1926.

It is also worth noting that it was a silent movie.

During Duke's freshman year at USC,
he earned pocket money as an extra
Although Duke is un-credited,
he doubled for Bushman in the football scenes.
Ward Bond, whom Duke met at this time
was also in this squad.

User Review

Quote

Truly brilliant film is full of surprises
Author: David Atfield

This is an extraordinary film, that tricks you constantly. It seems to be heading toward cliche at several points, and then something astonishing will happen that genuinely startles. It would give away too much to say much more, but stick with this film and you will be richly rewarded. William Haines is absolutely delightful - he is certainly a star that deserves to be re-discovered. The gay subtext in his relationship with Jack Pickford is amazing - there is even a scene where Haines rubs Pickford's chest (Pickford has a cold). Both actors play this sub-text subtlely and with great depth of emotion, so that there are moments that are very moving. And I never thought I could get so involved in a football match as I did in this movie - and I don't even understand the rules! Also excellent is Francis X. Bushman's son Ralph as Haines' rival for the girl (yes, it's not completely a gay movie). Wonderful silent classic - a great example of Twenties commercial cinema with an edge.

Information from IMDb

Plot Summary
Tom Brown is confident and a bit arrogant,when he shows up at Harvard.
He becomes a rival of Bob McAndrew, not only in football and rowing crew,
but also for the affections of Mary Abbott, a professor's daughter.
Both put their differences aside, to defeat Yale during the crucial game.
by ethanedwards

Full Cast
William Haines ... Tom Brown
Jack Pickford ... Jim Doolittle
Mary Brian ... Mary Abbott
Ralph Bushman ... Bob McAndrew (as Francis X. Bushman Jr.)
Mary Alden ... Mrs. Brown
David Torrence ... Mr. Brown
Edward Connelly ... Professor Abbott
Guinn 'Big Boy' Williams ... Hal Walters (as Guinn Williams)
Donald Reed ... Reggie Smythe (as Ernest Gillen)
Robert Livingston ... Harvard Student / Yale Cheering Section / Harvard Spectator (uncredited)
Grady Sutton ... One of the Dickeys (uncredited)
Duke Morrison ... Yale Football Player (uncredited)

Writing Credits
Joseph Farnham (titles) (as Joe Farnham)
Donald Ogden Stewart adaptation
A.P. Younger scenario
Rida Johnson Young play "Brown of Harvard"

Cinematography
Ira H. Morgan

Trivia
John Wayne makes his first screen appearance here as a member of the Yale football team.

The original Broadway production of "Brown of Havard" by Rida Johnson Young
opened at the Princess Theater on February 26, 1906 and ran for 101 performances.

The ball game used actual footage, from the previous year's
Yale- Harvard meeting. by ethanedwards

Filming Locations
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA