Bebe Daniels Movies
American actress Bebe Daniels and the motion picture industry virtually grew up together. After touring with her stage-actor parents, Daniels made her film debut at age seven in the silent one-reeler A Common Enemy (1908). After unsuccessfully applying for a job as a Mack Sennett bathing beauty (she was well under the age of consent), Daniels secured a job at Hal Roach's comedy studio in 1915, co-featured with Roach's biggest (and only) star Harold Lloyd in a series of zany slapstick comedies. In 1919, Daniels was signed by producer-director Cecil B. DeMille to star in a group of slick, sophisticated feature films in the company of DeMille regulars Gloria Swanson and Thomas Meighan. Though successful in these glamorous ventures, Daniels found herself more at home in fast-moving comedy roles, in which she specialized while contracted with Paramount Pictures in the mid-1920s; the actress played everything from a female Zorro type in Senorita (1927) to a "lady Valentino" in She's a Sheik (1927). When talking pictures came around, Paramount dropped Daniels' contract, worried that she wouldn't be able to make the transition to sound. But Daniels surprised everyone by scoring a hit in RKO's expensive musical feature Rio Rita (1929), managing to keep her career in high gear until her last American film, Music is Magic (1935). Upon her retirement from Hollywood, Daniels moved to England with her actor husband Ben Lyon in 1935. Enormously popular with London audiences, Daniels and Lyon starred in stage plays and films, and in the 1940s, headlined the successful radio series Life with the Lyons, which graduated to an even more successful TV program in the 1950s. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
The quintessential "backstage" musical, 42nd Street traces the history of a Broadway musical comedy, from casting call to opening night. Warner Baxter plays famed director Julian Marsh, who despite failing health is determined to stage one last great production, "Pretty Lady." Others involved include "Pretty Lady" star Dorothy Brock (Bebe Daniels); Dorothy's "sugar daddy" (Guy Kibbee), who finances the show; her true love Pat (George Brent); leading man Billy Lawlor (Dick Powell); and starry-eyed chorus girl Peggy Sawyer (Ruby Keeler). It practically goes without saying that Dorothy twists her ankle the night before the premiere, forcing Julian Marsh is to put chorine Peggy into the lead: "You're going out there a youngster, but you've got to come back a star!" Delightfully corny, with hilarious wisecracking support from the likes of Ginger Rogers, Una Merkel, and George E. Stone, 42nd Street is perhaps the most famous of Warners' early-1930s Busby Berkeley musicals. Based on the novel by Bradford Ropes (which was a lot steamier than the movie censors would allow), 42nd Street is highlighted by such grandiose musical setpieces as "Shuffle Off to Buffalo," "Young and Healthy," and of course the title song. Nearly fifty years after its premiere, it was successfully revived as a Broadway musical with Tammy Grimes and Jerry Orbach. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Warner Baxter, Bebe Daniels, (more)
- 1933
This musical chronicles the escapades of two Spanish couples. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1930
Bebe Daniels plays a safecracker posing as a French maid in order to gain access to wealthy homes. In the midst of a nocturnal search for a cache of valuables, Daniels is interrupted by Ben Lyon, another safecracker. Narrowly escaping arrest, Bebe and Ben decide to pool their talents, but Bebe gets the urge to reform and encourages Ben to do the same. As it turns out, both thieves are swindled out of their own savings by a seemingly benign old couple. Alias French Gertie, based on the Bayard Veiller play The Chatterbox, represents the first screen teaming of future newlyweds Bebe Daniels and Ben Lyon. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ben Lyon, Robert E. O'Connor, (more)
- 1924
Argentine Love is based on a novel by Vincent Blasco-Ibanez, whose Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse made a star of Rudolph Valentino. Not surprisingly, leading man Ricardo Cortez plays a Valentino clone: a headstrong Argentinian in love with fetching senorita Bebe Daniels. But Daniels prefers the company of American engineer James Rennie. Argentine Love is kept moving at a fast clip by Allan Dwan, who was far less lugubriously self-indulgent than Four Horsemen helmsman Rex Ingram. In retrospect, it is understandable that Paramount wanted to make a Valentino film without Valentino: he had recently ankled the studio in a bitter (and well-publicized) dispute over story material. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bebe Daniels, Ricardo Cortez, (more)
- 1919
Harold Lloyd and Bebe Daniels are next-door neighbors in a shabby boardinghouse. Harold scrapes together just barely enough money to pay his rent when he runs into Bebe, who is crying in the hallway. Her rent is overdue, so Harold gives her his cash. Harold has to use all his ingenuity to avoid his aptly-named landlord, Bearcat Simpson, so he can make his way to the theater to find out the status of a new play he has written. To get to the theater, he jumps on a passing car and annoys its stuffy passenger. Unfortunately, the man turns out to be the manager of the theater, and Harold enters his office, he throws him out. Meanwhile, Bebe, who is rehearsing on stage, is being unfairly fired by the musical director (Harry "Snub" Pollard). Harold comes to her defense and as a result, is tossed out of the theater completely. As he is nursing his wounds, a limo drives up -- it's a wealthy young man who takes Bebe out for an evening on the town. Harold literally hitches a ride by crawling into a streetcleaner's cart and hooking it on the back of the limo. Everyone arrives at a supper club where, through a chain of events, Harold wins a big pile of money at roulette and makes up with Bebe. The police raid the place and Harold and Bebe spend the last few minutes of the film successfully evading arrest. This was Lloyd's first two-reeler as his "glasses" character, and marked his initial jump into stardom. ~ Janiss Garza, All Movie Guide
- 1933
This melodrama, with a few comic overtones, was not the finest moment for either star Bebe Daniels or director Victor Schertzinger (who also composed the music and songs). It also hasn't weathered the years well, since its male chauvinism has fallen way out of favor. In fact, to modern eyes, Randolph Scott's character, Randolph Morgan, seems like an insufferable prig when he constantly lectures his artist girlfriend Cynthia Warren (Daniels) that "you can't change the rules" -- in other words, women were meant for marriage and child-rearing, not successful careers. Whereas viewers of the day may have wondered how Daniels could have fallen for the womanizing Lawton (Sidney Blackmer, who, looks-wise, was definitely a comedown from Scott), modern audiences tend to hope she'll dump her stuffy boyfriend, whom she's left back home while she goes on an ocean voyage. But there was no women's lib in 1933, and you know that Daniels' shipboard affair is going to end badly, and that she will throw everything away to return to the maddeningly arrogant Scott. The brightest spots in the film are offered by Muriel Kirkland, as a phony Russian countess who really hails from Kansas, and her eccentric companion, Alvarez (George Nardelli). Kirkland's worldly wise persona is a lot more interesting than the character that is handed to Daniels, which is bland in spite of her go-rounds with Scott. This picture was based on the story Pearls and Emeralds by James K. McGuinness. ~ Janiss Garza, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bebe Daniels, Randolph Scott, (more)
Adapted from the play by Elmer Rice, Counsellor-at-Law is the story of a successful Jewish lawyer George Simon (John Barrymore) who finds it's lonely at the top. Simon's wife (Doris Kenyon) and children look down upon him because of his humble upbringings, while his mother reprimands him for turning his back on his heritage. Simon is threatened with disbarment when a rival digs up a big wormy can of legal wrongdoing in Simon's past, but this is only the beginning of the end. When the beleaguered lawyer discovers that his wife has been unfaithful, he looks out the window of his Empire State Building office and contemplates suicide. Simon is brought to his senses by his faithful secretary (Bebe Daniels), who has loved him all along. Filled with vivid character vignettes and blessed with energetic direction by William Wyler, Counsellor-at-Law is one of the best "lawyer" films of the 1930s. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Barrymore, Bebe Daniels, (more)
- 1920
Sylvester Tibble (Wallace Reid) comes to New York City to work at the jug business run by his uncle, Enoch Jones (Raymond Hatton). He winds up supplementing his $6.00 a week when dancer Junie Budd (Bebe Daniels) discovers his slick footwork and takes him on as a dancing partner. His gig at one of the city's biggest jazz clubs wins him acclaim and enhances his uncle's modest business. This picture was based on a Saturday Evening Post story by Henry Payson Dowst. ~ Janiss Garza, All Movie Guide
- 1924
There is a dispute over the ownership of some valuable Long Island farmland -- the Clarks and the Sullivans both claim it. It is ultimately awarded to Adele (Bebe Daniels), the last of the Clarks. Although Adele is in love with Tim (Tom Moore), the son of Sheamus Sullivan (Edward O'Connor), their romance is stalled when her trustees send her away to finishing school. The headmistress takes her to Europe where she meets Arnolfo, an impoverished prince (William Powell, who generally played villainous types before talkies came in). Adele has become extravagant, and when Tim travels to Europe to straighten her out, he fails. She marries the prince, but then she's called home and informed by O'Hara (Charles Slattery) that he has found a will giving the land to Sheamus. He offers to sell it to her but she refuses. The prince, however, is not so noble, and he steals her jewelry and buys it himself. Adele manages to get it from him and lets Tim know about it. A fire breaks out because of Arnolfo's carelessness. Tim rescues Adele, but the prince dies while trying to make his escape. With his death, Adele and Tim are finally reunited. ~ Janiss Garza, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bebe Daniels, Tom Moore, (more)
- 1924
Bebe Daniels never let her public or her studio down. In Daring Youth, Daniels delivers her usual sprightly performance as the free-thinking wife of Norman Kerry. Entering into marriage on the understanding that she will be given unbridled freedom to do what she wants with whom she wants, Daniels sorely taxes the patience of poor Kerry. But he's certain that she'll get over her hubris and settle down to become a proper housewife-which, after several comic escapades, she does. Daring Youth was directed by William Beaudine, long before he became entrenched as the King of Poverty Row. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lillian Langdon, Bebe Daniels, (more)
Hoping to repeat the success of its 1929 musical spectacular Rio Rita, RKO Radio reteamed leading lady Bebe Daniels and the comedy team of Bert Wheeler & Robert Woolsey for the equally lavish Dixiana. Set in antebellum Louisiana, the film casts Daniels as the title character, a lovely and charming circus entertainer. Dixiana is loved by Carl Van Horn (Everett Marshall), the son of plantation owner Cornelius Van Horn (Joseph Cawthorn). Though Cornelius approves of his son's choice, his imperious wife (Jobyna Howland) orders Dixiana out of her house, much to the delight of crooked gambler Royal Montague (Ralf Harolde), who has his own wicked designs on our heroine. Fired by her circus, Dixiana is forced to go to work at Montague's gambling establishment, and it is here that the love-struck Carl catches up with her. Hoping to bankrupt Carl and force him to relinquish the deed to the Van Doren plantation, Montague engages the young man in a crooked card game, but Dixiana turns the tables on the villain. Elected queen of the Mardi Gras, Dixiana is kidnapped by the disgruntled Montague, who intends to goad Carl into a duel, knowing full well that the boy's guns have been tampered with. Dixiana is the film debut of Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, who performs a "stair dance" routine during the Technicolor Mardi Gras finale. Incidentally, the film's final color reels were for many years considered lost, with only the black-and-white scenes remaining: thus, many TV prints of Dixiana come to an end long before the plot has been resolved. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bebe Daniels, Bert Wheeler, (more)
- 1921
Bebe Daniels breezes through the comic complications of Ducks and Drakes. Daniels plays Teddy Simpson, the flirtatious fiancee of sportsman Dick Chiltim (Edward Martindel). To teach her a lesson, Dick talks his pal Rob Winslow (Jack Holt) into posing as an escaped convict. At first thrilled at the prospect of being kidnapped by the handsome "fugitive," Teddy is scared silly when Winslow prepares to "have his way" with her. She skeedaddles back to the arms of her fiancé, vowing never to flirt again. More nonsense from the "pregnant-barefoot-kitchen" school of comedy. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bebe Daniels, Jack Holt, (more)
- 1919
Allegory is a storytelling form little used in cinema today, but it popped up frequently during the silent era, especially before the '20s kicked in. This particular film was based on a morality play by Walter Browns. Everywoman (Violet Heming) is on a quest for love, but Flattery (Raymond Hatton) convinces her to go on the stage. Other temptations and distractions that stand in her way include Wealth (Theodore Roberts), Passion (Irving Cummings) and Dissipation (Fred Huntley). Finally, she discovers that Love is a humble young physician (Monte Blue). Although the premise to this film sounds corny now, some of the casting still fascinates; the dark, delectable Bebe Daniels is a fetching choice for Vice! ~ Janiss Garza, All Movie Guide
- 1928
Bebe Daniels' popular Paramount comedies of the 1920s frequently cast the sprightly heroine as a female Douglas Fairbanks, saving the day with equal parts cleverness and physical dexterity. Feel My Pulse is a typically Fairbanksian romp, with Daniels playing a sheltered rich girl who has been convinced (and has convinced herself) that she is suffering from multiple maladies. When Daniels inherits a health sanitarium, she moves in bag and baggage, hoping to cure her many imagined ailments. Actually, all she needs is a good jolt of adventure, excitement, and romance, and this she gets when bootleggers set up shop at the sanitarium. Daniels is so full of vim, vigor and vitality at the end of the film that she's even willing to kiss leading-man Richard Arlen without worrying about catching any germs. Like many of the Daniels' comedies, Feel My Pulse is benefited immeasurably by the roguish villainy of star-in-the-making William Powell. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bebe Daniels, George Irving, (more)
- 1923
After Hollywood was rocked by several scandals, the specter of censorship reared its ugly head. To keep local community leaders from doing the censoring, the film industry opted to do the editing itself. Perhaps that's why pictures such as this Allan Dwan-directed society drama based on a novel by Edith Wharton seem a bit bloodless. Although Susan Branch (Bebe Daniels) has lost her money, she still manages to live off her society friends. While staying with Fred and Ursula Gillow (Maurice Costello and Nita Naldi), she falls in love with penniless writer Nick Lansing (David Powell). In spite of his financial situation, Susan and Lansing marry, and live for the next year on money given to them by friends, staying in lavish villas in Paris, Venice, and Monte Carlo. But when the money runs out, so does their happiness. After an argument, they separate, even consulting a lawyer about divorce; but when the lawyer sees that they still love each other, he convinces them to stay together. ~ Janiss Garza, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bebe Daniels, Nita Naldi, (more)
- 1962
Harold Lloyd's World of Comedy is a compilation film of the famed silent-comedy star's funniest screen scenes, lovingly assembled by Harold Lloyd himself. The film spotlights choice moments from such Lloyd silent features as Safety Last (1923), Why Worry (1923), Hot Water (1924), Girl Shy (1924) and The Kid Brother (1924). Also included are several sequences from Lloyd's talking pictures: The train chase from Professor Beware (1938), the magician's coat routine from Movie Crazy (1932), and the climb down the side of a building from Feet First (1930). Harold Lloyd's World of Comedy was actually finished two years before its release, but Lloyd, ever the perfectionist, extensively previewed the film to gauge audience reaction. World of Comedy was reasonably successful, so Lloyd followed up with another compilation, Harold Lloyd's Funny Side of Life (1963), which consisted mostly of footage from the comedian's most popular silent feature, The Freshman (1925). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
