James Kirkwood Movies
Durable American actor James Kirkwood opened up his film career at the Biograph studios in 1909 and closed it out with 1962's The Ugly American. The curly-haired, dependable-looking Kirkwood (described in an early Photoplay article as "one of those regular film 'troupers' who never fall down") occasionally interrupted his acting career for a spot of directing; in 1912 alone, he wielded the megaphone for nine pictures featuring Mary Pickford. Lacking the drive and organizational skills to excel as a director, Kirkwood willingly switched back to acting full-time by 1918. His silent film acting credits include D.W. Griffith's Home, Sweet Home (1914) and That Royale Girl (1926), costarring with W.C. Fields in the latter picture. Among Kirkwood's talking films were Over the Hill (1931), Charlie Chan's Chance (1933) and Joan of Arc (1949). His talkie roles frequently found Kirkwood on the wrong side of the law, as in the Tom Mix western My Pal the King (1932), wherein Kirkwood trapped boy-king Mickey Rooney in a rapidly flooding cellar. James Kirkwood's third wife was actress Lila Lee; their son was James Kirkwood Jr., co-author of the Broadway long-runner A Chorus Line. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1909
Running 292 feet (or approximately 4 minutes), D. W. Griffith's Oh Uncle features Billy Quirk, who later enjoyed a brief career as a starring comedian. A newly married husband receives a telegram from his rich uncle, informing the husband that he'll be cut off without a dime if he ever has the temerity to take a wife. With Uncle preparing to pay a visit, the hero must figure out a way to persuade his wife to pretend that she isn't his wife. The heroine agrees to pose as her own husband's maid, leading to the usual comic consequences when Uncle begins flirting with the girl. Unable to stand any more, the husband confesses the truth, whereupon jovial old Unk reveals that he knew all along about the marriage and was merely playing a joke on the couple. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1909
This 974-foot Biograph subject was designated by the studio as a "Contemporary Melodrama." The main character, a young husband named Henry, is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Henry's loving wife suggests that he go on a hunting trip to forget his troubles and catch some fresh air. Meanwhile, the wife's cousin Alice has a spat with her sweetheart Jack. As wifey tries to patch things up between the couple, Henry returns from hunting earlier than expected. Assuming that his missus has been making love to Jack in his absence, Henry beats Jack with a whip -- and when he realizes his mistake, he goes completely insane. It is up to Alice and Jack, who feel responsible for the whole mess, to restore Henry's sanity. Such D.W.Griffith regulars as Marion Leonard, Owen Moore and Mary Pickford are prominently featured in Restoration, which was partially filmed on location in Little Falls, New Jersey. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1909
D.W. Griffith's Fools of Fate was filmed in Cuddebackville, New York, back to back with the same director's Leather Stocking. Advertised by Biograph as a "Contemporary Melodrama," the film begins as a young trapper bids his wife farewell before heading to the woods. Later on, the trapper is rescued from a watery grave by a fisherman, whereupon the two men swear eternal loyalty. Still later, the fisherman happens upon the trapper's cabin. He begins flirting with the trapper's wife, not realizing that he is betraying his best friend. Upon discovering his wife in a compromising situation, the husband refuses to listen to his friend's explanation and promptly commits suicide. Henry B. Walthall, Frank Powell and Marion Leonard were the leading players in this one-reel domestic tragedy. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1909
Indian maiden Clear Eyes (Marion Leonard) makes the mistake of marrying a white man, Bud Watkins (Arthur Johnson), who leaves her for a rich white girl (Linda Arvidson). Happily, an old flame, Indian Brave Comata (James Kirkwood), brings her back home to the Black Hills of Dakota. This early Biograph one-reel Western melodrama was filmed at Cuddebackville, New York, in early August of 1909 and has been preserved in the paper print collection of the Library of Congress. ~ Hans J. Wollstein, All Movie Guide
- 1909
D.W. Griffith's Renunciation is a comedy western, filmed in the wilds of Shadyside, New Jersey. Fascinated by a pair of handsome cowboys, the heroine flirts shamelessly with both men. It isn't long before the two old pals of the saddle are bitter enemies. As they prepare to square off in a knife battle, the girl breaks up the fight by introducing her real boyfriend, a limp-wristed "pansy" type. Astonished that the girl would choose a sissy-boy over them, the two cowpokes vow eternal friendship and swear off women for good (or, at least, for now). Mary Pickford, Billy Quirk and Harry Salter are starred in this one-reel trifle. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
