Margaret Quimby Movies

This M.F. Hoffman production released through Grand National featured Ken Maynard as Friendly Fields, a mama's boy whose hat is stolen by lookalike bandit Blackie Burke (also Maynard). Obtaining a job on Patty Blair's (Lona Andre) ranch, Friendly scares the girl's enemies into submission by playing up his resemblance to Blackie. Patty gets a bit worried when she begins to believe that he really is Blackie, but the cowboy continues his masquerade until his true identity is revealed by his mother (Grace Wood). By then, however, all the wrongs have been righted and Friendly and Lona agree to meet the future together. Maynard, who fancied himself a crooner, sings -- badly -- "Oh! Susannah" by Stephen Foster, accompanied by fellow Grand National cowboy hero Tex Ritter's backing group. Producer Hoffman quickly had enough of the difficult and often tardy Maynard and sold his contract to the Alexander brothers, low-budget producers who also released through Grand National. ~ Hans J. Wollstein, All Movie Guide

The dank underbelly of suburban youth is revealed in this dark drama based on a sensational 1930 novel written by an 18-year old. It is the story of a wealthy young man who treats his girl friend shabbily by spending too much time at gin parties and messing with other girls. The plucky young woman, unwilling to be his doormat, decides to affect the same behavior. Fortunately, the two mend their self-destructive ways and reconcile after they survive an airplane crash. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide

In this drama, with a story that closely parallels the 1927 feature The Jazz Singer, a Jewish son disregards his father's hope that he too will become a jeweler in favor of a show business career. His devoted mother supports him all the way as he goes to California where he is a hit at an amateur show. Unfortunately, when his mother becomes terrible ill, he must curtail his plans and return home to New York. There he finds his real break when he is selected to star in Broadway's newest show Lucky Boy. Songs include: "Lucky Boy," "My Mother's Eyes," "Old Man Sunshine," "My Real Sweetheart," "In My Bouquet of Memories," "My Blackbirds are Bluebirds Now," and "California Here I Come." ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide

Charlie Oelze, the Hal Roach Studio's special effects and "gadget" maestro, was given co-director credit on the silent, two-reel Our Gang comedy Tired Business Men. New kid in town Joe Cobb is initiated into the gang's new "Manhattan Club," a social center dedicated to the relaxation of youngsters tired of performing household chores. Undergoing a painful and humiliating initiation ritual, Joe is able to turn the tables on his tormentors when it is revealed that his dad is a cop. All of this is forgotten when notorious bank robber "Blow 'Em Up" Barnes takes refuge in the gang's clubhouse. Originally released on May 13, 1927, Tired Business Men is a slow, drearily paced comedy which actually plays better in its abbreviated TV version. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

A French play by Georges Berr and Henri Verneuil was the source for Paramount's The World at Her Feet. The ever-glamorous Florence Vidor stars as the wife of busy businessman Richard Tucker. In a reversal of the usual situation, it is the wife, not the husband, who is the neglectful one. As hubby sits at home twiddling his thumbs, Vidor starts her own prosperous business, becoming so absorbed that she has no time for anything else. Not unexpectedly, Tucker begins keeping time with a gorgeous blonde, whereupon Vidor wins back her mate by simultaneously inaugurating an affair with the blonde's husband. Realizing that she's been Wrong All Along, Vidor vows to be a more attentive spouse in the future. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Laura La Plante stars in this light comedy, directed by her future husband, William Seiter (the couple were wed in 1927 and divorced in 1933). Ann Barton (La Plante) is working at a cigar store when she is adopted by her aunt, Margaret Wyndham (Hedda Hopper). Margaret moves Ann to New York with the intention of introducing her into her society circle. She's horrified to discover that her pretty niece has terrible manners, and, worse yet, is engaged to crude cigar salesman James McDonald (Pat O'Malley). She separates the couple by sending Ann to finishing school. Ann, however, does not take this treatment -- of her or her boyfriend -- lightly, so she gets even with her aunt by behaving scandalously in front of her friends. Although it's all an act, it winds up compromising both Ann and Margaret. Eventually, Ann comes to an understanding with her aunt and is reunited with McDonald, who has learned some manners himself. ~ Janiss Garza, All Movie Guide