Harry Cohn Movies
Harry Cohn held down various odd jobs in his youth, including pool hustler and streetcar conductor. Always fond of popular music, Cohn teamed with composer Harry Ruby for a vaudeville act. While working as a song promoter, he made "Ragtime Cowboy Joe" a hit. In 1918, when his older brother Jack, was an employee of the Universal Pictures Corporation, Harry wrangled a job as secretary to Universal president Carl Laemmle. In 1920, Harry, his brother Jack and their mutual friend Joe Brandt; left Universal to create their own firm, C.B.C. Productions. Subsisting on a threadbare manifest of one-reel comedies and documentaries, C.B.C. became something of an industry joke, derided as "Corned Beef and Cabbage." But by using the promotional and business acumen he'd picked up at Universal, Cohn was able to successfully promote the C.B.C. product into first-run movie houses. In 1924, the Cohn brothers and Brandt bought a tiny studio on Gower Street in Los Angeles, and an adjoining apartment building; thus was born Columbia Pictures. Harry handled the Hollywood end of the business, while Jack Cohn and Brandt maintained the New York office (Harry and Jack; had grown to despise each other, and throughout the early '30s Harry successfully fought off Jack's attempts to take over the studio). The Columbia films utilized inexpensive new talent and faded former-greats, but Harry was able to secure good bookings. When Harry signed director Frank Capra in 1928, it proved a boon for both men; given a free creative hand, the formerly unsuccessful Capra turned out masterpieces, enabling Cohn to gain prestige in the industry. When Capra's It Happened One Night (1934) earned a rack of Oscars, Columbia Pictures lost its "poverty row" onus for good.As his stature grew, Harry Cohn achieved a negative fame as the most vituperative mogul in Hollywood. "I don't get ulcers, I give 'em!" he boasted; his enemies concurred, bestowing upon Cohn such soubriquets as "His Crudeness" and "White Fang." Much of Cohn's gruffness was calculated to see if his coworkers had the stamina to survive in a tough business; his theory was that if someone truly believed in a project, that person would fight tooth and nail to bring that project to fruition. Certain sensitive souls couldn't withstand Cohn's tactics; among the most notable casualties of his treatment was animator Walt Disney. On the other hand, many of those who stood up to Cohn and were willing to trade blow for blow were steadfastly loyal to Harry, and he to them; Cohn retained the services of short-subject producer Jules White long after all the other major studios had eliminated their shorts department. "I kiss the feet of talent!" cried Harry, and he meant it. In order to secure the services of top director George Stevens, Cohn agreed never to have any contact of any kind with Stevens on-set or off. And, at a time when most women in Hollywood were consigned to secretarial or starlet positions, Cohn recognized the abilities of screenwriter Virginia Van Upp to such an extent that he appointed her an executive producer at Columbia. Cohn's studio was the only major to reap profits during the Depression, and by the '50s Columbia was the most profitable operation in Hollywood. Among the studio's hits during the Cohn years were The Awful Truth (1937), Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941), The Jolson Story (1946), The Caine Mutiny (1954), and the Oscar-winners You Can't Take it with You (1938), All the King's Men (1949), From Here to Eternity (1953) and On the Waterfront (1954). Cohn made major stars out of such personalities as Rita Hayworth, Glenn Ford, Jack Lemmon and Kim Novak. After an early bout of indecision, he entered wholeheartedly into TV production, setting up the lucrative Screen Gems division. Though his enemies were legion, Harry Cohn, with his rare ability and understanding of Hollywood and the hit-making process, was truly one of the industry's greats and for that he was greatly respected. When he died, his was one of the best-attended funerals in Hollywood. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1922
Those who see the title to this picture and think it must be based on a hoary old melodrama are absolutely correct. The play, popular circa 1900, was written by Charles E. Blaney. Even though melodramas were making a little comeback in the early 1920s, this one really had no place in the flapper era. Julian Lorraine (J. Frank Glendon) is the leading man in a stock company. He leaves his wife, Viola (Alice Lake) because he believes she has been unfaithful. He is told that she has drowned himself, so he weds Josephine Clifford, his leading lady (Rosemary Theby). But Viola is not dead, and eventually she comes back to kidnap her own daughter, Ruth (Josephine Adair). Ultimately, the truth is revealed -- Vincent Grant, another actor of the troupe (Philo McCullough) was in love with Viola, so he plotted with Josephine to split up the Lorraines. Josephine is killed, Grant winds up behind bars, and Lorraine reunites with his faithful wife. Incidentally, this picture was produced by Harry Cohn, who would become famous -- or, perhaps, infamous -- as the head of Columbia Pictures. ~ Janiss Garza, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- J. Frank Glendon, Rosemary Theby, (more)
- 1922
While no one could ever call the cast to this melodrama "all star," it certainly features some of the best second-stringers and character actors who were around in 1923. James Watkins (Willard Louis), who owns a department store, is even more wicked than your average womanizer. He has Danny Mulvey (William Scott) sent to prison for a crime he didn't commit just so that he can woo his sister Mame (Estelle Taylor). When he is released, Mulvey finds out that Watkins is also after his own sweetheart, Josie (Mae Busch), who is a clerk at the store. Mulvey, Mrs. Watkins (Claire Dubrey) and Mame all decide to catch Watkins at his game, so Josie agrees to meet him at the store one night. He doesn't realize that the others are hiding and watching him. When he tries to embrace Josie she threatens to kill him, and he turns out the lights. When they come back on he is dead. Josie is arrested for his murder, but Mulvey confesses to save her. The truth is that both of them are innocent. When Mulvey's home catches on fire, Mame is badly burned while saving a little girl (Josephine Adair). Mame doesn't survive her injuries, but before she dies, she confesses that it was she who killed Watkins. ~ Janiss Garza, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Estelle Taylor, William Scott, (more)
- 1923
Talented Anna Q. Nilsson overcomes hackneyed material in this society drama. Actress Fay Leslie (Nilsson) marries Don Hampton (Freeman Wood) against his family's wishes. They snobbishly refuse to accept her presence. She uses her influence to keep a friend (Marion Harlan) from running away with her old dancing partner, Collingwood (Wilfred Lucas), and the circumstances throw her into a compromising position. Hampton's folks accuse her of being unfaithful and push for a divorce. Just as it looks like they will be successful and the divorce proceedings begin working through the courts, Fay uses her wits to embroil her husband's attorney, Paul Atkins (Earle Foxe), in the same kind of circumstances she found herself in. Atkins has no choice but to see the logic behind her argument. Because of her clever work, Fay is able to win back the love of her husband, and they are reconciled. ~ Janiss Garza, All Movie Guide
- 1925
This early directorial effort by William Wellman focuses on two married couples: Violet and Henry Gilbert (Dorothy Revier, Forrest Stanley) and Violet's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Belcher (Tom Ricketts, Ethel Wales). The Gilberts are newlyweds, while the Belchers have been spliced for years. When Mr. Belcher wanders away from his nest in the company of blonde vamp Charlotte (Maude Wayne), Violet begins to suspect that her own husband will follow suit -- and when she finds Henry's briefcase in Maude's roadster, she's sure of it. Actually, Henry has been trying to persuade his father-in-law to give up Charlotte, but try telling that to the easily excitable Violet. Originally released in January of 1926 by Harry Cohn's C.B.C. Pictures, When Husbands Flirt was reissued in July by C.B.C's successor, the fledgling Columbia Pictures. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Forrest Stanley, Maude Wayne, (more)
- 1925
Lightning the Dog, Columbia Pictures' answer to Rin Tin Tin, heads the cast of Lure of the Wild. Displaying a range of emotions that put his human costars to shame, Lightning comes to the rescue of little Baby Cuddles (Billie Jean), the daughter of murder victim James Belmont (Alan Roscoe). Protecting the kid from all sorts of natural and man-made dangers, our canine hero reunites Cuddles with her grieving mother Agnes (Jane Novak). He also tracks down the murderers and drags them to justice. Lightning is an impressive screen presence, but there was only one "Rinty." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jane Novak, Alan Roscoe, (more)
- 1926
The Lone Wolf, Louis Joseph Vance's celebrated thief-turned-sleuth, began his long association with Columbia Pictures in 1926's Return of the Lone Wolf. After a life of crime, gentleman jewel robber Michael Lanyard (Bert Lytell), aka the Lone Wolf, has -- to all intents and purposes -- reformed. But when his sweetheart Marcia Mayfair (Billie Dove) is robbed by a rival gang, Lanyard returns to his old tricks, operating on the theory that it takes a thief to catch a thief. Though the original Vance stories were heavily reliant on dialogue, Return of the Lone Wolf effectively tells its story in purely visual terms. Bert Lytell, who first played the Lone Wolf in 1917, would return to the role several times between 1926 and 1930. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bert Lytell, Billie Dove, (more)
- 1926
To impress his wealthy uncle Hiram (Tom Ricketts), Billy Winthrop (George K. Arthur) and his wife Ethel (Dorothy Revier) overextend their bank account and rent a posh apartment. Knowing full well that he will inherit Uncle's fortune provided he has become a success in life, Billy puts on quite a show for the old man's benefit, even unto posing as his own butler -- and maid. While dressed in female drag, Billy falls into the clutches of a gang of crooks, one of whom, Joe Carter (Harry Depp), is likewise disguised in women's clothing. Uncle Hiram flirts outrageously with both "ladies," leading to the film's uproarious conclusion. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- George K. Arthur, Dorothy Revier, (more)
- 1926
Dorothy Phillips, an actress once billed as the "Duse of the Screen," stars in the Columbia programmer Remember. Phillips is cast as Ruth Pomeroy, who performs yeoman duty to convince her blinded brother-in-law Jimmy (Earl Metcalfe) that his wife -- Ruth's flighty younger sister Constance (Lola Todd) -- remained faithful to him during WWI. Posing as Constance, Ruth tends to Jimmy's needs upon his return, falling in love with him in the process. After a fall down a flight of stairs, Jimmy recovers his eyesight, realizing at long last that it was Ruth and not Constance who was true-blue all along. The script for Remember was written by 2-reel comedienne Dorothy Howell, unexpectedly "going dramatic." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dorothy Phillips, Earl Metcalfe, (more)
- 1926
The Columbia "special" Sweet Rosie O'Grady was purportedly inspired by the ballad of the same name. Orphaned at birth, Rosie O'Grady (Shirley Mason) is raised jointly by kindly Jewish pawnbroker Ben Shapiro (E. Alyn Warren) and Irish beat cop James Brady (William Conklin). When wealthy Victor MacQuade (Cullen Landis) gets lost in the tenement district, he is rescued from a street fight by Rosie. Victor invites the girl to a rags-to-riches costume ball, where she wins first prize for her "costume" -- actually, her regular street clothes. Angry and humiliated, Rosie rushes back to her Uncle Ben's pawnshop, where she is comforted by Brady, who fortunately for the plot has become quite wealthy and is living in a luxurious mansion. Searching for the girl, Victor stumbles upon her at Brady's mansion and proposes to her on the spot. Still smarting from her experiences at the party, she refuses, whereupon her headstrong young swain forcibly elopes with her. Thinking that Rosie is being kidnapped, Brady hops into his roadster and gives chase. As a result, Rosie, Victor and Brady are all arrested by a rustic traffic cop -- who unexpectedly serves as plot resolver when it turns out that he's also the local justice of the peace. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Shirley Mason, Cullen Landis, (more)
- 1927
By Whose Hand? is a swift little thriller expertly assembled by up-and-coming Columbia Pictures. Ricardo Cortez stars as a society swell who, unbeknownst to all but insurance investigator J. Thornton Baston, is actually the daring Agent X-9. More troubleshooter than spy, Cortez is assigned to solve a baffling jewel theft. All the evidence points to Cortez' sweetheart Eugenie Gilbert, and even he is convinced for a while that she's guilty. The actual miscreant is nearly as clever and resourceful as Cortez-but only nearly. Art director Robert E. Lee does wonders convincing us that Columbia's decidedly economical sets are actually a lavish night club and a huge mansion. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ricardo Cortez, Eugenia Gilbert, (more)
- 1927
Small town girls get a taste of the world when they go fortune seeking in the big city. The big sister goes first and gets a job as a chorus girl. Though in a glittery life fraught with temptation, the girl remains pure in body and spirit. Later her little sister comes to join her. One night, little sis is visiting a roadhouse when a patron attempts to compromise her virtue. Following a struggle, the girl is sent to jail on a $5,000 bail. Her poor older sis is so desperate for the cash that she goes to a handsome millionaire and promises him anything he wants in exchange for the money. The millionaire likes the bargain and so takes the desperate chorine home. He gently escorts the nervous girl upstairs and with great ceremony opens the door to his boudoir. The poor girl's frightened heart nearly leaps from her chest as he invites her inside. Still a deal is a deal and she steps into the chamber and discovers with great relief that the millionaire is not at all the cad he seemed. A happy ending for everyone involved follow. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Marguerite de la Motte, Ann Christy, (more)
- 1927
For unknown reasons, Harry Cohn, prickly president of Columbia pictures, is listed as the director of several of his studio's late-silent releases. Though attributed to Cohn by the editors of the trade magazine Variety, Columbia's Rich Men's Sons was actually directed by Ralph Graves, who also co-wrote and starred in the picture. Graves has cast himself as the ne'er-do-well son of wealthy George Fawcett (who died not long after the film's completion). To avoid going to work in the family business, Graves threatens to expose a past indiscretion of his father's, using an incriminating photo as a bargaining chip. Only when Fawcett gives in to his son does he discover that the "evidence" was non-existent. By this time, however, Graves has made good on his own, so dad is willing to forgive and forget (even if the audience isn't!). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ralph Graves, Shirley Mason, (more)
- 1927
The pretty former showgirl Dorothy Sebastian improbably plays a South Pacific native girl in this silent clinker. She encounters a bank cashier (Conway Tearle) who is escaping an unjust accusal of embezzlement. He has fled the country in favor of the tropics. He finds the native girl, in her various states of undress, quite tempting but nevertheless stays true to his sweetheart back home. When the bank cashier encounters a raging drunk, the native girl saves his life but herself is killed -- rather conveniently, because shortly thereafter, the sweetheart arrives to fetch him back home. This silly film didn't do much for either Sebastian or Tearle's careers. ~ Janiss Garza, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Conway Tearle, Dorothy Sebastian, (more)
- 1927
After another of their tempestuous arguments, Doris and John Manning (Helene Chadwick and Gayne Whitman) decide to separate. At the same time, a younger couple, Clara and Herb Bradley (Dorothy Revier and Ray Ripley) also split up over a quarrel. Inevitably, Herb finds himself in an innocent but compromising situation with Doris at a roadhouse -- where, coincidentally, Clara is fending off the advances of masher Guy Summers (Harlan Tucker). The roadhouse catches fire, whereupon Herb rushes the scantily-clad Doris to safety. John Manning shows up to accuse his wife of infidelity (gee, aren't they separated?), but Clara puts her own reputation on the line by proving Doris' innocence. As a result, both couples are reconciled, while gosh only knows what happens to Guy. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Helene Chadwick, Dorothy Revier, (more)
- 1927
This typically hard-nosed Jack Holt vehicle casts the star as opium smuggler Tom Fellows. While in Shanghai on "business," Tom rescues Mary Blake (Dorothy Revier) from the clutches of his deadly rival London Charlie (Pat Harmon). But Mary can't stay out of trouble, obliging Tom to rescue her a second time. Several hairbreadth escapes later, Mary reveals herself to be "Secret Agent 63" -- whereupon Tom identifies himself as British Intelligence Officer Robert Wellesley, Mary's boss! Blessed with one fast-action scene after another, The Warning can perhaps be forgiven for its nonsensical storyline. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jack Holt, Dorothy Revier, (more)
- 1927
Also known as Swell-Head, this enjoyable Columbia programmer starred former Mack Sennett leading man Ralph Graves, who also directed. To finance a critical operation for his invalid mother, Lefty Malone (Graves) steps into the boxing ring. He soon ascends to the championship, his ego expanding to obscene dimensions along the way. Soon, Lefty is squandering his prize money on fast women and cheap booze, much to the chagrin of his childhood sweetheart Molly O'Rourke (Eugenia Gilbert). Not unexpectedly, Graves loses an all-important prizefight, which simultaneously knocks some sense into his swelled head. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ralph Graves, Johnny Walker, (more)
- 1927
Edward H. Griffith, whose list of directorial credits extended back to the Edison Studios days, was at the controls of Columbia's Opening Night. Having behaved like a coward during the sinking of an ocean liner, a prominent banker drops out of sight, allowing the world to assume that he's dead. Returning to New York after many years, the banker discovers that he is celebrated as a hero. Rather than reveal the truth to his now-remarried wife, he takes a "temp" job as her chauffeur (amazingly, she does not recognize him). Pulling up at his former home, the banker dies peacefully, with a smile on his lips. The show-bizzy title refers to the fact that the banker's daughter, pursuing a show-business career, is secretly helped along by her doting father, who remains on the sidelines to vicariously enjoy his daughter's success. Opening Night was partially remade in 1934 as Whom the Gods Destroy. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Claire Windsor, John Bowers, (more)
- 1927
Although this was only the second "Lone Wolf" film produced by Columbia, Bert Lytell had already played Louis Joseph Vance's gentleman crook in several prior films, the first dating back to 1917. Michael Lanyard, aka the Lone Wolf, is sailing to America when he meets pretty Eve de Montalais (Lois Wilson). Eve wants to sneak her valuable necklace through U.S. customs so that she can use the money from its sale to help straighten out her brother. The only problem is that there is a gang of jewel thieves on board who are just as determined to steal the necklace. Lanyard uses his wiles to keep the thieves at bay, but they try to ruin his credibility by revealing his past to Eve. Lanyard manages to outwit the gang anyhow, and in the end, he reveals that he has gone straight and become an undercover agent. Of course, he wins the girl, too. ~ Janiss Garza, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bert Lytell, Lois Wilson, (more)
- 1927
Footloose flapper Peggy Marston (Dorothy Revier) runs away from her oppressive household and right into the arms of Big Trouble. Looking for thrills, Peggy gets mixed up with Maurice and Maxine (Armand Kaliz, Mildred Harris), who use their ballroom-dancing act as a cover for their burglary activities. Accused of theft herself, Peggy is bailed out by her society boyfriend Jerry (Robert Agnew), but is saved from a long prison term only by the deathbed confession of Maxine. Wandering Girls represented one of the last major film roles for Mildred Harris, the ex-wife of Charlie Chaplin. It was scripted by another film comedian of note, Dorothy Howell. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dorothy Revier, Frances Raymond, (more)
- 1927
In this lively comedy (a predecessor of the screwball comedies of the '30s and '40s) a young woman lies to the policeman who stopped her for speeding by saying that she had to rush to the side of her ailing baby. Accompanying the woman is the young man who was following her. Before the two speed demons go to court, they must come up with a baby to prove their innocence. A frantic, fruitless search ensues until at last they find a helpful midget who begins impersonating their baby. Just when it looks as if their little scam will succeed, "baby's" jealous wife shows up and blows their cover, causing the two to escape in an airplane. More mayhem follows, but afterward love blossoms and wedding bells ultimately ring. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Helene Chadwick, Midget Gustav, (more)
- 1927
In this silent crime drama, a clown comes home and finds his wife in bed with his colleague. He naturally flies into a jealous rage and tries to kill his rival. A storm erupts and destroys their house. The woman dies and the lover accuses the husband of killing her. The husband goes to prison for many years. One day, a circus comes to the prison and there the hero sees his own child playing a clown. He is so proud and excited that he busts out of prison to get grisly revenge, involving the lover and a hungry lion. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Johnny Walker, Dorothy Revier, (more)
- 1927
Helene Chadwick stars as Fay Leslie, a slightly blowzy but basically good-hearted chorus girl. When Fay falls in love with wealthy Donald Hampton (Kenneth Harlan), the boy's parents disinherit him. Even so, Fay and Donald are married, a union that quickly goes sour when it appears that Fay has been cheating on her spouse. It isn't true, of course, but to prove her innocence, Fay must turn the tables on her would-be seducer -- ending up with his disgrace. At last convinced that their daughter-in-law is worthy, Hampton's parents welcome Fay with open arms. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Patrick, Phillips Smalley, (more)
- 1927
Sally in Our Alley revives the old bromide about the orphan waif who is unofficially adopted by three men of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds. Shirley Mason plays Sally Williams, who has grown up under the watchful eyes of Scotsman Sandy Mack (Alec B. Francis), Italian Tony Garibaldi (Paul Panzer) and Jewish Abe Lapidowitz (William H. Strauss). Upon reaching maturity, Sally falls in love with a neighborhood boy, plumber Jimmie Adams (Richard Arlen). Enter wealthy Chester Drake (Harry Crocker), who offers to take Sally away from her tenement surroundings and her "low-life" friends. Jimmie and the three surrogate fathers unintentionally embarrass Sally at a party thrown at Drake's estate, whereupon the three old men slink dejectedly back to their old neighborhood, while Jimmie signs on with the merchant marine. But Sally decides to forsake wealth and luxury in favor of those who loved and cared for her throughout her life. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Shirley Mason, Richard Arlen, (more)
- 1928
The Columbia programmer Sinner's Parade stars studio utility player Victor Varconi as shady dance-hall proprietor Al Morton. Schoolteacher Mary Tracy (Dorothy Revier) goes to work for Al to support her family. When Bill Adams (John Patrick), the son of anti-vice campaigner Mrs. Adams (Clara Selwynne), falls for Mary, she tries to quit her job, but Al won't let her. The girl's resentment for Al intensifies when the joint is raided and she loses her teaching job as a result. Amazingly, however, Al turns out to be the hero of the piece when the "respectable" Bill Adams reveals himself to be a gangster boss, whereupon Mary saves Al from being taken for a ride by Adams' hired goons. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dorothy Revier, Victor Varconi, (more)
Director Frank Capra's first feature for Columbia Pictures, the silent That Certain Thing stars Viola Dana and Ralph Graves. Dana plays a poor girl who falls in love with wealthy Graves, the son of a millionaire restaurateur. When Graves declares that he has no intention of going into the family business, his father cuts him off without a dime. With nary a dime between them, Graves and Dana hit upon a moneymaking plan: they'll manufacture box lunches in Dana's kitchen, then sell them to construction workers from the back of her Model T. The box-lunch enterprise blossoms into a big business, driving dad's chain of restaurants into bankruptcy. All is forgiven when Father becomes Graves' junior partner. Lensed for less than $20,000 (the "prop" box lunches saved catering costs!), That Certain Thing was a hit, launching a long and rewarding association between Capra and Columbia. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Aggie Herring, Viola Dana, (more)
