Charles Farrell ('The Commodore'), Esther Ralston (Esther), Wallace Beery ('Bos'n'), George Bancroft ('Gunner'), Charles Hill Mailes (Capt. Preble), Johnnie Wallier--as Johnnie Walker (Lt. Stephen Decatur), Eddie Fetherston (Lt. Somersom), George Godfrey ('The Cook'), William Conklin (Esther's Father), Duke Kahanamoku (Pirate Captain)
"Shall we borrow money to buy dishonor?"
When most people think of motion pictures from the silent era, there is a horrendous misconception. They tend to think of these wonderful films running about at a herky-jerky clip, not realizing they are being shown with a projector that ran them at the wrong speed. In the silent era, the performers had to be able to express their emotions without the assistance of dialogue and did so wonderfully.
One of the highlights of this period was 1926's Old Ironsides. Cruze had recently scored with his epic The Covered Wagon, and was the perfect choice to helm the picture. Unfortunately, he didn't make it in the sound era and died a destitute alcoholic in 1942.
The only woman in the cast, Ralston wore bloomers that went down to her ankles. For the scene where she by the ship's wheel, Cruze had the actress remove them as the wind blowing against her dress would outline her figure. For years, men commented to Ralston about that particular scene.
The only woman in the cast, Ralston wore bloomers that went down to her ankles. For the scene where she by the ship's wheel, Cruze had the actress remove them as the wind blowing against her dress would outline her figure. For years, men commented to Ralston about that particular scene.
When asked if it would bother him to climb the rigging, Farrell stated he used to dive off ships' riggings as a child. Extras included Gary Cooper, Richard Arlen and Boris Karloff.
Old Ironsides is an outstanding look at rivalry and camaraderie. Throughout the film, 'Bos'n' and 'Gunner' fight and harass one another, both men willing to fight at a second's notice. Yet both men see to it 'The Commodore' is protected, and when the chips are down, unite for a common cause.
One of the more interesting features is the treatment of 'The Cook.' Although the man's a Negro, he's not portrayed as a caricature, which many movies from that era did. Heavyweight boxer Geoffrey did the role with dignity.
One of the more interesting features is the treatment of 'The Cook.' Although the man's a Negro, he's not portrayed as a caricature, which many movies from that era did. Heavyweight boxer Geoffrey did the role with dignity.
The picture's additionally a fine view at courtship. Although it's love at first sight with 'The Commodore' and Esther, he wins her gradually. In the long run, he has to kill to win her. And when he risks his life to save her, he goes from being her lover to the woman's hero.
Yet more than anything, Old Ironsides is a stirring look at patriotism. Although a young nation, the United States is irked at the Tripoli Pirates' actions, thus decide to end their reign on the seas. Though a rowdy bunch, the sailors have pride in fighting for their country. When things look bleak for them, they never quit, but press on, as they knew it's what their fathers did. And their descendants will follow on in the same manner.
No matter what era you grew up in, this is an exciting motion picture. Old Ironsides made Farrell a star. The marvelous fight scenes raised the standard for action films and Lawrence Stallings' ('What Price Glory') fervently patriotic script combines with the excellent work from everyone to deliver one of the greats.
