Sun 30 May 2010
A Movie Review by Walter Albert: TELL IT TO THE MARINES (1926).
Posted by Steve under Films: Drama/Romance , Reviews , Silent films[2] Comments
TELL IT TO THE MARINES. MGM, 1926. Lon Chaney, William Haines, Eleanor Boardman, Eddie Gribbon, Carmel Myers, Warner Oland. Director: George Hill. Shown at Cinesation 1993, Saginaw MI.
This was a big hit for Chaney, and as in While the City Sleeps (MGM, 1928) it showcases Chaney in a non-horror role. Chaney is a tough sergeant, charged with the unenviable task of whipping unwilling recruit William Haines into shape before the unit ships out.
In both the 1926 and 1928 films, Chaney’s girl is won away by the younger man (criminal he’s trying to reform, recruit he’s trying to save), which allows Chaney to reveal the heart under the crusty exterior.
Superb entertainment, and, according to the notes, was just behind the studio’s Flesh and the Devil! at the box-office. Warner Oland has a small non-speaking role as a Chinese warlord, a role he was playing as early as 1920.
May 31st, 2010 at 1:21 pm
Perfect choice for Memorial Day. Chaney was so identified with this role the Marines made him an honorary member of the Corp.
Wonder what was the first use of this plot? Later it was done with everyone from Randolph Scott (SHORES OF TRIPOLI) to John Wayne (SANDS OF IWO JIMA) and as recently as Clint Eastwood (HEARTBREAK RIDGE). I think Wallace Berry did every branch of the military but the Coast Guard with this same plot.
May 31st, 2010 at 3:39 pm
I thought I might have seen a list of movies with this plot, but when I went looking just now, all I found was this forum thread about drill instructors:
http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/archive/index.php/t-144982.html
Oh no, here’s another. This must be the one I was thinking of:
http://forum.dvdtalk.com/movie-talk/567705-best-representation-drill-instructor-film.html
For a list of movies about the Marines, this one might do:
http://duckduckgo.com/c/United_States_Marine_Corps_in_media
I hope everyone’s had a great Memorial Day weekend!
— Steve