Big V Riot Squad

Sunday, June 9, 2019

Mrs Sidney Drew Starts New Comedy -- June 9, 2019

Moving Picture World, 14-June-1919

Sidney Drew starred in the Mr and Mrs Sidney Drew comedies with his first wife, Gladys Rankin Drew and his second wife, Lucille McVey. Sidney's sister, Georgiana Drew, was the mother of Ethel, Lionel and John Barrymore. Sidney and his first wife were the parents of S Rankin Drew. The Mr and Mrs Sidney Drew series was a success for Vitagraph, then Metro and then Paramount. Sidney Drew died on 19-April-1919.

He doesn't look well in this image from one of their last movies, "Squared."

Moving Picture World, 07-June-1919

I didn't know New York City had a Punch and Judy Theater.

Moving Picture World, 21-June-1919

"Mrs Drew is playing her familiar role of Polly, and Donald McBride as her frivolous bachelor brother, heads the supporting cast."

Moving Picture World, 21-June-1919

Lucille is dressed in mourning.

Moving Picture World, 21-June-1919

Hobart Henley was an actor and director. He filmed an adaption of Edna Ferber's short story "The Gay Old Dog" starring Lucille.

Moving Picture World, 28-June-1919

This item says Lucille bought the screen rights to the story.

Moving Picture World, 21-June-1919

Famous Players-Lasky had three Drew comedies in release.

Friday, June 7, 2019

Are You Booked? -- June 7, 2019

Moving Picture World, 07-June-1919

The Red Scare went on in the United States after the successful Bolshevik Revolution in Russia and other revolutionary but unsuccessful movements such as the Bavarian Soviet Republic. Bolshevism on Trial was "A box office winner. A patronage builder. An all-round success."

Moving Picture World, 21-June-1919

An interesting variety of theaters, theater chains and circuits were happy with the results.

Thursday, June 6, 2019

Peggy Stewart, RIP -- June 6, 2019

www.listal.com

I was to learn that Peggy Stewart, who had appeared in many B-westerns and serials, mostly for Republic, died in May. She appeared with Roy Rogers Gene Autry and Red Barry, who she married. She continued to work in television until recent years.

www.listal.com

The Longest Day -- June 6, 2019

www.listal.com

75 years ago today, Operation Overlord began with the invasion of France by the Allies on D-Day. This was a major step towards the end of the war. The Longest Day, made in 1962, starred most of the actors in Hollywood and Europe. Many of the actors had served in the war, and some were present at D-Day.

It is a long movie, but it was done well. I watch it when it turns up on television.

Monday, June 3, 2019

A Superman in a Superpicture -- June 3, 2019

Moving Picture World, 28-June-1919

This six page ad promoted current heavyweight champ Jess Willard, the Pottawatomie Giant, in a feature western, Challenge of Chance. Willard, a cowboy who didn't start boxing until he was 27, was, at the time he won the title from Jack Johnson in 1915, the oldest (33), tallest (6' 6 1/2") and heaviest (235 pounds) heavyweight champ. There was some suspicion that Johnson might have thrown the fight, but no firm evidence.

Moving Picture World, 14-June-1919

Stories and ads about Jess Willard often mentioned his superhuman strength. There may have been some exaggeration involved.

Moving Picture World, 14-June-1919

"Champion divided his time between acting in studio and training for fight with Dempsey." Perhaps Willard should have spent more time training and less acting.