Weary River (1929)
Overview
A gangster is put in prison, but finds salvation through music while serving his time. Again on the outside, he finds success elusive and temptations abound.
Cast
Richard Barthelmess
Jerry Larrabee
Betty Compson
Alice Gray
William Holden
Prison Warden
Louis Natheaux
Spadoni
George E. Stone
Blackie
Ray Turner
Elevator Boy
Gladden James
Jerry's Manager
Ernie Adams
Ex-Con in Alley (uncredited)
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- Reviews
CinemaSerf
Gangster "Jerry" (Richard Barthelmess) is finally apprehended by the cops and put in prison under the care of warden William Holden. The latter character is determined to try and help his charge and so keeps his gal "Alice" (Betty Compson) from visiting whilst the young man discovers that music might just be a source to his character redemption. Pretty soon, he is a bit of a singing sensation on the wireless and when he is released, things are looking positive. Of course, when free, the temptations and risks from his former life raise their head - as does "Alice", whom he wrongly assumed had abandoned him, before a timely intervention from both her and his erstwhile custodian prove fateful. This is essentially an opportunity for the charming Bathelmess to demonstrate his skills as a talker - his efforts are competent and his charisma from silent days undiminished. The story is a bit basic, though, and there is something just a bit too sentimental about this hybrid crime romance. The title song is sung (by jobbing songster Johnny Murray) just once to often - it's a bit more lie "Dreary River", but the film's is still a decently paced and enjoyable watch.
