John Forrester (Walter Long) is a rich and very successful Broadway producer. He takes a trip to Europe and leaves his wife and young son behind. Unfortunately, on his way back, the ship sinks! At first, John is very noble and gives his life jacket to a woman who hasn't got one. But, when the boat is near sinking, he does something very cowardly...he dresses as a woman to get aboard a lifeboat. Once ashore, this is discovered and most of the rescuers hate his guts. Some time passes, as John is quite ill following the wreck but eventually he decides to return home to let them know he's okay. But when he arrives at his theater, he sees a memorial to this 'great man' who gave up his lifejacket for another....and now he's worried his real actions might come out and destroy his career and family. So he decides it's better to be a dead hero than a coward and disappears...creating a new life for himself.
Over the years, John keeps contact with his son's progress...watching in the wings as he graduates and other events during the boy's life. Now, John Jr. Is in trouble....he tries to be a producer just like his dad...but he's an utter failure. What can John Sr. Do to help his boy without exposing himself and his shame?
The plot to this film is incredibly original and unusual...and this is the movie's greatest strength. Additionally, while Walter Connelly was known as a supporting actor, he's very good here in the lead. My only quibbles are logical ones. John Sr. Returns to help his son and he looks very much like he did long ago except for a new beard. Wouldn't you think the son would have seen photos of his sainted dad and recognized him?? Plus, how long can this pretense be maintained? Still, if you turn off your brain and just watch, it's a dandy old film.
Over the years, John keeps contact with his son's progress...watching in the wings as he graduates and other events during the boy's life. Now, John Jr. Is in trouble....he tries to be a producer just like his dad...but he's an utter failure. What can John Sr. Do to help his boy without exposing himself and his shame?
The plot to this film is incredibly original and unusual...and this is the movie's greatest strength. Additionally, while Walter Connelly was known as a supporting actor, he's very good here in the lead. My only quibbles are logical ones. John Sr. Returns to help his son and he looks very much like he did long ago except for a new beard. Wouldn't you think the son would have seen photos of his sainted dad and recognized him?? Plus, how long can this pretense be maintained? Still, if you turn off your brain and just watch, it's a dandy old film.