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.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.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.
- Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 1 nomination total
George E. Stone
- Blackie
- (as George Stone)
Ray Turner
- Elevator Boy
- (as Raymond Turner)
Ernie Adams
- Ex-Con in Alley
- (uncredited)
Brooks Benedict
- Jerry's Guest
- (uncredited)
James Conaty
- Attorney at Trial
- (uncredited)
Richard Cramer
- Prison Radio Announcer
- (uncredited)
Oliver Cross
- Restaurant Patron
- (uncredited)
Edwards Davis
- Prison Chaplain
- (uncredited)
Sally Eilers
- Hatcheck Girl
- (uncredited)
Jim Farley
- Plainclothesman with Sergeant
- (uncredited)
Sherry Hall
- Prison Phone Operator
- (uncredited)
Chuck Hamilton
- Prison Photographer
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe film is part silent, with intertitles, and part sound, which was important to feature the main character's talent as a singer, although the title song Weary River was nevertheless dubbed by a professional singer. One scene near the end features an orchestra playing on-screen on set that is a radio studio, while traditional silent movie sound is substituted for real sound. Then the scene technology audibly changes to sound recorded on film, with the same orchestra appearing to play for real (possibly dubbed) as the main character begins to sing (although he is listed as dubbed) in a radio performance that prompts his sweetheart to call the radio studio. The scene is an unusual mix of technologies during a period of transition from silents to sound.
- GoofsWhen Jerry Larrabee is brought in to the prison bathroom, there is already an inmate having a bath, who has disappeared before the scene is over.
- Quotes
Prison Warden: Oh, I know how you feel. But, things won't be half as bad if you'll only play ball with us.
- Alternate versionsFirst National also released this film in a silent version.
- SoundtracksWeary River
(1929)
Music by Louis Silvers
Lyrics by Grant Clarke
Sung by Richard Barthelmess (dubbed by Johnny Murray)
Featured review
Terrific Barthelmess and Compson
Mostly talkie that's part silent (a goat gland), this film boasts solid performances by the stars: Richard Barthelmess and Betty Compson. He's a small-time gangster who gets framed by a rival and goes to prison. She's the moll with a heart of gold who waits for him.
This early talkie also boasts a few songs, including the wonderful title song sung by Barthelmess (but really Johnny Murray). Not just a gangster picture, this one shows how Barthelmess reforms and goes out into the world only to be called CONVICT at every turn. He almost goes bad again but a visit to the old warden (William Holden) sets him straight. Of course the rival gets bumped off anyway.
This film garnered a lot of bad publicity in 1929 because even though Barthlemss (a major star of his time) signed statements that the singing voice is his, rumor had it he was dubbed. It's obvious he's not singing live but whether the voice is actually his, we may never know. Still, Barthelmess gives a solid performance as does the beautiful Betty Compson (check out those close-ups!)as the loyal friend.
WEARY RIVER may be the first early talkie where there was a controversy over possible dubbing. It almost doesn't matter now, but Barthelmess got caught in a lie, stating he did his own singing when the songs were dubbed by Johnny Murray. Watch this one for Richard Barthelmess and Betty Compson--both early Oscar nominees--in solid performance in a very early talkie.
This early talkie also boasts a few songs, including the wonderful title song sung by Barthelmess (but really Johnny Murray). Not just a gangster picture, this one shows how Barthelmess reforms and goes out into the world only to be called CONVICT at every turn. He almost goes bad again but a visit to the old warden (William Holden) sets him straight. Of course the rival gets bumped off anyway.
This film garnered a lot of bad publicity in 1929 because even though Barthlemss (a major star of his time) signed statements that the singing voice is his, rumor had it he was dubbed. It's obvious he's not singing live but whether the voice is actually his, we may never know. Still, Barthelmess gives a solid performance as does the beautiful Betty Compson (check out those close-ups!)as the loyal friend.
WEARY RIVER may be the first early talkie where there was a controversy over possible dubbing. It almost doesn't matter now, but Barthelmess got caught in a lie, stating he did his own singing when the songs were dubbed by Johnny Murray. Watch this one for Richard Barthelmess and Betty Compson--both early Oscar nominees--in solid performance in a very early talkie.
helpful•271
- drednm
- May 11, 2008
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Sångaren från Sing-Sing
- Filming locations
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour 26 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.33 : 1
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