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Weary River (1929)

5.7 | Feb 10, 1929 (US) | Drama, Romance | 01:26

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.

Featured Crew

Director, Producer
Writer
Set Decoration
Director of Photography
Original Music Composer
Costume Design
Art Direction
Editor

Cast

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Richard Barthelmess
Jerry Larrabee
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Betty Compson
Alice Gray
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William Holden
Prison Warden
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Ray Turner
Elevator Boy
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Gladden James
Jerry's Manager
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Ernie Adams
Ex-Con in Alley (uncredited)
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Brooks Benedict
Jerry's Guest (uncredited)
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Ruth Cherrington
Actress Backstage Who Locks Door (uncredited)

Reviews

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CinemaSerf
6 | Jun 06, 2022
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.