Barnum Was Right

This is not a silent film but a 5-reel sound film running 57 minutes. As was the practice at the time, a silent version was also prepared from the sound footage for theaters not yet so equipped. This silent version originally ran 48 minutes. Unfortunately, neither of these versions survive. All we have is a 35-minutes cut-down of the original silent release print which Universal just managed to squeeze on to 3 reels. Nonetheless, the movie is still reasonably entertaining, thanks to the vigorous acting of comedian Glenn Tryon and a very capable support cast, including, as Tryon's rival for the hand of heroine, Merna Kennedy, Basil Radford of all people in his movie debut, plus peppery Otis Harlan as the girl's millionaire dad. Quite a bit of cash was obviously spent on sets and effects. This unexpected largess also adds to the film's appeal.