His First Flame

After graduating from college, hapless Harry Langdon (as Harry Howells) wants to get married, and have children. His uncle, Vernon Dent (as Amos McCarthy), tries to ward Mr. Langdon off marriage. Uncle Dent has married frequently, but divorces have turned him into a woman-hater. Langdon feels he can bring more matrimony, and less alimony, into the world. He sets his sights on conceited Natalie Kingston (as Ethel Morgan). Langdon doesn't know it, but Ms. Kingston is only interested in his money - it's sweet sister Ruth Hiatt (as Mary Morgan) who loves Langton truly…

This Mack Sennett feature was held back, and released alongside Langdon's First National films "The Strong Man" and "Long Pants" - at the height of the infantile comedian's popularity. "His First Flame" has its moments, but it isn't on par with Langdon's better pictures. Along around the time Langdon dresses up like a woman, comic opportunities are obviously missed. And, the film requires viewers to care very much about the fate of a certain ring, which couldn't have survived the following segment's costume change.

It's almost certain Langdon and company - director Harry Edwards with writers Arthur Ripley and Frank Capra - were not completely satisfied with "His First Flame". Most likely, they would have polished the picture up some, had they not moved to greener pastures. The film appears badly damaged, once, during the running time.

**** His First Flame (5/3/27) Harry Edwards ~ Harry Langdon, Vernon Dent, Ruth Hiatt