No Altar da Vida

"The story that inspired Albert Chevalier to write his immortal Costermonger song, 'My Old Dutch', is the story this picture tells of London's quaint and sturdy tradesmen - her humble vegetable peddlers," advises the opening inter-title. We begin in London, with the city's annual donkey race. Beautiful young May McAvoy (as Sal Gratton) is expected to accept the proposal of champion suitor Edgar Kennedy (as Bill Sproat); but, she chooses vegetable peddler Pat O'Malley (as Joe Brown) instead. The poverty-stricken couple have a difficult life, and make a sacrifice for the son who grows into handsome gentleman Cullen Landis...

This was director Laurence Trimble's second and more elaborate film version of his own "My Old Dutch" (1915); based on a 1920 play this time, it was done again in 1934 with the setting further updated. Frankly, this narrative isn't very engaging - other than seeing what happens due to the co-starring couple making their strange sacrifice. For this, there is some incentive to watch and see if all ends well. Before the emotional ending, attention turns to Mr. Landis' courtship with pretty Jane Winton, then his World War I service. Alas, the parents face additional hardship. Good humanitarian support is provided by Jean Hersholt.

***** My Old Dutch (5/23/26) Laurence Trimble ~ May McAvoy, Pat O'Malley, Cullen Landis, Edgar Kennedy