The Flag: A Story Inspired by the Tradition of Betsy Ross

Francis X. Bushman is one of those actors who doesn't so much act as he pose dramatically. An example closer to contemporary is Charlton Heston, who - quite the innovator - adds exposing his teeth to his spectrum of talents. I suppose this makes Francis a good choice to act the part of an icon who looks like he has a flagpole secreted up his southern Potomac. It's as though he were expecting to have his portrait painted at any moment.

There are some nice (if laughable) parts to this film: especially the moment in which nature so conveniently aids in Betsy's description of the soon-to-be-released flag design. And the color - although quite faint - has a certain degree of pastel charm, especially when it is the blush upon the pretty cheek of the British soldier's wife. And it is quite funny to see George Washington act the detective and find the hiding place of this soldier by noting that the flag moved! The ensuing speech by Betsy is quite hilarious in its use of metaphor, although unintentionally so.

All in all, quite entertaining if you're drunk, and are looking about for some old-fashioned patriotic drivel to laugh at.

Short (20 minutes) silent film that gives us the (purportedly) true story of how Betsy Ross (Enid Bennett) came to design and sew the American flag. George Washington (Francis X. Bushman) asks her to design it and she sees some vision in the sunset of a red, white and blue flag. Seriously! There's also a subplot with a friend of hers named Edith Brandon (Alice Calhoun) who's staying with her and her husband Charles (Johnnie Walker) who's deserted the Army to be with her.

From other comments her I guess this takes GREAT liberties with actual historical events. I'm no expert on that so I can't say. As a movie it's OK. The acting is a little overdone (especially Calhoun) and the story is pretty trite even at 20 minutes. Also this was shot in early two strip Technicolor. The colors are sometimes very muted (the night time scenes look like black and white) or other times just leap out at you (Bushman's red coat literally jumps off the TV at you). So the flickering colors and slight storyline make this kind of a chore. Historically though it is interesting in terms of movies. I give it a 7.

This "story inspired by the tradition of Betsy Ross" is historical fiction. Accordingly, white-wigged Francis X. Bushman (as George Washington) requests seamstress Enid Bennett (as Betsy Ross) to design "The Flag" for the impending United States of America, because the Revolutionary forces fly a confusing assortment of banners. While Mr. Bushman commands the Rebel forces, Ms. Bennett is housing forlorn Alice Calhoun (as Edith Brandon), who has a husband fighting for the opposing Royalists. Noble warrior Johnny Walker (as Charles Brandon) and Bushman's Washington fight a bloodless Revolutionary War like perfect gentlemen. The "enemies" seem to know they will, someday, be World War I allies.

Hollywood hooey most notable for Ray Rennahan's Technicolor photography, and Bushman's appearance.

**** The Flag (10/1/27) Arthur Maude ~ Francis X. Bushman, Enid Bennett, Johnnie Walker

Interesting color short that is more about General George Washington catching a British officer who has crossed the battle lines to see his wife. She is a guest of Betsy Ross. I thought there would have been more about the flag and who was for or against it. Washington paroles the British officer thus setting the stage for common military action later in World War I.

The Flag, movie short, was shown at the end of another movie on TCM yesterday... I was about to erase the movie Hairspray when the music by Vivek Mandala made me stop and check out the movie.

I found the film very enjoyable and the music was nice. The music was updated just enough...

I have no problems with this movie!! Shorts like this are important because it shows the thinking of the American people at the time in a way a school book CANNOT! This one way to reach kids and make them realize people are so different now.

The thinking and moires of the time (1927) when this film was made. This is history at its best. We may not agree with the attitudes of 1927, or 1776, but its important to realize we have come very far in some ways, and not in others.

I thought referring to childbirth as the Shadow of the Valley was really funny and shows the thinking of the time. Even in 1927, they are not admitting a woman has sex and can get pregnant. But my greandmother has told me in those days having a baby was a very serious thing and many women died in childbirth. With no antibiotics or ether yet, childbirth was quite frightening.

Even tho were were in a war with them it was obivious from the movie that most of the officers on both sides had no stomach for fighting their countrymen, the British obviously are now our friends, and why shouldn't they be? After all, the country was founded by the British. Europeans came later.

I liked the music and for the time it was made, the color was great. I would give this film a big thumbs up. It ought to be shown every July 4th...