39 East (film)
39 East is a 1920 American silent comedy film produced by the Realart Picture Company (headed by Paramount Pictures's Adolph Zukor), and starring Constance Binney reprising her role from the Broadway play. The film was directed by John S. Robertson.[1]
| 39 East | |
|---|---|
.jpg.webp) Constance Binney and Reginald Denny in 39 East | |
| Directed by | John S. Robertson |
| Written by | Kathryn Stuart (scenario) |
| Based on | 39 East by Rachel Crothers |
| Starring | Constance Binney Reginald Denny Alison Skipworth |
| Cinematography | Roy Overbaugh |
| Distributed by | Realart Pictures |
Release date |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | Silent (English intertitles) |
The film is based on the 1919 Broadway play of the same name by Rachel Crothers, which was a hit on Broadway with Binney starring.[2]
Plot
As described in a film magazine,[3] Penelope Penn (Binney), to financially aid others of the poor minister's family to which she belongs, goes to New York City and becomes one of the boardinghouse colony at "39 East." The identity of her business she keeps a mystery, thereby arousing the unsympathetic speculations of her fellow female boarders. She finds a champion and lover in Napoleon Gibbs Jr. (Denny), a young wealthy aristocrat, who helps her over many a rough spot during her boardinghouse life. Her chance to shine histrionically comes when there is a sudden refusal of the theater star, to whom she understudies, to go on while she is in the chorus. Penelope's success assures her family's future and brings the climax of her romance, which promises a "happy ever after" ending.
Cast
- Constance Binney as Penelope Penn
- Reginald Denny as Napoleon Gibbs Jr.
- Alison Skipworth as Mrs. de Mailly
- Lucia Moore as Mrs. Smith
- Blanche Frederici as Miss McMasters
- Edith Gresham as Sadie Clarence
- Mildred Arden as Myrtle Clarence
- Luis Alberni as Count Gionelli
- Albert Carroll as Dr. Hubbard
- Frank Allworth as Timothy O'Brien
References
- Roberts, Jerry (2003). The Great American Playwrights on the Screen: A Critical Guide to Film, TV, Video, and DVD. Hal Leonard Corporation. p. 126. ISBN 1-55783-512-8.
- American Theatre: A Chronicle of Comedy and Drama 1914–1930. Bordman, Gerald. Oxford University Press. 1995. p. 99. ISBN 0-19-509078-0.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link) - "Reviews: 39 East". Exhibitors Herald. New York City: Exhibitors Herald Company. 11 (16): 84. October 16, 1920.
External links
- 39 East at IMDb
- Synopsis at AllMovie
- Still of Constance Binney and Reginald Denny from 39 East (University of Washington, Sayre Collection)