RANSON'S FOLLY
starring Richard Barthelmess and Dorothy Mackaill
MOTION PICTURE MAGAZINE
August, 1926
The bestseller of yesterday, writen by Richard Harding Davis, is brought forth on the screen with a good deal of conviction. True, it offers nothing as a work of moving, absorbing drama. It is so simple that a wee youngster can "spot" the development of every scene. But the plot shortcomings are partly overcome by Sidney Olcott, the director. He has dressed it up with appropriate atmosphere and detail, the military flavor giving it a certian tang that lifts it out of the ordinary rut of plots.
Richard Barthelmess has had far better pictures -- and he's done far better work with bigger characterizations, but at that he makes himself convincing as the venturesome lieutenant who has a folly or two. Indeed, Folly Number (One) finds him saving the post from being destroyed by fire, and Folly Number (Two) -- which gives the punch to the picture -- arrives when he, for the sake of a thrill, masquerades as a highwayman. A court-martial develops from this bit of playfulness.
There's not so much to it, but suspense is well projected. Dorothy Mackaill makes the most of a weak role -- and the others in the cast are competent. We give it a mark of "moderately good" -- and let it go at that.
RANSON'S FOLLY
starring Richard Barthelmess and Dorothy Mackaill
PICTURES
August, 1926
A smooth and well-finished production is this Richard Harding
Davis tale, turned to the uses of Richard Barthelmess. And strong
upon it is the stamp of Colonel Byam, "military expert,"
who was engaged to see to it that life at an army post was correct
in every detail. In the midst of all this accuracy, no very stirring
drama grew up. The story is not so old, but so simple, that every
turn of plot can be foreseen. The suspense, during the final courtroom
scene when suspicion falls upon the father of Ranson's girl, is
very obviously played for and not in the least deceiving. And
we had to keep reminding ourselves that Dick Barthelmess was supposed
to be a daredevil. He looked so mild and well-behaved that at
each reckless exploit we raised our eyebrows in surprise until
we remembered. Neverthelesss, it is a pleasant and well-presented
drama that entertrains even though it doesn't thrill. Dorothy
Mackaill does very well with the last role on earth that she should
have been cast in.
For more information, see "Ranson's Folly" as our "Feature of the Month"