| The FLAG: A Story Inspired By the Tradition of Betsy Ross |
| Released in 1927 by MGM Directed and written by Arthur Maude Filmed in Technicolor Length: approx. 20 min. Cinematography by Ray Rennahan Music score by Vivek Maddala added in 2002 All Rights now owned by Turner Classic Movies (last known TV airing: July 3, 2004) Note: A number of recent reviews of this film are available for viewing on the Internet Movie DataBase This sentimental short film starred Francis X. Bushman, Johnnie Walker, Enid Bennett and Alice Calhoun. Probably created as a preview to accompany another main feature in theaters as it was shot in two-strip color, and only the end, or set pieces of major films were done this way (i.e., the silent screen versions of the Phantom of the Opera and Ben Hur). Mostly shot as a series of tableaux (a technique utilized by D. W. Griffith in Birth of A Nation), The Flag is a patriotic relic of the celebration of an American legend. From a review on TCM Movie Database: I Salute the Flag (and the movie) This 20 minute Technicolor movie was awe inspiring. Very patriotic. Excellent score added by Vivak Maddala. Well performed by Francis X. Bushman who had me convinced HE WAS George Washington. Enid Bennett was a perfect cast as Betsy Ross. Alice Calhoun and Johnnie Walker rounded out the cast honorably as the Brandons. The restored Quality of the film was done well. A MUST SEE on the 4th of July! - Art Scalrito Trivia about the cast of The Flag: Francis X. (Xavier) Bushman was born January 10, 1883 in Baltimore, Maryland. He began at Essanay Studios when he was noticed for his muscular, V-shaped frame. He appeared in nearly 200 major films and earned the nickname "King of the Movies" - a title later passed on to Clark Gable. Although he stood 5'11", he often stood on a box to appear even taller in his close-ups. He was married four times, but his career survived scandals and even blacklisting by Louis B. Mayer. A little known fact about Bushman is that he donated land to Sid Graumann, on which now sits Graumann's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Ironically, his only television appearance in the 1960's comedy series Batman was also his last appearance on film. Francis died from a heart attack precipitated by a fall in Pacific Palisades, California in 1966. Enid Bennett was born in Australia on July 15th, 1893. While working as a stage actress in Sydney, she answered an ad to play a minor role in a film directed by Fred Niblo. She and Fred later married and had three children. Her beauty and acting abilities earned her leading roles in Hollywood. Some of her outstanding silent film performances include Lady Marian to Douglas Fairbanks's Robin Hood (1922) and as the memorable waif in The Red Lily opposite Ramon Novarro. Her sound film work included Intermezzo with Ingrid Bergman and Strike Up the Band with Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney. She retired from acting in 1940 to spend more time with her children. Enid died in 1969 in Malibu, California after a heart attack. Johnny Walker was born in 1894 to a wealthy New York Irish family. He first appeared in Edison two-reelers and was billed as "America's Favorite Son". Easy-going, handsome and likeable, Walker never made Hollywood's "A-List" but did work steadily all through his career in films, vaudeville and on Broadway. He died in 1949. Alice Calhoun was born in 1900 in Cleveland, Ohio. Initially cast in bit parts, she quickly rose from a $5-a-day extra to a $1,000 per week contracted player for Vitagraph. At the time The Flag was made, she was a freelance actress. She appeared 47 silents and one sound film, Now I'll Tell, and unwillingly retired from film in 1934. Her versatility as an actress was never actually recognized, but the few films of hers that have survived are charming and diverse. She was married (twice) to real estate investor and theatre owner Max Chotiner. Alice passed away in 1966 from cancer. |
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