Flames was shot in Sullivans Gulch, once home to Portland’s Hooverville, now home to the infamously hospitable Gulch O’Rama.
In addition to Jean Hersholt, more famous for starring as one of the world’s thirstiest human beings in Erich Von Stroheim’s Greed (1924), the cast of Flames included Boris Karloff. The script was by Alfred Cohn, who the following year would be nominated for an Academy Award for his adaptation of Samuel Raphaelson’s stage play The Jazz Singer (1927).
Directed by Lewis Moomaw. Flames was a production of Moomaw’s own Portland based company, American Lifeograph.
Turner Classic Movies has a print. According to their website, they have yet to receive one vote to make it available on home video.
Except for this technicality, Flames is a lost film.
Does anybody know what it was about?
1 response so far ↓
1 Jack Chaney // May 27, 2009 at 10:20 am
In the 1920’s, Gregory Hall, at Sacred Heart Parish in Southeast Portlands Brooklyn neighborhood was leased to Kiser Studios for the production of silent films. Approximately twelve silent films were made in the sandlot next to the hall. A young Boris Karloff played in Flames.
This melodrama — one of the last gasps from Associated Exhibitors — features an excellent cast, with Jean Hersholt taking most of the kudos. Railroad builder James Travers (George Nichols) wants his pretty daughter, Anne (Virginia Valli), to marry Herbert Landis, a young engineer (Eugene O’Brien). Unfortunately, Anne loves Landis…like a brother, and his rival, Hilary Fenton (Bryant Washburn), stands ready to snatch her up. Ole Bergson, the camp boss (Hersholt) is pals with Landis and is determined to help him win the girl. Disguised as a notorious bandit, Bergson kidnaps Anne so that Landis can rescue her and win her admiration. But the real bandit, Black Blanchette (Boris Karloff), happens to be hiding in the cabin where Bergson takes Anne. Fenton proves to be a coward, and Landis fights not only the bandit, but a raging forest fire to save Anne. Needless to say, Anne discovers she loves Landis as more than a brother and they are united. ~ Janiss Garza, All Movie Guide
Lewis H. Moomaw – Director, Frank Lawrence – Editor, Frank Lawrence – Intertitle Writer, Alfred A. Cohn – Screen Story, Alfred A. Cohn – Screenwriter
Leave a Comment