Along Came Youth

This supposedly "lost film" is definitely not lost, although sources say only a partial nitrate print exists in the UCLA archives. Charles "Buddy" Rogers stars as a young American in London. Once a millionaire, he's lost everything due to losing his racehorse and the efforts of a gangster. Working as a waiter, he falls for a lovely young girl who's aunt wants her to marry wealth (as they are down to "enough for just one more season"). Then it's boy chases girl as he tries to get a riding job for the big cross country race. The film also benefits from a nice performance by Frances Dee, a lovely actress who graced some early Paramount treasures. Bob Connors

Charles 'Buddy Rogers' is stranded in London because the string of racehorses he brought from America have busted him in losing races. He and pal Stu Erwin are are trying to raise enough money to get back home with his one remaining horse by taking every job that comes along. Meanwhile, Frances Dee and her erratic Midatlantic accent is being pressured by her aunt Evelyn Hall to marry any millionaire so the family home can be restored. They meet while Mis Dee is fleeing from the latest horrid millionaire and Rogers is wearing elegant clothes to advertise a tailor. They fall in love, although neither mentions it at this point. Miss Dee returns to the country. Rogers and Erwin are hired as a cook by Spanish Leo White, who has just bought the house next to Miss Hall's. Through the usual misconstructions and unspoken lies, Rogers is believed to be the owner. Will the two youngsters confess their love? Will White turn up at the worst moment? Will Rogers win the race, the sizable purse and Miss Dee?

What do you think? The visuals of this movie, which previously made it unwatchable for all but the most dedicated, are now excellent; thanks to a fine restoration job by the Sabucat team. It's available on DCP for any venue that wishes to rent it and show off the fine camerawork of the now forgotten cinematographer, Henry Gerrard. The gags, under the direction of Lloyd Corrigan and Norman McLeod are excellent, and the performances are mostly very good (although I don't care much for Erwin's comic persona). The big problem is Rogers' delivery of his lines; he has not, as yet, adapted to sound. Still, there are some excellent comic performances among the cast, which also includes William Austen and Betty Boyd.