Back of the Man

Timid country boy Charles Ray (as Larry Thomas) goes to work for "The Great Eastern Casualty Company" in the big city. The company is presided over by white-haired J. Barney Sherry (as Alvin Brooks), a boyhood friend of Mr. Ray's father. The boss takes a liking to young Ray, and wants naughty partying daughter Margaret Thompson (as Muriel) to settle down with Ray, instead of sneaky types like Jack Livingston (as Sid Wilson). But, Ray has fallen for beautiful office worker Dorothy Dalton (as Ellen Holton). Seeing Ray has a chance to move up in the business, Ms. Dalton decides to step aside, although she has fallen in love with Ray. When Ms. Thompson is suddenly shot dead, Ray stands accused...

The survival state of this film is listed as unknown - and, like most films in this category, "Back of the Man" is not likely to be seen anytime again soon. The film was produced in Culver City, California by Thomas H. Ince with director Reginald Barker. Popular stars Charles Ray and Dorothy Dalton both debuted in the "Quigley Publications" list of "Top 10 Money-Making Stars" for 1917; Mr. Ray was #8, and Ms. Dalton made it in at #10. "Photoplay" (May 1917) contained a lengthy text synopsis for this film, with still photographs; reviewer Julian Johnson wrote, "It is a story told swiftly and well on the screen, played by a quartette of principals who knit their talents in a mesh of uncommon adroitness."

***** Back of the Man (3/4/17) Reginald Barker ~ Charles Ray, Dorothy Dalton, Margaret Thompson, J. Barney Sherry