Alone and friendless, drifter Richard Barthelmess (as "Bilge" Smith) visits a New York aquarium, and observes the sea creatures. Seeking employment and pals, Mr. Barthelmess decides to join the Navy. Meanwhile, in coastal Wautucket, dressmaker Dorothy Mackaill (as Connie Martin) longs for male companionship. "Shore Leave" brings sailor Barthelmess to Ms. Mackaill's attention; and, she invites him over for a home-cooked meal. Barthelmess steals a brief kiss, and sets sail - but, he promises to return for more. Mackaill is smitten with her sailor date, and waits
for years
until Barthelmess returns
A charming picture, but, today, it requires some suspension of disbelief. There are a couple of hints Barthelmess' character was likely a "randy" sailor, so why did he settle for that lackluster first kiss? And, the film explains the town of Wautucket was a fledgling seaport, but "spinster" Mackaill is lovely enough to have attracted some local attention. Later, Barthelmess rejects her because she's wealthy! ...but
the actors make it believable.
The film was much-admired in its day. Barthelmess' performance in "Shore Leave" was one of the "Motion Picture Magazine" best of the year 1925, alongside Lon Chaney, W.C. Fields, John Gilbert, and winner Emil Jannings (for "The Last Laugh"). Mackaill (a frequent co-star) is also very good. There is a sweet, natural quality to their acting (which certainly fits the storyline); witness her falling in love over supper, and his recognition of her, after two years of sailing.
John S. Robertson (director) and Roy Overbaugh (cinematographer) manage the New York locations and set pieces nicely. Debuting Ted McNamara (as "Battling" Smith) handles his comic sidekick role well; he probably would have been a character actor long into the talking picture era, but died of phenomena in 1928.
Barthelmess has named his "Shore Leave" characterization as a personal favorite - still, it was his last collaboration with director Robertson
who replaced Henry King
who replaced D.W. Griffith
******** Shore Leave (9/6/25) John S. Robertson ~ Richard Barthelmess, Dorothy Mackaill, Ted McNamara
