West Point

West Point (1928)

** 1/2 (out of 4)

Average silent drama about a cocky, rich man (William Haines) who goes to West Point thinking he owns the world but all he does his turn his friends against him and lose the girl (Joan Crawford) that he loves. We've seen this story countless times but the movie still manages to be entertaining thanks in large part to the filming on West Point and Crawford. Haines was one of the most popular actors in the late silent era but today he's forgotten for the most part. I thought he was pretty good here but I wouldn't call him one of the all-time greats. Crawford steals the show as Haines' girl and delivers a very good performance. Crawford also comes off very attractive here. Also interesting is the football subplot thrown in, which leads to a big Navy-Army game at the end. The football scenes are handled very well and the cinematography is very good.

William Haines sparks this tale of a brash cadet who thinks West Point will really be something now that he has arrived. Terrific goony comic performance by Haines was his trademark--one that made him a top box office star from 1928-1932 and one of MGM's biggest stars. Joan Crawford and William Bakewell are fine too. And although this storyline may seem trite now, this was a huge hit, putting Haines and Crawford in a college football (a national craze during the 20s) story. After Haines blows off his big mouth one time too often and nearly gets shunned by fellow cadets, he turns in a wonderful performance as he swallows his pride and gets into the big game against Navy. Even with a broken arm, he wins the game for Army and regains his place at West Point. It's easy to see from this film and Show People (with the always underrated Marion Davies) why Billy Haines was a huge star of the time. He needs and deserves to be remembered!

William Haines (as Brice Wayne) is a cocky West Point cadet, and star football player, who alienates his teammates with his arrogance, and lack of team spirit. His steadfast pal, William Bakewell (as Tex McNeil), can't defend Mr. Haines without ending up in the hospital; and, girlfriend Joan Crawford (as Betty Channing) grows more distant as Haines juvenile behavior becomes more and more tiresome. What will it take for Mr. Haines to win Ms. Crawford's heart? Will Mr. Bakewell regain his health? Can Haines straighten up in time to help his teammates win the big game?

"West Point" is a typical Haines film vehicle; it is worth checking out to see the popular actor's performance, and enjoyable screen presence. It is neither his most satisfying characterization, nor his best film; but, Haines is still great. Crawford's emoting is less polished, in an early role. Surprisingly, Bakewell offers the film's strongest performance (highlighted by his hospital bed scene). Edward Sedgwick's direction makes the most of Haines' silliness, and David Davidson's soundtrack is wonderful (albeit sounding too seasonal, at times).

****** West Point (12/31/27) Edward Sedgwick ~ William Haines, William Bakewell, Joan Crawford

West Point is where America's next generation of land forces officers are trained. Brice Wayne (William Haines) is an arrogant playboy who immediately falls for local gal Betty Channing (Joan Crawford) as he becomes a new cadet. He gets onto the football team.

This silent film starts with Haines being annoyingly arrogant. In time, I do grow to accept him. Despite that, his violent outbursts keep me from fully embracing him. This type of humor works better with sound. Brice needs to win me over and his voice would help. This does have Joan Crawford in her silent era and I do eventually like Brice.

Interesting story of coming of age of a young man who has yet to take the world seriously. William Haines plays his part so as to not evoke any sympathy -- one wonders if this was his idea or that of director Edward Sedgwick. Haines portrays a real louse who really doesn't deserve a second chance or Joan Crawford. Do all young men really need Army discipline before they can make their contribution? The interplay between Haines and the Corps is probably realistic and offer a rare inside look into the socialization and molding of officers at the US Military Academy. Joan does a passable job but looks great. Well developed story will surprise those who think that all silent films offer little in the way of value today. Best shot in the movie is the superimposition of former soldiers from various eras over the marching of the band at the June graduation parade. I may be wrong, but it appears that Edward Brophy is one of those extras seated in a train departing from West Point -- he is credited as an Assistant Director in this movie as well as being credited in a documentary West Point made in 1927. Fair, but especially recommended for graduates of the USMA and those who would like to see a bit of the inside story.