The ghost of a recently deceased family patriarch tries to help his surviving relatives, in part by preventing a marriage that he knows will go wrong.The ghost of a recently deceased family patriarch tries to help his surviving relatives, in part by preventing a marriage that he knows will go wrong.The ghost of a recently deceased family patriarch tries to help his surviving relatives, in part by preventing a marriage that he knows will go wrong.
George P. Breakston
- William Van Dam
- (as George Breakston)
Lois Verner
- Freckle-Faced Girl
- (uncredited)
- Directors
- George Nicholls Jr.
- Victor Schertzinger(uncredited)
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe play opened on Broadway in New York City, New York, USA at the Belasco Theatre, 111 W. 44th St. on 17 October 1911 and closed in May 1912 after 231 performances. The opening night cast included Thomas Meighan as James and John St. Polis as Frederik. A revival at the same theater was staged Sept-Nov 1921 and ran for 78 performances.
- GoofsThe sign at the train station says that it is 85 miles from New York, and 25 miles from Albany. But Albany and New York City are around 150 miles apart, not 110.
- Quotes
Peter Grimm: [to the dying William] Sleep... sleep. I wish you the pleasantest dreams a little boy can have... in this world.
- ConnectionsReferenced in The Heavenly Kid (1985)
- SoundtracksWhat Shall the Wedding Breakfast Be?
(uncredited)
Composer unknown
Played by a circus calliope and sung by Ray Mayer
Reprised at the end by Lionel Barrymore and George P. Breakston
Featured review
Flowers Along the Way
In upstate New York, wealthy Lionel Barrymore (as Peter Grimm) arranges for his beautiful ward Helen Mack (as Catherine) to marry his closest blood relation, nephew Allen Vincent (as Frederik "Fred" Grimm). Although she is in love with Mr. Barrymore's nice-guy secretary James Bush (as James), Ms. Mack promises to marry the sneaky-acting nephew. After expiring, Barrymore realizes his mistake and must make amends. That's the obvious story. Pay closer attention to the story unfolding within the boy, young George Breakston (as William Van Dam), who greets Mr. Vincent at the train station...
This is a fine version of David Belasco's excellent original story, made famous by the playwright with stage star David Warfield. No doubt familiar with the role, Barrymore went "on loan" from MGM to RKO in accepting the part. A notorious scene stealer, Barrymore employs his excessive body movements while on camera and is toned down for the film's noticeable "special effect". Initially, you may find yourself squinting at the blurred image. Also, some intriguing parts of the original work are omitted, unfortunately, but the remaining product still plays. It's flawed - but not fatally...
The screen keeps busy with Donald Meek and Ethel Griffies (as Everett and Martha Bartholomew) around. Edward Ellis (as Andrew Macpherson) and Lucien Littlefield (as Tom Lawton) provide balance. Barrymore and young Breakston "walk away" with the film. This type of story has been made numerous times, but this version is special because it seems to be about one plot, but is really about other things; and, the stories compliment each other perfectly. Someone should look into obtaining the rights to this film and attempt a re-make. "They don't make 'em like this anymore," but they could try.
******** The Return of Peter Grimm (9/13/35) George Nicholls Jr. ~ Lionel Barrymore, George Breakston, Edward Ellis, Helen Mack
This is a fine version of David Belasco's excellent original story, made famous by the playwright with stage star David Warfield. No doubt familiar with the role, Barrymore went "on loan" from MGM to RKO in accepting the part. A notorious scene stealer, Barrymore employs his excessive body movements while on camera and is toned down for the film's noticeable "special effect". Initially, you may find yourself squinting at the blurred image. Also, some intriguing parts of the original work are omitted, unfortunately, but the remaining product still plays. It's flawed - but not fatally...
The screen keeps busy with Donald Meek and Ethel Griffies (as Everett and Martha Bartholomew) around. Edward Ellis (as Andrew Macpherson) and Lucien Littlefield (as Tom Lawton) provide balance. Barrymore and young Breakston "walk away" with the film. This type of story has been made numerous times, but this version is special because it seems to be about one plot, but is really about other things; and, the stories compliment each other perfectly. Someone should look into obtaining the rights to this film and attempt a re-make. "They don't make 'em like this anymore," but they could try.
******** The Return of Peter Grimm (9/13/35) George Nicholls Jr. ~ Lionel Barrymore, George Breakston, Edward Ellis, Helen Mack
helpful•20
- wes-connors
- Aug 14, 2012
Details
- Runtime1 hour 23 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1
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Top Gap
By what name was The Return of Peter Grimm (1935) officially released in Canada in English?
Answer