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Wild Company, originally titled Road House, is the story of a rebellious young man from a privileged background who spurns his wealthy family in favour of the delights of the Jazz Age. When he falls for a gangsters moll, he finds himself framed for the murder of a nightclub owner played by Bela Lugosi. Claire McDowell appeared again with Bela Lugosi in Murder by Television (1935)
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Production Company: Fox Film Corporation
Presented by William Fox
Associate Producer: Al Rockett
Director: Leo McCarey
Assistant Director: Virgil Hart
Screenplay: Bradley King
Original Story: Bradley King and John Stone
Cinematography: L.William O’Connell
Art Director: Stephen Goosson
Editor: Clyde Carruth
Music & Lyrics: Jimmy Monaco, Jack Meskill, Cliff Friend and Con Conrad
Recording Engineer: Alfred Bruzlin
Costumes: Sophie Wachner
Running Time: 71 minutes
Copyright number LP1382, June 16 1930
Cast:
Frank Albertson: Larry Grayson
H.B. Warner: Henry Grayson
Sharon Lynn: Sally
Joyce Comptom: Anita
Claire McDowell: Mrs. Grayson
Mildred Van Dorn: Natalie
Richard Keene: Dick
Frances McCoy: Cora
Kenneth Thomson: Joe Hardy
Bela Lugosi: Felix Brown
George Fawcett: Judge
Bobby Callahan: Eddie
Oscar Apfel: Prosecuting Attorney
Sidney Bracey: Waiter
John Elliot: Police Captain
George Fawcett: Judge
Sherry Hall: Cashier
Grady Sutton: Anita’s Boyfriend
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Macon Telegraph, July 13, 1930
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The Pitsburgh Press, July 15, 1930
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Trenton Evening Times, July 31, 1930
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The Miwaukee Sentinel, August 24, 1930
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The Miwaukee Sentinel, August 25, 1930
Film reviews
Dawn O’Dea
STRAND – “Wild Company is a little preachment intended primarily for the eyes and ears of modern parents.
It takes mother and dad seriously to task for the shameful behavior of modern youth. When Johnny makes a misstep that involves him with the law, not Johnny, but his incompetent ma and pa should be put behind bars. This is an outmoded theme, but it is fairly attractively served up and if it reaches the right ears it may do some good. Frank Albertson, a juvenile who is stepping right along, gives a believable picture of a wayward son. HB Warner’s father gets a bit too sloppily sentimental at the trial scene. Claire McDowell is a restrained and sympathetic mother and George Fawcett has a good bit as the sermonizing judge.
This should have been called “Sins of the Parents.”
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Rockford Morning Star, August 26, 1930
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Sarasota Herald-Tribune, September 19, 1930
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San Francisco Chronicle, September 28, 1930
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Exhibitors Herald World, November 15, 1930
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The Tuscaloosa News, December 14, 1930
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A copy of the script under the original title of Roadhouse dated April 9th, 1930
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Stills
Frank Albertson and Joyce Compton
H.B. Warner and Frank Albertson
A screenshot of Bela Lugosi
