Wild Company (Fox Film Corporation, 1930)

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 gangster’s 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)

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

Macon Telegraph, July 13, 1930

The Pitsburgh Press, July 15, 1930

Trenton Evening Times, July 31, 1930

The Miwaukee Sentinel, August 24, 1930

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.”