Captain Swagger

Captain Swagger is a 1928 American synchronized sound crime drama film directed by Edward H. Griffith and stars Rod La Rocque. While the film has no audible dialog, it was released with a synchronized musical score with sound effects utilizing the RCA Photophone sound-on-film sound system. The film was released with both the sound-on-disc and sound-on-film formats. The film was produced and distributed by the Pathé Exchange company.



Plot
In World War I daring but reckless pilot Hugh Drummond (Rod La Rocque) who is called "Captain Swagger", is stationed in France. During one fight with the infamous German ace, Baron Von Stahl (Ullrich Haupt), Hugh shoots him down but due to a sense of chivalry, lands behind enemy lines to pull Von Dictor out of his burning aircraft. Both aviators exchange weapons as a token of friendship. When a German patrol arrives, the Baron even helps Hugh escape.

When the war ends, Hugh has trouble establishing himself and after 10 years of a spendthrift life, he goes broke from living beyond his means, and turns to crime in order to make a living. In New York, on his first robbery, however, Hugh meets Sue Arnold (Sue Carol), an unemployed cabaret dancer, and gallantly escorts her to his apartment rather than robbing her wealthy escort.

Hugh and Sue become dancing partners in a cafe. Sue falls in love with Hugh, but worries that he will return to a life in crime when he meets his old nemesis Von Stahl, who really is a thief. Hugh is reformed and with Sue, the two make plans to go through life together.

Cast

 * Rod La Rocque as Hugh Drummond ("Captain Swagger")
 * Sue Carol as Sue Arnold
 * Richard Tucker as Phil Poole
 * Victor Potel as Jean
 * Ullrich Haupt as Baron Von Stahl
 * Maurice Black as Manager, Viennese Club (uncredited)
 * Ray Cooke as Chauffeur (uncredited)
 * Charlie Hall as Messenger (uncredited)
 * William H. O'Brien as Waiter (uncredited)

Music
The film featured a theme song entitled "Captain Swagger (All The Girls Adore You)" which was composed by Charles Weinberg and Irving Bibo.

Production
Principal photography on Captain Swagger began on June 4, 1928, with location shooting at Clover Airfield, Santa Monica. The aircraft from Wings (1927) were used in the production. These included the Airco DH.4, SPAD S.XIII and Fokker D.VII.

The film's sets were designed by the art director Edward C. Jewell.

Reception
Mordaunt Hall in his review in the December 24, 1928 issue of The New York Times, commented on the actors: " 'Captain Swagger' is not only exceptionally entertaining but is also well acted. There are many deft touches in various spots; none of the situations are overdone. Mr. La Rocque plays his part in amiable fashion, giving to it the right amount of humor. Miss Carol, of course, is very pretty and in the rôle of Sue Arnold is more than acceptable." More recent reviews, however, by film historians Stephen Pendo and Michael Paris considered the film "pap".

Preservation status
Captain Swagger is preserved today at the George Eastman House Motion Picture Collection and a Danish Film Institute Archive facility.