The Leatherneck (1929) DVD-R

Starring William Boyd, Alan Hale, Robert Armstrong, Fred Kohler, Diane
Ellis
Directed by Howard Higgin

Print: black/white
Runtime: 65 min.
Genre: drama
Print Quality: B

When Cecil B. DeMille's own production company was absorbed by Pathe
in 1928, several DeMille contractees went along for the ride. One of these
was William Boyd, the star of the 1929 Pathe effort The Leatherneck. The
setting is China, specifically the headquarter of the 6th U.S. Marine
regiment, where Calhoun (Boyd) and Schmidt (Alan Hale) are facing
court-martial for desertion. In a series of flashbacks, the viewer is
apprised of the reasons for the two leathernecks' supposed dereliction
of duty. Essential to the action are a third marine, the unfortunate Joe
Hanlon (Robert Armstrong), and a mysterious Russian girl named Tanya
(Diane Ellis). A silent picture for most of its 76-minute running time, The
Leatherneck includes approximately eight minutes' worth of dialogue.