THE VALIANT (1929) Paul Muni, Marguerite Churchill & Johnny Mack Brown | Drama | B&W | Classic Film

Please visit our streaming service at https://lostnfoundfilms.uscreen.io/

The Valiant is a 1929 American pre-Code drama film released by Fox Film Corporation in the Fox Movietone sound-on-film system on May 19, 1929. It is produced and directed by William K. Howard (his first sound film) and stars Paul Muni (in his film debut), Marguerite Churchill (in her feature film debut), and John Mack Brown. Although described by at least one source as a silent film containing talking sequences, synchronized music, and sound effects, The Valiant has continuous dialogue and is a full "talkie" made without a corresponding silent version

Synopsis

The story follows James Dyke, a man who turns himself in after committing murder and faces execution. Initially silent about his identity and motive, he claims his actions were justified by the victim's wrongdoing. Dyke’s trial ends with a death sentence, and he remains a mystery to the authorities and media.

In a distant countryside, a woman named Mary Douglas and her mother suspect Dyke might be Mary’s long-lost brother, Joe. They recall fond memories of Joe's youth before he left home 15 years earlier. Mary and her fiancé, Bob, travel to the prison, hoping to confirm his identity. Mary’s efforts to connect with Dyke fail as he denies being her brother. However, Dyke weaves a poignant tale, claiming Joe died a war hero and that he witnessed it. He entrusts Mary with Liberty Bonds for their mother, urging her to honor Joe’s memory while rejecting any redemption for himself.

Cast & Crew

Paul Muni as Man claiming to be "James Dyke", birth name Joseph Anthony Douglas
Marguerite Churchill as Mary Douglas, younger sister of James Anthony Douglas
John Mack Brown as Bob, who asks Mary Douglas to marry him
DeWitt Jennings as Warden of the prison where "James Dyke" is held
Edith Yorke as Mrs. Douglas, mother of Joseph Anthony Douglas
Clifford Dempsey as Police lieutenant to whom "James Dyke" confesses the killing
Richard Carlyle as Death row chaplain Father Daly
Henry Kolker as Judge who sentences "James Dyke" to be executed

Directed by: William K. Howard
Screenplay by: Tom Barry (adaptation), John Hunter Booth & Tom Barry (dialogue)
Based on: The play by Halworthy Hall & Robert Middlemass
Produced by: William K. Howard
Starring: Paul Muni, John Mack Brown, Marguerite Churchill, Don Terry
Cinematography: Lucien Andriot
Edited by: Jack Dennis
Distributed by: Fox Film Corporation
Release Date: May 19, 1929
Running Time: 66 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English