The Jack Knife Man

• Director: King Vidor
• AMG Rating:
• Genre: Drama
• Themes: Orphans
• Release Year: 1920
• Run Time: 70 minutes

Plot

An early directorial effort by King Vidor, The Jack Knife Man is based on a sentimental story by Ellis Parker Butler. Vidor avoids many of the obvious Pathos pitfalls of the Butler original, turning out a story that is as credible as it is heartwarming. Fred Turner stars as a lonely old man who lives on a decrepit houseboat. His dour outlook on life is brightened a bit when he meets a small orphaned boy. The two "outcasts" share many an adventure over the next five reels, enjoying a happy ending despite several last-reel reverses. Florence Vidor, then the wife of the director, appears in Jack Knife Man in the small role of Mrs. Montgomery. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Cast

Charles Arling - Doctor; James Corrigan - George Rapp; Anna Dodge; Bobby Kelso - "Buddy"; Lillian Leighton - Mrs. Potter; Willis Marks - Rev. Resmer Briggles; Claire McDowell - Liz Merdin; Harry Todd - "Booge"; Fred Turner - Peter Lane; Florence Vidor - Mrs. Montgomery; Irene Yeager

Credit

King Vidor - Director, Ira Morgan - Cinematographer, King Vidor - Screenwriter, William Parker - Screenwriter

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