Across To Singapore (1928)

Set in 1857, the youngest son (Ramon Novarro) of a shipping family and a neighbor girl (Joan Crawford) fall in love. But when the girl's father (Edward Connelly) betroths her to the boy's older seafaring brother (Ernest Torrence), it causes a rift in the brothers' relationship. Based on the novel ALL THE BROTHERS WERE VALIANT by Ben Ames Williams (LEAVE HER TO HEAVEN) and directed by William Nigh (MR. WONG DETECTIVE). Boy, does this one creak! Granted, the transfer I saw is in need of a major restoration but I seriously doubt a more pristine print would make it a better movie, just more watchable. The film's first half hour is a bit of a slog with Novarro playing a mischievous brat but when Crawford's betrothal to the brother is announced, he suddenly grows into a grown up man at the snap of a finger! Only 90 minutes long but I swear it seemed like two hours. Remade (and better) in 1953. With Anna May Wong and Frank Currier.