On Your Back
On Your Back is a 1930 American pre-Code drama film directed by Guthrie McClintic and written by Howard J. Green. The film stars Irene Rich, Raymond Hackett, H. B. Warner, Wheeler Oakman, Marion Shilling and Ilka Chase. The film was released on September 14, 1930, by Fox Film Corporation.[1][2][3] A trailer exists in the Library of Congress collection.[4]
On Your Back | |
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Theatrical release poster | |
Directed by | Guthrie McClintic |
Produced by | George E. Middleton |
Screenplay by | Howard J. Green |
Story by | Rita Weiman |
Starring | Irene Rich Raymond Hackett H. B. Warner Wheeler Oakman Marion Shilling Ilka Chase |
Cinematography | Joseph H. August |
Edited by | Frank E. Hull |
Production company | Fox Film Corporation |
Distributed by | Fox Film Corporation |
Release date |
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Running time | 70 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Actress Marion Shilling was frustrated when it became obvious that the studio was more interested in promoting Irene Rich than featuring an actress on loan. At a preview of the film, it was clear that Shilling was the standout, so cuts and re-shots were ordered. "For instance, the climactic scene of the film was one in which I, Irene's victim, at last had a chance to tell her off. My speech, to which I gave all the power I was capable of, covered an entire page of script. In the final version, how was the scene presented? Throughout the speech I was shown with my back to camera in a long shot. At frequent intervals, during my outpouring, the camera cut from my back to a huge idealized close-up of Irene."[5]
Plot
Putting a son through college, Julianne, owner of a Fifth Avenue dress shop in New York City, is persuaded to supplement her income by providing loans to struggling showgirls. The plan backfires when her son Harvey falls for her business partner's lover Jeanne Burke, who blackmails Julianne.
Cast
- Irene Rich as Julianne
- Raymond Hackett as Harvey
- H. B. Warner as Raymond Pryor
- Wheeler Oakman as 'Lucky' Jim Seymour
- Marion Shilling as Jeanne Burke
- Ilka Chase as Dixie Mason
- Charlotte Henry as Belle
- Rose Dione as Mrs. Dupinnet
- Arthur Hoyt as Victor
References
- "On Your Back (1930) - Overview". TCM.com. Retrieved 2015-10-10.
- Sandra Brennan. "On Your Back (1930) - Guthrie McClintic | Synopsis, Characteristics, Moods, Themes and Related". AllMovie. Retrieved 2015-10-10.
- "On Your Back". Afi.com. Retrieved 2015-10-10.
- [trailer]:Catalog of Holdings The American Film Institute Collection and The United Artists Collection at The Library of Congress, (<-book title) trailer only, p.132 c.1978 American Film Institute
- Ankerich, Michael G. The Sound of Silence: Conversations with 16 Film and Stage Personalities. McFarland & Company, Inc., Jefferson, NC: 1998. p. 207.