Blow Your Own Horn - "A Merry Adventure in Three Acts"
In 1924, Variety wrote about the film "There is nothing in the production to make it especially stand out, although an attempt at a thrill have been included in the happening of a cut wire crossing and electrifying a cabin where the "invention of the age" is contained...".
I have to assume that it on this quote rests the basis for including the film in "Variety's Complete Science Fiction Reviews".The film still exists. I have not seen it.
The play was written by Owen Davis (author of "Lola" a.k.a. "Without a Soul"). This I have read.
The invention in the play isn't really "science fiction" at all. I expected something, well, more "futuristic". It's merely a combination phonograph and dictagraph that a young inventor rediscovers unaware of Edison's own research. However. the film replaces this with a wireless device that can transmit electical energy great distances.
This is an obscure title that probably nobody will be nutty enough to read but me.
Just in case, I'll give the ol' MILD SPOILERS alert anyway.According to the play, what the story really is about is a down-and-out drifter by the name of Jack Dunbar. Discovering the ability to sell himself by "blowing his own horn", Jack finds a way of duping the townsfolk to fawn over him and receives financial advances by endorsing the "inventor's" work In the end, his honesty wins out, he refuses the money but wins the heart of the gal that he loves. (In the film, he actually does come across with a new usable device.)
Actually, the whole thing is an entertaining yarn when you throw in all of the subplots and supporting characters.
written: 12/9/2001
revised: 2/10/2003
