The Third Alarm
| The Third Alarm | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Emory Johnson |
| Written by | Emilie Johnson story Frances Hyland scenario & dialogue Jack Natteford scenario & dialogue |
| Produced by | Tiffany-Stahl Productions |
| Starring | Anita Louise James Hall |
| Cinematography | Max Dupont |
| Distributed by | Tiffany-Stahl Productions |
Release date |
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Running time | 7 reels 79 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Languages | Silent English intertitles |
The Third Alarm is a 1930 American drama directed by Emory Johnson and based on the original story by Emilie Johnson. The photoplay is set in San Francisco, California and stars Anita Louise, James Hall and Jean Hersholt. The movie was released on November 30, 1930 by Tiffany-Stahl Productions [1] [2]
Background
Emilie Johnson's original story, The Third Alarm is reputed to be the basis for this film. Beyond the identical titles, the only similarity these films have in common is - both stories are about firefighters.
The film's director Emory Johnson had filmed the silent version of this film in 1922 - The Third Alarm. The first film was distributed by [[Film Booking Offices of America|FBO]
This film would be Emory Johnson's first release under his newly signed contract with Tiffany-Stahl Productions. This film is also Emory Johnson first talkie.. This film would become Emory Johnson second to the last film he directed before he faded from Hollywood.
Plot
Our story unfolds by introducing the fireman working at Engine House No.8. One of the veteran firemen is Frank ‘Dad’ Morton played by Jean Hersholt. ‘Dad’ Morton is a widower. He is trying to raise his two motherless children – a girl and her younger brother Jimmy. The children enjoy hanging around the engine house. They are fond of firemen Dan played by James Hall and 'Beauty' Johnson played Paul Hurst
A fire alarm sounds and the firemen leave the station to fight the fire. While battling the flames, ‘Dad’ Morton dies. His death left his two children orphans. The two children will have to go to the municipal orphanage. Dan and Beauty have an alternate plan for the kids. They offer to adopt the children. Because they are bachelors, their proposal fails. The children travel to the orphanage. Both Dan and Beauty start pursuing another avenue to adopt the kids. Both firemen, while keeping it from each other, decide to get married.
The years pass, and we find Dan has proposed to Neeta played by Mary Doran. Neeta accepts the marriage proposal. 'Dad' Morton daughter has now grown into a beautiful young woman. The daughter, played by Anita Louise, still lives at the orphanage. Now, she finds out about Dan’s engagement. She has always had a secret fondness for Dan. She becomes heartbroken. Neeta senses Milly Morton's fascination with Dan is deeper than plain friendship. Prompted by forces, Dan does not understand; he makes a trip to the orphanage. One thing leads to another; the orphanage matron calls the police. Dan's arrested for contributing to the delinquency of minors. Dan's released on bail. Thinking about his actions, Dan starts to understand his true feelings for Milly. Meanwhile, Dan's suspended from being a fireman.
Someone at the orphanage is ironing clothes. They leave the iron on the iron board, and it catches fire. A more significant fire breaks out. Soon it is a blazing inferno and turns into a three-alarm Fire. The men at Engine House No eight, heed the alarm. Dan finds out the orphanage is on fire and even though he's suspended from duty, heads out to fight the blaze.
Dan arrives at the scene of the fire. He realizes the children, including ‘Dad’ kids, cannot escape the burning orphanage. Dan rushes to the rescue and saves everyone. While saving the children, Dan comes to realize he loves Milly Morton. Dan and Milly get engaged. As it turns out, 'Beauty' Johnson also finds love in the end.
Cast
Actor Role Anita Louise Milly Morton James Hall Dan Paul Hurst 'Beauty' Johnson Jean Hersholt Frank 'Dad' Morton Hobart Bosworth Precinct Fire Captain Mary Doran Neeta Dot Farley Woman Barber Nita Martan Mamie Ziek Georgie Billings Jimmy Morton Walter Perry Uncle Aileen Manning Mrs. Craig - Orphanage Matron Joseph W. Girard Pensions Board Commissioner Franklyn Farnum Fire Department Captain Charlotte Merriam Blonde Tom London Fireman Tom
Post Production
A minor but quite significant news blurb appeared on Page 4 of the September 4, 1930 edition of Variety Magazine. [3]
Emory Johnson, engaged by Tiffany to direct "The Third Alarm" on the strength of his silent of the same title for FBO; has been off the picture since the first day's shooting. Martin Cohn, the editorial supervisor at Tiff, is finishing it, although direction credit will go to Johnson, besides a piece of the picture. Johnson objected to the supervision.
Actors Anita Louise and Georgie Billins were slightly burned when a smoke pot exploded. The accident occurred with the players were shooting the final scenes of the movie "The Third Alarm." [4]
“The Third Alarm” was the last film Emory Johnson would make for Tiffany-Stahl Productions. Emory would break his contract with Tiffany and sign a new contract with another Poverty Row studio – Majestic Pictures. Note - Tiffany-Stahl would file for bankruptcy in 1932. Copyrights on most (if not all) of Tiffany's films were not renewed, and are now in the public domain. [5]
Preservation Status
This film is preserved in the Library of Congress collection.[6]
References
- ^ "The Third Alarm". catalog.afi.com.
- ^ "The Third ALarm". www.tcm.com.
- ^ "Objected to Supervision". Variety. September 4, 1930. p. 4.
- ^ ""Third Alarm" Players Injured". The Film Daily. New York, Wid's Films and Film Folks, Inc. September 28, 1930. p. 4.
- ^ Wikipedia article on Tiffany Pictures
- ^ Catalog of Holdings The American Film Institute Collection and The United Artists Collection at The Library of Congress p. 182 c.1978 by The American Film Institute