The Midshipman

The Midshipman is a 1925 American silent romantic drama film directed by Christy Cabanne. The film stars Ramon Novarro and Harriet Hammond. Joan Crawford had an early uncredited role as an extra.^[1][2]

The Midshipman
Film posterre
Directed by	Christy Cabanne
Written by	F. McGrew Willis
Story by	Carey Wilson
Starring	Ramon Novarro Harriet Hammond
Cinematography	Oliver Marsh
Distributed by	Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Release date	October 4, 1925 (1925-10-04)
Running time	80 minutes; 8 reels at 7,498 feet
Country	United States
Language	Silent (English intertitles)

Plot

James Randall (Novarro), a second year upperclassman at the Naval Academy, befriends plebe Ted Lawrence (Barry). At an Academy dance, James meets and falls in love with Ted's sister Patricia (Hammond). She is engaged to Basil Courtney (Kent), a wealthy reprobate who arranges with Rita (Key) to discredit James. On the night of the big dance, Rita goes to the guardhouse where James is scheduled to be on duty and arranges to be found with him. However, Ted has taken his place on duty, however, and James sees Ted with Rita in the guardhouse. Honorbound to report Ted for violation of Academy rules, James decides instead to resign. Courtney abducts Patricia on his yacht, and James rescues her. James discovers Rita's complicity in Courtney's schemes and decides to stay at the Academy, marrying Patricia upon his graduation.^[3][4]

Cast

• Ramon Novarro as James Randall
• Harriet Hammond as Patricia Lawrence
• Wesley Barry as Ted Lawrence
• Margaret Seddon as Mrs. Randall
• Crauford Kent as Basil Courtney
• Pauline Key as Rita
• Maurice Ryan as Fat
• Harold Goodwin as Tex
• William Boyd as Spud
• Joan Crawford as Driver of Police Car (uncredited extra)

Production

Much of The Midshipman was filmed on location at the United States Naval Academy with the cooperation of the Department of the Navy, allowing the use of the Brigade of Midshipmen as extras. For the graduation scene, Novarro receives the diploma from Secretary of the Navy Curtis D. Wilbur.^[5]

Preservation

A print of The Midshipman is preserved in the George Eastman Museum Motion Picture Collection.^[6]

References

1. Progressive Silent Film List: The Midshipman at silentera.com
2. The AFI Catalog of Feature Films: The Midshipman
3. Major Motion Pictures and Television Series Focusing on the Naval Academy: The Midshipman
4. Hall, Mordaunt (October 13, 1925), "The Screen; Humorous Hazing", The New York Times
5. "Novarro Gets Diploma from Secretary Wilbur". The Moving Picture World. 77 (3). New York City: Chalmers Publishing Co.: 60 November 21, 1925. Retrieved October 6, 2021.
6. The Library of Congress American Silent Feature Film Survival Catalog: The Midshipman

External links

• The Midshipman at IMDb
• Stills at silenthollywood.com
• Still in Bancroft Hall at USNA collection
• Advertising pamphlet at silentfilmstillarchive.com
• Stills with Joan Crawford at joancrawfordbest.com
• The Midshipman (1925) with Ramon Novarro on YouTube