The Dummy (1929)





This is a bullet-proof yarn — of a tough oftice boy engaged by a detective bureau to pose as a deaf mute. Thereby the sleuths hope to trap a gang of kidnappers. Freckled Barney Cook certainly lands the whole gang, too.

The picture looks like a convention of new Hollywood faces imported from the speaking stage. The roster includes such names as Ruth Chatterton, Frederic March and John Cromwell. It is the first film made by Robert Milton, the veteran footlight director. And, with all the stage talent, a little Hollywood boy cops the honors — Mickey Bennett. He does the office boy Sherlock Holmes in glorious fashion. Another excellent performance is turned in by ZaSu Pitts.

"The Dummy" is well worth seeing, despite its obvious experimental talkie crudities. It isn't within call of "Interference's" voice, but the fundamental appeal gets it across.

Photoplay April 1929



Vintage magazines

Photoplay , April 1929
Photoplay , April 1929

Books with an entry on The Dummy

Larry Langman and Daniel Finn
A Guide to American Crime Films of the Thirties
Westport, Connecticut - London, 1995