Weary River (1929)

Gangster "Jerry" (Richard Barthelmess) is finally apprehended by the cops and put in prison under the care of warden William Holden. The latter character is determined to try and help his charge and so keeps his gal "Alice" (Betty Compson) from visiting whilst the young man discovers that music might just be a source to his character redemption. Pretty soon, he is a bit of a singing sensation on the wireless and when he is released, things are looking positive. Of course, when free, the temptations and risks from his former life raise their head - as does "Alice", whom he wrongly assumed had abandoned him, before a timely intervention from both her and his erstwhile custodian prove fateful. This is essentially an opportunity for the charming Bathelmess to demonstrate his skills as a talker - his efforts are competent and his charisma from silent days undiminished. The story is a bit basic, though, and there is something just a bit too sentimental about this hybrid crime romance. The title song is sung (by jobbing songster Johnny Murray) just once to often - it's a bit more lie "Dreary River", but the film's is still a decently paced and enjoyable watch.