# The Drop Kick

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The Drop Kick is a 1927 silent film directed by Millard Webb about a college football player (Richard Barthelmess). It was notably one of the early films of John Wayne, who later became known for his appearance in Westerns, who was only aged 20 in the film. He had a minor role as an unnamed football player.
Cast and Crew :
| Cast ||
| Role | Actor |
| | Richard Barthelmess |
| | Barbara Kent |
| | Hedda Hopper |
| | John Wayne |
| | Dorothy Revier |
| | Alberta Vaughn |
| | Brooks Benedict |
| | Mayme Kelso |
| Crew ||
| Production company | First National |
| Distributor | First National |
| Director | Millard Webb (d. 1935) |
| Producer | Richard A. Rowland (d. 1947) |
| Screenwriter | Winifred Dunn (d. 1977) |
| Cinematographer | Arthur Edeson (d. 1970) |
| Based on available information, the latest crew member that is relevant to international copyright laws died in 1977, meaning that this film may be in the public domain in countries and jurisdictions with 46 years p.m.a. or less, as well as in the United States. ||
Richard A. Rowland
Presents
Richard Barthelmess
in
"The Drop Kick"
From College Humor Story "Glitter," By Katherine Brush
Produced by Ray Rockett
A First National Picture
Copyright——by First National Pictures, Inc. All rights reserved.
First National Pictures
Jack Hamill was an all around athlete——his "approach" sure——his "stroke", swift——and his "service",—perfect.
. . . RICHARD BARTHELMESS
"I must run along home, now, Molly—have to pack up, you know—leaving for the old College in the morning."
Molly was a popular partner——she used a peppermint lipstick——and never hit in a clinch.
. . . Alberta Vaughn
"Going home at nine o'clock? Not me, Jackie——I'm used to staying out till a respectable hour!"
Mrs. Hamill was not only a devoted mother, but her son's pal, as well.
. . . Hedda Hopper
"Mrs. Graves and Miss Cecily arrived unexpectedly for the week end, sir."
In Cecily's dreams of romance, Jack was always the hero.
. . . Barbara Kent
"What has become of the long curls I used to pull?"
"Oh, Cecily has quite grown up! I've promised to let her go to the Shoreham-Central Game, with your mother."
"Father says you are the greatest drop-kicker Shoreham ever had—I'm crazy to see you play!"
"He's Captain of the team, too, Cecily, and maybe he'll take you to the Thanksgiving Prom, if you're nice to him."
Once more, the flood of youth swept over old Shoreham College——a new fall term——excitement—anticipation—the warm handclasp of friends, old and new.
And again the old Psi Upsilon Fraternity House buzzed with excitement.
Invincible HAIR TONIC
Facing Fraternity Row was the pride of the Campus—the Honeymoon Cottage of their popular coach, Brad Hathaway.
Brad had found it easy to settle down—but was finding it harder to "settle up".
. . . Eugene Strong
634 BUTTER STREET SAN FRANCISCO PROSPECT 287
Sept. 16 1927
Mr. Brad Hathaway City
| 1 Evening Drape | 400.00 |
| 1 Evening Gown | 300.00 |
| | 700.00 |
Eunice liked being the only bride on the Campus—but she didn't intend to let it cramp her style.
. . . Dorothy Revier
"Honey, I didn't know you were going to buy so much stuff this month."
"There you go about money, again! When I sent the diamond bracelet back, I did think I could have some new clothes!"
For three years, 'Bones' Barton had lived in reflected glory—he was Jack Hamill's room mate.
. . . James Bradbury
"Are you sure it's Brad you want to see—and not your old sweetie, Eunice?"
"Let's get this straight, once and for all. Brad is my best friend—and you are now his wife!"
"Don't be a crepe hanger, honey! What's a husband between friends?"
Pemberton, the Assistant Coach, resented any popularity—except his own.
. . . Brooks Benedict
"Look at the College Widow, putting on her old vamp act! Poor Brad!"
The College year had begun! Lectures——Fraternity rushes—class meetings—class fights—more lectures—initiations—and the real business of the elect——Football!
All new men report at 4 p.m. <Monday> on the Practice Field.
Brad
Dean Carson had been a noted full-back in his day—and was the most popular member of the faculty.
. . . George Pierce
"With a good season, Brad, and the money you have on hand from last year, our new club house is a certainty."
"The men are all ready for practice, Brad."
"That's great, Jack! None of 'em can beat us while you kick like that!"
Jack had made new football history—and it was a proud mother and a thrilled Cecily who came to Shoreham Inn for the Thanksgiving holidays.
"Maybe Jack has forgotten that he's going to take me to the Prom!"
"You can never accuse me of not being the dutiful, obliging son."
The gayest event of the Fall Term was in full swing.
GYMNASIUM
While the college echoed with laughter and excitement——behind closed doors, in the Dean's office——
"Brad, the Auditor says your books are short about ten thousand dollars."
"Why—there must be some mistake—I—I—"
"I'm sure there is——but we'll have to get it straightened out right away."
"I must make my report to the board this week. Get your accountants together and we'll go over them, tomorrow."
"I'll—I'll have them ready for you."
"Awfully sorry, but I have this dance—you'll excuse me?"
"Where's Brad——why isn't he here?"
"He got a mysterious phone call, and left me in the lurch! Dear old Pem brought me."
"I shouldn't have come—I—don't know how to be like these other girls——"
"—I just can't kiss—and—and pet—the way the boys expect me to——"
"Why—you're prettier than any of them, Cecily!"
"Cecily——I never thought about it until I watched that chump dancing with you—then I wanted to choke him!"
During the next few days, Jack spent most of his time finding out just how different Cecily was.
"I guess I've got to go—tomorrow's the big game and I'm supposed to be in bed at ten——"
"I know you're going to win—all my thoughts will be with you."
"Good night, Mother."
"Don't you think you could kiss me—just once, Cecily?"
"I don't mind kissing you——it's——it's different——"
"Everything in the world is different since I found you, Cecily——"
"You know what that means? No other girl has ever worn my Fraternity pin——"
Sick with dread and shame, Brad was frantic before the rising tide of disaster.
"Brad, where's that statement you promised me? What does this mean?"
"Can't you understand? The money's gone——spent——I stole it!"
"Do you realize what you are saying, Brad? Even if you return the money, it means dismissal——disgrace——"
"So——I've married a common thief!"
"You can't drag me down with you—get out of this house! I never want to see you again!"
"Jack, please come over——"
"I can't, Eunice—I—"
"But something terrible has happened——we need you!"
"Brad has been neglecting me for weeks—and now he's gone—I could die—I'm so unhappy——"
"But, Brad wouldn't do that, Eunice——"
Jack Hamill
"I'll find him and have a talk with him."
"Don't leave me, Jack. I'm afraid to be alone!"
"Hamill, where were you when this happened?"
"With Eunice——?"
That tragic midnight found Eunice alone with her thoughts—and the possibilities of the future—"
Dear Jack I can't face the boys. I took the money they trusted me with and spent it. This may be a coward's way out but it seems the only way. You'll forgive me because you love me and
I know that you love Eunice. Save her from any scandal. Don't let her suffer for this, Jack.
Goodbye
Brad
"If you won't come into the house—let me talk to you in the garden. It's important!"
"Well——why did you send for me?"
"Do you know why Brad shot himself?"
"He saw us in there—"
"What is to become of me—all the boys know you were here—people will talk—"
"I'll marry you—I guess Brad meant it that way—"
Fate has a way of reserving its cruelest blows for our happiest moments—
"Why, Cecily, what's the matter——why aren't you ready——it's almost time for the game!"
Cecily— Please forget me—and forgive me if you can.
Jack.
"My boy wouldn't do anything like this—I'm going to find out what's wrong."
"He told me he was going to marry Eunice——he seemed worried about a letter he was reading."
"See that Cecily gets to the game—I'll be there later—"
"I'm Mrs. Hamill, Jack's mother."
"I'm so sorry for you, Mrs. Hathaway—Jack has explained everything—your husband's letter—"
"How much will you take for the other half of this letter?"
"I don't intend to let you ruin his life. Before I allow you to marry Jack—I'll cut him off without a penny."
The Shoreham-Central Game brought a record crowd for the season....thrilled, expectant thousands swarmed over the stadium.
SCORE
| SHOREHAM | 0 |
| CENTRAL | 0 |
| 2 | DOWN |
| 6 | YDS. TO GO |
| 30 | YARD LINE |
| 2 | MIN'S. TO PLAY |
| 1 | QUARTER |
| 18 | CARRIED BALL |
SCORE
| SHOREHAM | 0 |
| CENTRAL | 7 |
| 2 | DOWN |
| 6 | YDS. TO GO |
| 30 | YARD LINE |
| 2 | MIN'S. TO PLAY |
| 1 | QUARTER |
| 18 | CARRIED BALL |
Near the end of the first half....the score 7 to 0 against them....Shoreham struggling desperately to overcome Central's lead....
SCORE
| SHOREHAM | 0 |
| CENTRAL | 7 |
| 1 | DOWN |
| 10 | YDS. TO GO |
| 50 | YARD LINE |
| 4 | MIN'S. TO PLAY |
| 2 | QUARTER |
| 14 | CARRIED BALL |
SCORE
| SHOREHAM | 6 |
| CENTRAL | 7 |
| 1 | DOWN |
| 10 | YDS. TO GO |
| 50 | YARD LINE |
| 4 | MIN'S. TO PLAY |
| 2 | QUARTER |
| 14 | CARRIED BALL |
"TAKE HIM OUT! TAKE HIM OUT!"
"Replace Hamill—and keep pounding the right side of their line!"
Facing defeat....near the end of the last quarter...Central leading....7 to 6....Shoreham's crippled team fighting doggedly on....
"Let me go in—we only need three points to win—give me another chance——"
"For God's sake put me back in——I can do it, Pem—I can do it—"
| 2 | MIN'S. TO PLAY |
| 4 | QUARTER |
"HAMILL! HAMILL! HAMILL!"
| 1 | MIN'S. TO PLAY |
| 4 | QUARTER |
"Jumping Judas! He's going to try a drop-kick from the forty yard line!"
SCORE
| SHOREHAM | 6 |
| CENTRAL | 7 |
| 2 | DOWN |
| 4 | YDS. TO GO |
| 40 | YARD LINE |
| 1 | MIN'S. TO PLAY |
| 4 | QUARTER |
| 2 | CARRIED BALL |
SCORE
| SHOREHAM | 9 |
| CENTRAL | 7 |
| 2 | DOWN |
| 4 | YDS. TO GO |
| 40 | YARD LINE |
| 1 | MIN'S. TO PLAY |
| 4 | QUARTER |
| 2 | CARRIED BALL |
"Don't worry, Mrs. Hamill. I'll see that the boys understand."
"I'm so proud of you, Jack——"
"I don't suppose you've heard that Eunice is leaving for Europe——for quite a long visit, I believe——"
THE END A First National Picture
This work is in the public domain in the United States because it was published before January 1, 1929.
Copyright law abroad tends to consider the following people authors of a film:
* The principal director
* The screenwriter, and/or other writers of dialogue
* The composer/lyricist (if the film is accompanied by sound)
* The cinematographer
* By extension, the authors of any works that may serve as the basis for a film's plot
The longest-living of these authors died in 1977, so this work is in the public domain in countries and areas where the copyright term is the author's life plus 46 years or less. This work may be in the public domain in countries and areas with longer native copyright terms that apply the rule of the shorter term to foreign works.
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