39 East is a 1920 American silent comedy film produced by the Realart Picture Company (headed by Paramount Pictures's Adolph Zukor), and starring Constance Binney reprising her role from the Broadway play. The film was directed by John S. Robertson.[1]

39 East
Constance Binney and Reginald Denny
in 39 East
Directed byJohn S. Robertson
Written byKathryn Stuart (scenario)
Based on39 East
by Rachel Crothers
StarringConstance Binney
Reginald Denny
Alison Skipworth
CinematographyRoy Overbaugh
Distributed byRealart Pictures
Release date
  • September 1920 (1920-09)
Running time
50 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageSilent (English intertitles)

The film is based on the 1919 Broadway play of the same name by Rachel Crothers, which was a hit on Broadway with Binney starring.[2]

Plot

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As described in a film magazine,[3] Penelope Penn (Binney), to financially aid others of the poor minister's family to which she belongs, goes to New York City and becomes one of the boardinghouse colony at "39 East." The identity of her business she keeps a mystery, thereby arousing the unsympathetic speculations of her fellow female boarders. She finds a champion and lover in Napoleon Gibbs Jr. (Denny), a young wealthy aristocrat, who helps her over many a rough spot during her boardinghouse life. Her chance to shine histrionically comes when there is a sudden refusal of the theater star, to whom she understudies, to go on while she is in the chorus. Penelope's success assures her family's future and brings the climax of her romance, which promises a "happy ever after" ending.

Cast

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References

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  1. ^ Roberts, Jerry (2003). The Great American Playwrights on the Screen: A Critical Guide to Film, TV, Video, and DVD. Hal Leonard Corporation. p. 126. ISBN 1-55783-512-8.
  2. ^ Bordman, Gerald (1995). American Theatre: A Chronicle of Comedy and Drama 1914–1930. Oxford University Press. p. 99. ISBN 0-19-509078-0.
  3. ^ "Reviews: 39 East". Exhibitors Herald. 11 (16). New York City: Exhibitors Herald Company: 84. October 16, 1920.
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