On June 16, 2005, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences kicks off its new periodic screening series, "Lost and Found," which will feature restored archival rediscoveries.
The initial presentation will be the 1927 United Artists silent drama Sorrell and Son, which upon its release was referred to by Variety as a "beautiful story [that] has been superbly mounted, ably directed and well cast." In addition, the film was nominated for an Academy Award for "best direction of a dramatic picture" in the first year of the awards.*
Directed by Herbert Brenon (Peter Pan), Sorrell and Son stars several popular silent-film performers, including H. B. Warner (Jesus in The King of Kings), Anna Q. Nilsson, Nils Asther, Alice Joyce, Mary Nolan , and Carmel Myers, plus child actor Mickey McBan as the second half of the film's title.
Based on a popular novel by Warwick Deeping, the story of Sorrell and Son concerns a father (H. B. Warner) and his son (Mickey McBan, as a child; Nils Asther, as an adult), who, after being deserted by their ambitious wife/mother (Anna Q. Nilsson), strive to maintain their solid relationship in spite of their financial doldrums. (Warner reprised his role in a 1934 English-made talkie version of the story.)
The only surviving print of the 1927 film has been restored, though it suffers from deterioration and its last reel is still missing. As was the case with the 1928 Sadie Thompson, the final section of Sorrell and Son has been reconstructed with the use of still photographs and title cards.
The June 16 showing at the Dunn Theater, located at the Pickford Center for Motion Picture Study in Hollywood, will mark the first U.S. public screening of Sorrell and Son in more than 60 years. Michael Mortilla will provide live musical accompaniment.
* In its first year, the Academy gave awards in two Best Direction categories: drama and comedy.