The Roaring Road / Excuse My Dust!

Here's a double feature of two complete films starring Wallace Reid, The Roaring Road (1919) and its sequel, Excuse My Dust! (1920). Film historians have done a disservice to Reid. Though he was one of the most popular stars of his era, he's better-known today for his tragic death than for his screen work.

As usual, the films themselves set the record straight. His easygoing charm is as appealing today as it was way back then, and The Roaring Road showcases that personality in an exciting setting. Here he plays a speed-crazy racecar driver, with his mind set on winning the glory, and his heart set on winning the boss's daughter.

The Roaring Road was such a hit that it was soon followed by a sequel, Excuse My Dust! Sequels were fairly uncommon in the silent era, but this one's a natural. Not only does the story pick up where the last one left off, but the results actually top the original. Reid was to return to the racing theme in future films, but unfortunately most of his work is now lost, and much of what does survive is out of circulation. Fate carried his life to the finish line all too soon. But his star power certainly lives on in The Roaring Road and Excuse My Dust!

Golden Silent Car Races

Two hilarious pieces of film history guaranteed to amuse all lovers of vintage motor cars. Not exactly subtle or intellectually demanding entertainment, but neither of these films was designed to be. Transport yourself back to a more innocent age (trying to forget that a few years after making 'Excuse my Dust' the star of them both was dead from morphine addiction) and enjoy them for what they are! March 10, 2008

The First King of the Matinee Idols

Wallace Reid's films are mostly lost now, so it's a treat to see two of them together on one disc. Even better, the films are quite good, and I can certainly see why he was as popular as he was. He projects a masculine, can-do energy like a Douglas Fairbanks, but he also has a certain warmth and charismatic presence that must've made him a special hit with the ladies. The movies themselves are two variations on the same theme, and that theme of cross-country auto racing makes for some fun times as Reid plows through the countryside, dodging trains and getting into car wrecks, but always bouncing back. The musical scores are absolutely top-notch, traditional piano scores that are lively and true to the spirit of the times. The films themselves look far better than I would've expected, and I had no trouble reading the title cards on either of them. The bonus section of photos taken from other Reid films really makes you wistful for the chance to see some of those now-lost movies of his. I'd say that anyone who loves old movies or old cars will find a lot to enjoy with this DVD. July 6, 2006

An entertaining and fun ride

Unknown Video has given us some more silent film gems, this time in a nice double feature DVD starring the often overlooked and forgotten Wallace Reid who was a superstar in the late 1910s and early 1920s but sadly, is remembered for his tragic death at age 31 rather than for his work and contribution to the early Hollywood film industry. His early demise due to alcohol and drugs was a big Hollywood scandal in 1923, but seeing him in these films, you would never suspect that he had any addictive problems. Apparently he was a reluctant actor; his initial goals being screenwriting and directing, but his good looks, charm and magnetism put him in front of the cameras in dozens of films from as early as 1910 onwards. This DVD features two of his most popular films in a role and setting which the audience liked him best: a hot-blooded racing driver in fast-paced, action-packed films with exciting street and car racing scenes. The first film, "The Roaring Road" sees Reid in a power struggle with his equally strong-willed and stubborn boss, not just in matters of racing cars but also for the hand of the boss's daughter. It is a light-hearted but busy plot which races along like the 1919 speedsters featured in it. This style of light and fun entertainment was so popular that a sequel was made in the following year, 1920, namely "Excuse My Dust". Now married with a baby son, Reid is still fighting a battle of wills with his father-in-law, but this time an unscrupulous racing car competitor is the main rival.

Wallace Reid had a convincing, powerful and realistic acting style without the pantomime-style gestures and expressions often seen in silent films. While not giving award-winning performances in these two short feature films, Reid does fit the role perfectly. Theodore Roberts is equally convincing and entertaining as his boss-come-father-in-law, and I personally always enjoy seeing street scenes with those gorgeous old automobiles from yesteryear. A very good, traditional piano score accompanies both films, and there is a nice little slide show of stills from other Wallace Reid films as a bonus feature which I also enjoyed. On the downside, many title cards in the second film, "Excuse My Dust" are off centre, chopping off a few letters on the left side and making it a bit annoying and difficult to read. Apart from a few short segments of slightly blurry or too light scenes, the overall picture quality is very good though, and won't detract from having a good old-fashioned fun ride with the Tom Cruise of the early 1920s!
May 11, 2006

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