Bud's Recruit

The story

This WWI home-front comedy is the earliest surviving film of King Vidor, who would later go on to make such classics as The Big Parade and The Crowd. A two-reeler, it's a propaganda comedy involving a little boy who can't wait to go fight against the Kaiser, and who sets an unrelentingly patriotic (and militaristic) example for his draft-age, feminized brother and peace-lovin' mother.

Cast & crew

Wallace Brennan

Wallace BrennanBud Gilbert (as Wallis Brennan)

Robert GordonReggie Gilbert

Ruth Hampton

Ruth HamptonEdith

Thomas Bellamy

Thomas BellamyBlack Boy

Ernest Butterworth Jr.

Ernest Butterworth Jr.White Boy

Mildred DavisEdith's Sister

Judge Willis Brown

Judge Willis BrownHimself / Commentator