Toby's Bow
Cast & Crew
Harry Beaumont
Tom Moore
Doris Pawn
Macey Harlam
Arthur Housman
Colin Kenny
Film Details
Synopsis
Because the wild Bohemian life style of Greenwich Village has destroyed successful novelist Tom Blake's ability to write, his publisher refuses to advance him more money until he forsakes that environment. A friend of Tom's arranges for him to become the boarder of her Southern friend Eugenia, a fledgling writer inspired by Tom's first novel, so he can find the quiet he needs for work. Using an assumed name, Tom is introduced to Eugenia's proud, aristocratic grandmother as a guest, since she would never condescend to taking in boarders. The black servant Toby defers to Tom, but does not give the elaborate, courtly bow he reserves for family members. After Tom helps turn Eugenia's poor manuscript into a novel by virtually rewriting it himself, the book's success allows Eugenia to pay the estate's mortgage, but, when she learns Tom's identity, she furiously declares that she wants no charity. After experiencing Greenwich Village however, Eugenia returns, forgives Tom, and they marry. Tom then receives his long awaited bow from Toby.
Director
Harry Beaumont
Cast
Tom Moore
Doris Pawn
Macey Harlam
Arthur Housman
Colin Kenny
Augustus Phillips
Catherine Wallace
Violet Schram
Ruby La Fayette
George K. Kuwa
Nick Cogley
Film Details
Quotes
Trivia
Notes
The annual Pagan Rout ball given in Webster Hall in Greenwich Village, New York, which prominent artists, singers, players, and authors attended, was reproduced in a scene in this film. According to Exhibitor's Trade Review, the character Eugenia's surname is "Fairchild," while Moving Picture World calls her "Vardaman." An unidentified reviewer stated that author John Tainter Foote's "understanding of the psychology of the Southern negro has resulted in some of the most delightful characterizations in modern American fiction." Exhibitor's Trade Review commented, "Nick Cogley plays the part of Toby, the old colored servitor whose bow is sacred to family members only, and his performance is remarkable for its clever pantomime, aided by an ancient darky makeup which could not be improved upon."
