The Johnstown Flood recently became available on YouTube in a rather poor 16 mm print, with the last few minutes missing. The plot is standard for the period, raised above the usual fare by the A picture quality. I watched it to see Janet Gaynor in what was claimed to be her star making role. Certainly, she looks cute, and emoted appealingly, but third billed, she has much less screen time than Florence Gilbert. Almost all the characters lack depth except she and George O'Brien.. The logging scenes were genuine and interesting. Of course, the special effects of the flood were the reason for watch the film. They were of the same high quality as The Trail of 98 (1928), with persons being mowed under by water and logs. The matted scene of the water flowing through the town was as good as when water roars down Times Square in When Worlds Collide (1951). I was disappointed in the extent of Gaynor's appearance, but I assume that the missing footage showed she was the real love of O'Brien, and sparks flew. If so, this was the reason for their re-teaming in Sunrise (1927)
Review of The Johnstown Flood
