User Reviews

By cobbling together the best footage from multiple 16mm prints, Grapevine have done Emory Johnson proud in this splendid tinted presentation of one of the producer/director's most spectacular movies, The Third Alarm. In my opinion, this version is superior to the 1930 version which Emory Johnson re-made with James Hall, Anita Louise and Jean Hersholt in the roles here played Johnnie Walker, Ella Hall and Ralph Lewis. The incident-packed story was written by the director's mother, Emilie Johnson. Fortunately, both the Johnsons had access to the real fire-fighters and were able to commandeer some really spectacular fire footage. Admittedly, for a while there it looked as if the Johnsons were going to go overboard on sentiment, but they change their collective minds to build up a really nail-biting scenario instead. The special effects are outstanding. Admittedly, any viewer who isn't moved by sentiment won't find The Third Alarm as thrilling as I did. But for me, the film offered really grand entertainment. The whole cast was totally convincing and should be firmly congratulated, but particularly Ralph Lewis who plays the lead in a thoroughly convincing style. Fine photography by Henry Sharp is also a considerable asset. The movie was expertly produced by Emory Johnson on a spectacular budget. Sources differ as to whether the original theatrical version had six or seven reels, but the five-reel Kodascope cutdown was one of that library's most popular movies – and no wonder! This five-reel version is now available on an excellent DVD from Grapevine.