Skinner's Dress Suit

Juvenile actor Bryant Washburn, who advanced his career with an impressive performance in "The Blindness of Virtue" (1915), essayed young adult roles with increasing popularity. The late "teens" were a peak, but Washburn endured through the 1940s. Although the whereabouts of "Skinner's Dress Suit" is presently unknown, we know it was a success. There were two sequels, "Skinner's Bubble" (1917) and "Skinner's Baby" (1917), followed by two 1920s films (without Mr. Washburn). "William Skinner" is from a series of stories by Henry Irving Dodge. Washburn's three Essanay "Skinner" productions were directed by Harry Beaumont, the off-screen husband of his on-screen wife, Hazel Daly (as Honey Skinner).

In a storyline which should presently recognizable as a situation comedy staple, Washburn is too timid to ask boss James C. Carroll (as McLaughlin) for a promotion, or raise in salary. He makes only $40 a week. With encouragement from Ms. Daly, "Skinner" summons up the nerve to request the raise, but gets cold feet during the confrontation. Unable to admit his failure, Washburn buys "Skinner's Dress Suit" at the behest of his celebratory wife. Although he can't afford the suit, it helps him advance at work, and ends up paying for itself. In "Photoplay" (May 1917), reviewer Julian Johnson called the film "superlative fun-making" for Washburn, with Daly "charming," and good support from Mr. Dunkinson, and Mr. Carroll.

****** Skinner's Dress Suit (2/6/17) Harry Beaumont ~ Bryant Washburn, Hazel Daly, Harry Dunkinson, James C. Carroll