Vidor was at pains to cast a regular guy in the ‘Everyman’ lead role for his story of ordinary people, finding the perfect candidate in an unknown extra named James Murray. On giving him a screen test, Vidor concluded that Murray was ‘one of the best natural actors we had ever encountered.’

The story starts on the 4th of July with the birth of Johnny (Murray). Raised to dream big, as befits his birthday, Johnny grows up and moves to the city. He is confident of setting the world on fire, but Johnny’s dreams are dampened when he ends up as one more anonymous drone in a vast, characterless office. Then, on a blind double-date, he meets Mary… and life starts looking up.

Flawless performances across the board, astonishing location work on the busy New York streets and chaotic Coney Island, plus elegant camerawork, all add up to an intensely affecting, down-to-earth story. Truthful and brilliant… a bravura finale for HippFest 2026!

Dir. King Vidor | USA | 1928 | N/C PG b&w | English intertitles | 1h 41m + short

With: James Murray, Eleanor Boardman, Bert Roach

Performing live: John Sweeney (piano)

Online programme notes: David Cairns

Content advisory: Contains derogatory racial language.

Screening material courtesy of Park Circus/Warner Bros.

After-party 22:30–23:30 | Richmond Park Hotel
Join the team in the Richmond Park Hotel’s warm and friendly bar after the Closing Night film to raise a glass in celebration of HippFest’s 16th year! Light snacks will be available.