A Universal Pictures Release
June 1928 - 8 Reels
Directed by Edward Sloman

FEATURED CAST
Norman Kerry
Lewis Stone
Crauford Kent
with
June Marlowe (as Gabrielle)
and
Mary Nolan

The frontispiece of the photoplay edition of the novel, depicting June as Gabrielle
and Norman Kerry as Richard, her love interest.

June, Mary Nolan, and Norman Kerry in a confrontational scene midway through the film.

As Don Juan was June's "prestige" film at Warner Brothers, this was June's "prestige" film for Universal.  The Foreign Legion was based upon a best selling novel by Ida Alexa Ross (I.A.R.) Wylie, titled The Red Mirage.  The film was released with much fanfare, including a photoplay edition of the novel.  The film was also sold to exhibitors as a "special," meaning it played in markets large and small with ticket prices raised because is was a "prestige" picture. June appears in a major role as Gabrielle, the hero's love interest whose love for her is almost thwarted by a former flame of his.  The film culminates in false charges, a court martial, and a firing squad.  Just when you think it's curtains for Gabrielle's true love, he and she escape into the desert at the film's exciting finale.

As the advertisement to the right says, "Here is a great picture -- you'll thrill -- you'll chill -- it has drama -- romance -- and a wonderful story!  Some exhibitors did not feel the same. The following theater owner wrote in the trade paper Exhibitor's Herald-World: "Wotta Flop! We took just 5 cents over the film rental."  Other owners were more positive:  "This is splendid entertainment. Star and cast extra good."  Another owner said "Pleased practically 100 percent.  Many of our patrons said it was better than 'Beau Geste.'  Great for any theatre."  And one happy owner declared "Had biggest crowd I have had on this.  Turned over a hundred people away the first night." Major newspaper reviews leaned towards the positive:  Harrison's Reports said "(Universal) has made a pretty good picture.."  Variety reported "Cast has good names and offers plenty of opportunity for exploitation."  And for June, the New York Times stated "June Marlowe is attractive as the girl."  Of course.

Gabrielle and Richard face the desert together.

1928 was a very busy year for June.  She would appear in seven films for Universal, one more than her busy year of 1925 with Warner Brothers.  As she did when she appeared opposite John Barrymore in Don Juan for Warners, she would next appear opposite another silent screen legend for Universal.

Thanks to Scott Johnson for additional research.
Photographs are from the collection of Don Spears.

This film, once available through Universal's "Show At Home" rental program, is unavailable for viewing.