This page presents an annotated, worldwide bibliography of reviews, articles and other published material related to the 1926 film It’s the Old Army Game (link to LBS filmography page). This American film includes Louise Brooks in the role Mildred Marshall. Under its American title, documented screenings of the film took place in Australia, Canada, England, Jamaica, Japan, and New Zealand. In Czechoslovakia the film was promoted under the title The Old Army Game. Elsewhere, this motion picture was known to have been shown under other-language titles including Die Strake des Grauens (Germany);El boticario rural (Argentina); Een Apothekersstreek (Belgium); To je starí hra armády (Czechoslovakia); Un Conte D’Apothicaire (France); チョビ髯大将 (Japan); Un Conte d’hapoticaire! (Luxembourg); El Boticario Rural (Mexico); Pierewaaier — Pilledraaier (The Netherlands); El boticario rural (Spain); and Mannen som gör vad som faller honom in (Sweden).
This page is a work in progress. The intention of this selective bibliography is to be both comprehensive and as useful as possible. Most citations represent a substantial review or article. Significant shorter, capsule reviews — usually a paragraph or two in length — are so noted. Entries are arranged chronologically. Critical commentary regarding Brooks, or the film as a whole (excerpted from the material cited) are given as annotations. Some citations link to the material noted: some links reside on the Louise Brooks Society, while others reside elsewhere on the web.
Much can be gleamed from a bibliography such as this. Besides what critics thought of the film, one can follow the path of the film’s distribution — where it showed and when, and if the film was shown before its official release date. As well, this bibliography shows how many newspapers there may have been in any given city or town, and which reviewed movies. History, here, is in the details.
An * indicates that a copy of this citation is held in the archives of the LBS. This annotated bibliography has been compiled by Thomas Gladysz, and was last updated in October 2015. [Help wanted: If you know of additional citations, can provide further information on entries noted on this page, or can provide copies of citations not marked with an * but which are known to exist, please contact the LBS. The LBS would like to acquire material on the screening of this film in Alaska (if it was), as well as in Latin America, eastern Europe, the Soviet Union, and Asia.]
IT’S THE OLD ARMY GAME
released May 25, 1926
anonymous. “Louise Brooks Has Leading Role.” Mansfield News, February 7, 1926. *
— instance of syndicated, short article in Mansfield, Ohio newspaper
anonymous. “Cave-Men Originators Of Old Army Game.” Virginian-Pilot and the Norfolk Landmark, February 7, 1926. *
— article in Norfolk, Virginia newspaper
anonymous. “Louise Brooks Cast For Feminine Lead in Fields Picture.” Oakland Tribune, February 28, 1926. *
— article in Oakland, California newspaper
anonymous. “Blanche Ring With W.C. Fields in It’s the Old Army Game.” Quincy Whig Journal, March 7, 1926. *
— related article in Quincy, Illinois newspaper
anonymous. “Ocala Is Enjoying Movie Popularity.” Palm Beach Post, March 14, 1926. *
— related article in Palm Beach, Florida newspaper
anonymous. “It’s the Old Army Game.” Exhibitor’s Herald, May 1, 1926. *
— pre-release notice
anonymous. “The Old Army Game.” Reel Journal, May 22, 1926. *
— pre-release notice
anonymous. “W.C. Fields, Comedian Howard Film Star.” Atlanta Constitution, May 23, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks, a little lady who promises to create nothing short of a sensation because of her portrayal as the girl Fields would like to marry, gives a mighty fine performance.” – Atlanta, Georgia newspaper
anonymous. “Lot of Gags In Film at The Howard.” Atlanta Georgian, May 23, 1926. *
— review in Atlanta, Georgia newspaper
anonymous. “Capitol Theater to Present Bill Jones And His Orchestra.” Hartford Courant, May 23, 1926. *
— article in Hartford, Connecticut newspaper
anonymous. “Movies on View This Week.” Indianapolis Star, May 23, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks is cast in the leading feminine role as the girl Fields would like to marry.” – article in Indianapolis, Indiana newspaper
anonymous. “Lotsa Comedy Found in Picture at State.” Dayton Journal, May 24, 1926. *
— review in Dayton, Ohio newspaper
anonymous. “It’s the Old Army Game – Ohio.” Indianapolis News, May 24, 1926.*
— review in Indianapolis, Indiana newspaper
anonymous. “Screen Offerings For the Week.” Daily Kennebec Journal, May 24, 1926. *
— article in Augusta, Maine newspaper
Hickman, Walter D. “Comedians Do Their Stuff on Screen While the Villains Shoot ‘Em Dead.” Indianapolis Times, May 24, 1926. *
— review in Indianapolis, Indiana newspaper
T., R. G. “The New Pictures.” Indianapolis Star, May 24, 1926. *
— review in Indianapolis, Indiana newspaper
anonymous. “Pictures Playing Atlanta This Week.” Weekly Film Review, May 26, 1926. *
— review; “There was considerable good acting on the part of the star, who was ably supported by Louise Brooks and William Gaxton.” – Atlanta, Georgia trade journal
anonymous. “Virginian Offers Old Army Game.” Charleston Gazette, May 28, 1926. *
— article in Charleston, West Virginia newspaper
Harrison, P. S. “It’s the Old Army Game – with W.C. Fields and Louise Brooks.” Harrison’s Reports, May 29, 1926. *
— brief review in trade publication; “The picture starts like a whirlwind, but soon falls into a rut from which it never comes out.”
anonymous. “Parkway.” Wisconsin State Journal, May 30, 1926. *
— article in Madison, Wisconsin newspaper
anonymous. “The Old Army Game Featured at Olympia.” Miami Herald, May 31, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks is the leading lady in It’s the Old Army Game.” – brief review in Miami, Florida newspaper
anonymous. “W.C. Fields Starred In Paramount Film.” Salt Lake Telegram, May 31, 1926. *
— review in Salt Lake City, Utah newspaper
anonymous. “Attractions at Theaters Tersely Told.” Santa Barbara Daily News, May 31, 1926. *
— “Of course Louise Brooks is in The Old Army Game just to add spice to the picture: she is certainly good to look at.” – review in Santa Barbara, California newspaper
B., E. D. “W.C. Fields as Screen Wag is Great.” San Francisco Call and Post, May 31, 1926. *
— “Fields is going to help a lot to restore the confidence of a good many cash customers in movie comedies.” – San Francisco, California newspaper
Gillaspey, A. F. “Fields Makes Debut as Star.” San Francisco Bulletin, May 31, 1926. *
— “The bulk of the action is centered in the Fields type of comedy.” – San Francisco, California newspaper
Helm, Carl. “Army Game is Amusing Picture.” San Francisco Examiner, May 31, 1926. *
— “. . . and the gloriously-wrought Louise Brooks . . . Miss Brooks has nothing much to do but look lovely in a swimming suit, no difficult task for her.” – San Francisco, California newspaper
W., M. “W.C. Fields Is a Scream in His New Comedy at Valentine.” Toledo Times, May 31, 1926. *
— review in Toledo, Ohio newspaper
anonymous. “Hilarious Comedy Is Featured at Strand.” Modesto News-Herald, June 1, 1926. *
— “Then there is the piquant pert little Louise Brooks featured along with Mr. Fields. She contributes a performance second only to that given by the star.” – review in Modesto, California newspaper
M., H. W. “Films.” Santa Barbara Morning Press, June 1, 1926. *
— review in Santa Barbara, California newspaper
anonymous. “W.C. Fields Stars In New Picture At Metropolitan.” Los Angeles Daily Illustrated News, June 4, 1926. *
— article in Los Angeles, California newspaper
anonymous. “Makes Debut in First Star Role.” Los Angeles Times, June 4, 1926. *
— brief article in Los Angeles, California newspaper
anonymous. “New Pictures Win Critic’s Plaudits.” Los Angeles Evening Herald, June 5, 1926. *
— review in Los Angeles, California newspaper
anonymous. “It’s the Old Army Game With W.C. Fields On Keith Screen First Half of Coming Week.” Ottawa Citizen, June 5, 1926. (Canada) *
— article in Ottawa, Canada newspaper
Barnes, Eleanor. “Comedy Runs High In Fields Film At Metropolitan.” Los Angeles Daily Illustrated News, June 5, 1926. *
— review in Los Angeles, California newspaper
Goss, Gregory. “Old Army Game Splendid Comedy.” Los Angeles Examiner, June 5, 1926. *
— review in Los Angeles, California newspaper
Starr, Jimmy. “New Comedy In Old Army Game.” Los Angeles Record, June 5, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks is evidently very proud of her comely figure. This is the third picture in which she has worn that black bathing suit. However, Louise is a clever little actress.” – review in Los Angeles, California newspaper
anonymous. “Comedian Runs Into a Deer.” Helena Independent, June 6, 1926. *
— short article in Helena, Montana newspaper
Craig, Betty. “Many Attractions Are Booked For the Week.” Denver Post, June 6, 1926. *
— “In the meantime the young fellow from the big town has fallen in love with the lovely creature that serves as the store’s only clerk, who is none other than the captivating Louise Brooks.” – review in Denver, Colorado newspaper
Craig, Betty. “Great Variety to be Found in Denver’s Movie Programs.” Denver Post, June 7, 1926. *
— “W. C. Fields is very amusing, and Louise Brooks, featured with Mr. Fields, gives a dandy performance.” – review in Denver, Colorado newspaper
anonymous. “Lyceum.” Duluth Herald, June 7, 1926. *
— review in Duluth, Minnesota newspaper
anonymous. “Lyceum.” Duluth News Tribune, June 7, 1926. *
— review in Duluth, Minnesota newspaper
M., R.M. “At B. F. Keith’s.” Ottawa Citizen, June 8, 1926. *
— brief review in Ottawa, Canada newspaper
Hughston, Josephine. “Old Army Game at California Is a Laughing Success.” San Jose Mercury Herald, June 8, 1926. *
— “W. C. Fields is fully three-fourths of the show and Louise Brooks, who is rather new to screen stardom, comes near being the remaining fourth.” – San Jose, California newspaper
anonymous. “W.C. Fields in Laughter Riot at the Regent.” San Mateo Times, June 9, 1926. *
— short article in San Mateo, California newspaper
anonymous. “Gorgeous Comedy at California.” San Jose Evening News, June 10, 1926. *
— article in San Jose, California newspaper
anonymous. “Theaters.” Santa Ana Register, June 11, 1926.*
— article in Santa Ana, California newspaper
S., W. R. “Views and Reviews.” Film Mercury, June 11, 1926. *
— “A new actress has broken into pictures in the name of Louise Brooks, she shines like a gem in the rough.” – review in film trade journal
anonymous. “Fields Has Screaming Comedy in His New Film, The Old Army Game.” Sandusky Star-Journal, June 12, 1926. *
— article in Sandusky, Ohio newspaper
anonymous. “Rollicking Comedy Opens Tomorrow at California Theater.” Santa Monica Evening Outlook, June 12, 1926. *
— article in Santa Monica, California newspaper
anonymous. “At the Theaters.” Providence Journal, June 13, 1926. *
— article in Providence, Rhode Island newspaper
anonymous. “Oh, Deer! Here’s Tale of 3 Wise Crackers.” Venice Evening Vanguard, June 13, 1926. *
— article in Venice, California newspaper
anonymous. “Paramount Star Has Unusual Experience While on Location.” Santa Monica Evening Outlook, June 14, 1926. *
— article in Santa Monica, California newspaper
anonymous. “Stage – Music – Photoplay.” Detroit Saturday Night, June 19, 1926. *
— short write-up in weekly Detroit, Michigan entertainment newspaper
anonymous. “Old Army Game Mirth Maker at American.” Oakland Post-Enquirer, June 19, 1926. *
— short article in Oakland, California newspaper
anonymous. “What’s Needed, Florida Has, Sometimes.” Washington Times, June 19, 1926. *
— article on the making of the film in Washington D.C. newspaper
Star-News Critic. “Plenty of Comedy on Raymond Bill.” Pasadena Star-News, June 19, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks, a recent Paramount find, is not a bit hard to look at, and should be heard from.” – review in Pasadena, California newspaper
anonymous. “Mr. Fields on Travel.” Washington Herald, June 20, 1926. *
— article in Washington D.C. newspaper
anonymous. “The New Movies in Review.” Detroit News, June 20, 1926. *
— “Mr. Fields’ assistants in It’s the Old Army Game are entirely unimportant. Louise Brooks’ dark and beautiful features are purely pictorial and there is a half-hearted but unfinished attempt at a love affair.” – review in Detroit, Michigan newspaper
anonymous. “Blanche Ring is Favorite in Film.” Pasadena Star-News, June 21, 1926. *
— article in Pasadena, California newspaper
anonymous. “Offerings at Local Theaters.” Washington Post, June 21, 1926. *
— “This week Fields – by himself – keeps the Palace audiences convulsed with laughter throughout almost the entire picture.” – Washington D.C. newspaper
anonymous. “Palace – It’s The Old Army Game.” Washington Star, June 21, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks is present, wears a bathing suit, and smiles sweetly throughout.” – Washington D.C. newspaper
Irvin. “Fine Comedy Film Showing at Palace.” Washington Herald, June 21, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks played in Ziegfeld’s Follies when Fields was running wild with Ray Dooley, et all. In this picture she has the feminine lead, and she surely confirms all promises of being the movie ‘find’ of the season.” – review in Washington D.C. newspaper
McCormick, Ella H. “Reel Players.” Detroit Free Press, June 21, 1926. *
— “Fields scored a splendid triumph in this picture. A great part of the success of the offering, however, is due to Louise Brooks, who takes the lead feminine part.” – review in Detroit, Michigan newspaper
Marsh, Ward W. “Fields Whole Show in Allen.” Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 21, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks and William Gaxton carry what is generally known as the necessary love interest. Gaxton amounts to nothing, but Miss Brooks parades the personal magnetism to the limit, and late in the story is found wandering around in a bathing suit – for no sound reason except to display a form which assuredly needs not bathing suit to set it off. There is no complaint, however, on the appearance in the bathing suit.” – review in Cleveland, Ohio newspaper
P., E. L. “Blame this One on the Director.” Washington Times, June 21, 1926. *
— review in Washington D.C. newspaper
Richardson, Charles J. “W.C. Fields in True Comedy.” Detroit Times, June 21, 1926. *
— “Upon this frail framework Fields erects a pyramid of laughs with his droll humor and naive antics. it also furnishes the opportunity for Louise Brooks to offer a sparkling performance as the clerk.” – review in Detroit, Michigan newspaper
anonymous. “W.C. Fields Is Very Versatile Comedian.” Pasadena Star-News, June 22, 1926. *
— article in Pasadena, California newspaper
anonymous. “Louise Brooks Leads In Coral Gables Film.” Miami Herald, June 25, 1926. *
— short article in Miami, Florida newspaper
anonymous. “It’s the Old Army Game on Screen at Missouri Today.” St. Louis Globe-Democrat, June 27, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks, the Ziegfeld girl with the million dollar legs.” – article in St. Louis, Missouri newspaper
Adams, Carl B. “Photoplay Reviews.” Cincinnati Enquirer, June 28, 1926. *
— “Next to Fields, the chief attration of It’s the Old Army Game is Louise Brooks, one of the most promising finds of the season. All that she has to do to make a hit is wear a bathing suit, which she does in this picture.” – review in Cincinnati, Ohio newspaper
Aston, Frank. “Old Army Game.” Cincinnati Post, June 28, 1927. *
— “But before that, consider also that Louise Brooks, once in a one-piece bathing suit, is the most pleasing sight we have beheld since we saw our barber cut his own chin.” – review in Cincinnati, Ohio newspaper
Feldkamp, Frances V. “Movie Reviews.” St. Louis Globe-Democrat, June 28, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks, fulfilling some of the promises she made in her first jump into the picture game, is a clerk in her store.” – review in St. Louis, Missouri newspaper
Nie. “New Films.” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, June 28, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks, exceedingly easy to look at, flits off and on the screen . . . .” – St. Louis, Missouri newspaper
Parsons, Polly. “Realm of Silent Drama.” Milwaukee Sentinel, June 28, 1926. *
— “Assisting Fields in his fun-making is a fine assortment of talent, including one Ford, and such theatrical celebrities as Louise Brooks, Blanche Ring and Rose Elliott.” – Milwaukee, Wisconsin newspaper
Patton, Peggy. “Fields Pleases in Comedy Film.” Wisconsin News, June 28, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks, Blanche Ring and Rose Elliot are the featured players. Each contributes a very good bit of acting.” – brief article in Milwaukee, Wisconsin newspaper
“It’s the Old Army Game – This Soda Business.” Motion Picture Classic, July, 1926. *
— captioned photographs
anonymous. “Ex-Soldiers! You Will Enjoy Capitol Picture.” Davenport Democrat and Leader, July 1, 1926. *
— review in Davenport, Iowa newspaper
anonymous. “Tower Theater Programs.” Chicago Evening Post, July 3, 1926. *
— article in Chicago, Illinois newspaper
Service, T.O. “Service Talks.” Exhibitor’s Herald, July 3, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks is the other important person in the picture and, as insinuated rather bluntly on the occasion of her first appearance – in The American Venus – she’s important. Miss Brooks isn’t like anybody else. Nor has she a distinguishing characteristic which may be singled out for purposes of identification. She’s just a very definite personality. She doesn’t do much, perhaps becuase there isn’t much to do but probably because she hits hardest when doing nothing, but nobody looks away when she’s on screen. If Miss Glyn should say that Miss Brooks has ‘it,’ more people would know what Miss Glyn is raving about. But in that case she would not be raving. ” – commentary on the film in trade journal
anonymous. “Amusements.” Arkansas Gazette, July 4, 1926. *
— brief article in Little Rock, Arkansas newspaper
anonymous. “The Old Army Game.” Austin Statesman, July 4, 1926. *
— brief article in Austin, Texas newspaper
anonymous. “Theater, Musik & Kunst.” New Yorker Volkszeitung, July 4, 1926. *
— Brooks is noted in write-up in German-language, New York City newspaper
anonymous. “Extra Attractions Are Coming For Holiday at Keith-Albee.” Youngstown Vindicator, July 4, 1926. *
— article in Youngstown, Ohio newspaper
author unknown. New York Graphic, July 5?, 1926.
— “Perhaps Fields intended to make a celluloid record of past performances of behind-the-footlights successes to hand down to posterity.” – New York City newspaper
Martin, Quinn. “The New Film.” The World, July 5, 1926. *
— “The drug store’s counter attraction’ is Louise Brooks, that attractive brunette. What Miss Brooks does in It’s the Old Army Game to live up to all the ballywhooing which these columns have been carrying on in her behalf is practically nothing. That this Paramount party is handsome no one doubts. But so also, it has been said, is Carpentier.” – New York City newspaper
Cherrington, H. E. “It’s Old Army Game, And Who Could Be A More Likable Fakir Than W. C. Fields.” Columbus Dispatch, July 5, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks, a dainty little brunette, with cute girlish ways, a way of flirting, a way of kissing and with a figure that formerly earned Ziegfeld or Carroll honors, looks like a good screen personality. If properly handled, she will be a real comer.” – review in Columbus, Ohio newspaper
Creelman, Eileen. “Fields, New Film Star, is Most of Old Army Game.” New York American, July 5, 1926. *
— “Louise is looking her prettiest as the drug store clerk. Her piquant little face has gained more expression since the dissapointment of A Social Celebrity.” Yet she’s in the picture more as decoration than plot.” – New York City newspaper
G., C. A. “Grand.” Ohio State Journal, July 5, 1926. *
— review in Columbus, Ohio newspaper
H., C. “Our Mary, Grimy And Ragged, Needs No Plot.” Daily Oklahoman, July 5, 1926. *
— brief review in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma newspaper
Hall, Mordaunt. “A Clattering Farce.” New York Times, July 5, 1926. *
— “Mr. Fields’s clever and energetic performance is helped along by the attractive Louise Brooks.” – New York City newspaper
Herzog, Dorothy. “It’s the Old Army Game.” Daily Mirror, July 5, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks has little to do, but she manages to flash a slow, come-on smile for her sundry close-ups.” – New York City newspaper
McGowen, Roscoe. “Fields-Brooks Picture Lacks Real Sunshine.” Daily News, July 5, 1926. *
— “The picture is worth going to see just to look at Louise Brooks, one of the most ornamental young persons we have on the screen.” – New York City newspaper
Roe, Cap La. “Grand.” Columbus Citizen, July 5, 1926. *
— ” . . . pretty little Louise Brooks.” – brief review in Columbus, Ohio newspaper
Strauss, H. David. “W. C. Fields’s Old Army Game Holiday Offering at Strand.” Morning Telegraph, July 5, 1926. *
— “William Gaxton makes a pleasing juvenile, while Louise Brooks is dainty and cute in a role that offers no great opportunities.” – review was repeated in July 11th edition; New York City newspaper
Underhill, Harriette. “On the Screen.” New York Herald Tribune, July 5, 1926. *
— “For good measure, however, someone has had the sense to write in a part for Louise Brooks. Now there is a lady we always are cheerful over when our men friends rave. We can understand it perfectly. Not only has this considerate some one written in a romance for Miss Brooks, but he has also provided her with a chance to wear a bathing suit!” – New York City newspaper
anonymous. “The Screen.” Chico Daily Enterprise, July 6, 1926. *
— brief article in Chico, California newspaper
anonymous. “She’s Pert, Peppy, Pretty, Talented.” Glendale Daily Press, July 6, 1926. *
— article in Glendale, California newspaper
anonymous. “New Photoplays.” New York Post, July 6, 1926. *
— “Also involved, but only slightly, is the attractive Louise Brooks, herself late of the ‘Follies’.” – New York City newspaper
Pelswick, Rose. “New Pictures on Broadway.” New York Evening Journal, July 6, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks is ornamental in one or two bits.” – New York City newspaper
Zimmerman, Katherine. “Unreeling the Films.” New York Telegram, July 6, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks, who plays opposite fields, has little to do but look pretty, which she accomplishes by the generous use of both her screen expressions.” – New York City newspaper
anonymous. “Picture Plays and Players.” New York Sun, July 7, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks, who is good looking on the stage, appears in this picture, and is good looking in it.” – New York City newspaper
anonymous. “It’s the Old Army Game.” Variety, July 7, 1926. *
— “. . . a chance for Louise Brooks to strut her stuff. Miss Brooks photographs like a million dollars and shows a screen personality that’s ‘there.’ This girl is going to land right at the top in the picture racket and is a real bet at this time.”
anonymous. “Keith Albee Features.” Youngstown Telegram, July 7, 1926. *
— brief review in Youngstown, Ohio newspaper
Mewhinney, Hubert B. “TONIGHT — At Austin Theaters.” Austin Statesman, July 7, 1926. *
— “Brooks . . . is the snappiest looking girl in the movies.” – capsule review in Austin, Texas newspaper
anonymous. “Olympic Theatre.” Jewish Criterion, July 9, 1926. *
— Louise Brooks is referenced in article in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania publication
anonymous. “Old Army Game at Regent Has Some Good Comedy.” Riverside Daily Press, July 9, 1926. *
— article in Riverside, California newspaper
anonymous. “Fields’ First Comedy Showing at Mosque.” Newark Star-Eagle, July 10, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks, a little lady who promises to create nothing sort of a sensation, because of her portrayal of the girl Fields would like to marry, gives a mighty fine performance.” – article in Newark, New Jersey newspaper
Dickstein, Martin. “Slow Motion.” Brooklyn Daily Eagle, July 11, 1926. *
— article in New York City newspaper
S., R. V. “W.C. Fields Funny as Ever in The Old Army Game.” Baltimore Sun, July 11, 1926. *
— article in Baltimore, Maryland newspaper
anonymous. “Stage and Screen.” Kalamazoo Gazette, July 12, 1926. *
— ” . . . and there is the radiant presence of Miss Louise Brooks, who lends a piquant charm to the piece.” – review in Kalamazoo, Michigan newspaper
anonymous. “Palace Theater.” Waterbury American, July 12, 1926. *
— ” The Palace Patrons fairly howled last night.” – review in Waterbury, Connecticut newspaper
Dickstein, Martin. “The Cinema Circuit.” Brooklyn Daily Eagle, July 12, 1926. *
— review in New York City newspaper
anonymous. “W. C. Fields and Pole Film at Mosque.” Newark Star-Eagle, July 12, 1926. *
— “This picture not only affords a good deal of typical Fields comedy in a suitable story frame, but also reveals the possibilities of Louise Brooks, Follies girl who is making decidely good in the cinema. . . . All told, Fields need not regret his first Paramount production. Louise Brooks, with a touch of piquancy, a good range of registration, and the conception of restriant, is pleasing as the heroine.” – article in Newark, New Jersey newspaper
anonymous. “The Old Army Game Is Strand Photo Play.” Brooklyn Citizen, July 13, 1926. *
— review in New York City newspaper
anonymous. “The Play Shop.” Brooklyn Daily Times, July 13, 1926. *
— review in New York City newspaper
anonymous. “Slow Motion.” Brooklyn Standard Union, July 13, 1926. *
— brief article in New York City newspaper
anonymous. “Regent – It’s the Old Army Game.” Pittsburgh Chronicle Telegraph, July 13, 1926. *
— short article in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania newspaper
anonymous. “Olympic – It’s the Old Army Game.” Pittsburgh Press, July 13, 1926. *
— short article in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania newspaper
anonymous. “Patrons Pleased With Strand Program.” Musical Courier, July 15, 1926. *
— brief review of New York City screening and accompanying stage attraction
anonymous. “The Low Down on the Picture.” Motion Pictures Today, July 17, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks shows great possibilities though her part is small. ” – review in trade journal
anonymous. “Quick Stuff on Pictures for Busy Showman.” Motion Pictures Today, July 17, 1926. *
— capsule review in trade journal
C., O. “The Current Cinema.” New Yorker, July 17, 1926. *
— brief review; “Also mixed in the presentation is Louise Brooks, but, outside of what is nowadays called Personality, she contributes very little.”
Chartier, Roy. “Film: It’s the Old Army Game.” Billboard, July 17, 1926. *
— “The story of It’s the Old Army Game is as thin as the poorest chicken soup, and outside of Fields and Louise Brooks the cast means nothing at all.”
Sewell, C. S. “Field’s Clowning and Host of Good Gags Makes His First Starring Film Thoroughly Amusing.” Moving Picture World, July 17, 1926. *
— review in trade publication; “Fields bears the brunt of almost the entire production in which Louise Brooks proves his efficient aid and adds attractiveness.”
anonymous. “Fields’ Comedy to be at Galaxy.” Birmingham Age-Herald, July 18, 1926. *
— article in Birmingham, Alabama newspaper
anonymous. “The Old Army Game, Galax Play, Features W.C. Fields.” Birmingham News, July 18, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks is featured.” – brief article in Birmingham, Alabama newspaper
anonymous. “W. C. Fields in It’s the Old Army Game.” Film Daily, July 18, 1926. *
— capsule review; “Louise Brooks furnishes all the pictorial appeal. She is one of the prettiest of the screen’s younger players.”
anonymous. “With the Producers and Players.” New York Times, July 18, 1926. *
— J.P. McEvoy disclaims the final authorship of the film in column in New York City newspaper
anonymous. “At the Strand.” Des Moines Register, July 19, 1926. *
— short review in Des Moines, Iowa newspaper
anonymous. “Stage and Screen.” Flint Journal, July 19, 1926. *
— “Then there is picquant Louise Brooks late featured dancer of The Follies and Louis the 14th, who in this picture contributes a performance second only to that given by the star.” – review in Flint, Michigan newspaper
anonymous. “It’s Old Army Game Is a Riot From Start.” Lansing State Journal, July 19, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks, a little lady who promises to create nothing short of a sensation, becasue of her portrayal as the girl Fields would like to marry, gives a mighty fine performance.” – review in Lansing, Michigan newspaper
anonymous. “New Pictures.” Time, July 19, 1926. *
— capsule review; “His lovely clerk (Louise Brooks) runs away with a real estate salesman.”
anonymous. “Fields Film at Strand ‘A Scream’.” Binghamton Press, July 20, 1926. *
— review in Binghamton, New York newspaper
anonymous. “The Old Army Game Billed at Capitol.” Sacramento Bee, July 21, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks is cast as the girl Fields would like to marry. She is said to give a very pleasant performance.” – Sacramento, California newspaper
anonymous. “Comedy Features Bill at Capitol.” Sacramento Union, July 22, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks promises to create a small sensation because of her portrayal as the girl Fields would like to marry.” – Sacramento, California newspaper
anonymous. “Pre-release Reviews of Features.” Motion Picture News, July 24, 1926. *
— “A neat enough job has been done in sprinkling the plot with the skits employed by Fields. The titles are breezy.” – review, with five scene stills, in trade journal
anonymous. “W. C. Fields in Comedy at Met.” Baltimore Post, July 25, 1926. *
— article in Baltimore, Maryland newspaper
C., T. M. “W.C. Fields’ Latest Here This Week.” Baltimore Sun, July 25, 1926. *
— article in Baltimore, Maryland newspaper
W., L. M. “Stage and Screen.” Ann Arbor Times News, July 26, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks has the feminine lead and gives a creditable performance." – brief review in Ann Arbor, Michigan newspaper
anonymous. “Plenty of Comedy in Met Film Drama.” Baltimore American, July 27, 1926. *
— “If Mr. Fields is responsible for the continuous fun, the beauty of the picture must be credited largely to Louise Brooks, who takes the part of Mildred." – review in Baltimore, Maryland newspaper
Sewell, C.S. “It’s the Old Army Game – Paramount.” Moving Picture World, July 27, 1926. *
— “Fields bears the brunt of almost the entire production in which Louise Brooks proves his efficient aid and adds attractiveness.”
anonymous. “It’s the Old Army Game at the California.” Salinas Daily Index, July 29, 1926. *
— article with image of Brooks and Fields in Salinas, California newspaper
anonymous. “At the Arcadia.” Savannah Press, July 29, 1926. *
— review in Savannah, Georgia newspaper
Sherwood, Robert E. “The Silent Drama.” Life, July 29, 1926. *
— “Mr. Fields has to carry the entire production on his shoulders, with some slight assistance from the sparkling Louise Brooks . . . .”
anonymous. “Old Army Game Shows at Garden.” Battle Creek Enquirer and Evening News, July 31, 1926. *
— article in Battle Creek, Michigan newspaper
Sandburg, Carl. “It’s the Old Army Game Has Plenty of Background.” Chicago Daily News, August 2, 1926. *
— review in Chicago, Illinois newspaper [ reprinted in The Movies Are (Chicago: Lake Claremont Press, 2000) ]
anonymous. “U.C. Theater Will Show Old Army Game.” Berkeley Daily Gazette, August 3, 1926.*
— short preview article; Berkeley, California newspaper
anonymous. “The Old Army Game As W.C. Fields’ Vehicle Is Headliner At the Princess.” Honolulu Advertiser, August 4, 1926. *
— Brooks is mentioned in article in Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii newspaper
G., C. “Princess Theater.” Honolulu Star-Bulletin, August 5, 1926. *
— brief review in Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii newspaper
anonymous. “Army Game at Keith’s.” Trenton Times, August 6, 1926. *
— review in Trenton, New Jersey newspaper
anonymous. “W.C. Fields Coming in Bright Comedy The Old Army Game.” Portland Oregonian, August 8, 1926. *
— preview article in Portland, Oregon newspaper
anonymous. “W.C. Fields, Comedian, Aids The Old Army Game.” Portland Oregonian, August 16, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks, the pert young woman who will be remembered for her work in The American Venus and A Social Celebrity, the latter with Adolphe Menjou, has the lead role opposite Fields. She poses a bit. An excuse was found to get her into a bathing suit too, which wasn’t a bad move, on the whole. . . . By the way, Edward Sutherland, who directed the picture, has just married Louise Brooks.” – review in Portland, Oregon newspaper
L., J. M. “Richmond Roof Orchestra Substitute on Lyric Bill.” Richmond Times-Dispatch, August 17, 1926. *
— “Louise Brooks has a prominent place in the cast and adds to the interest.” – capsule review in Richmond, Virginia newspaper
anonymous. “W.C. Fields in a Film Monolog at Majestic.” Grand Rapids Press, August 23, 1926. *
— review in Grand Rapids, Michigan newspaper
anonymous. “It’s The Old Army Game at Capitol.” State Journal, August 24, 1926. *
— review in Frankfort, Kentucky newspaper
Smith, Frederick James. “Celluloid Critic: Not So Bright.” Motion Picture Classic, September, 1926. *
— brief, two-paragraph review
anonymous. “The Old Army Game.” Screenland, September, 1926.
— short article
anonymous. “At The Theaters.” Cedar Rapids Republican, September 17, 1926. *
— article in Cedar Rapids, Iowa newspaper
anonymous. “The Old Army Game at Strand.” Youngstown Vindicator, September 26, 1926. *
— article in Youngstown, Ohio newspaper
anonymous. “It’s the Old Army Game – Romantic Comedy.” Motion Picture, October, 1926. *
— capsule review with scene still; “The decorative Louise Brooks acts as the romantic ballast. But she adds nothing to the picture other than a pleasing figure and a pretty pout.”
anonymous. “Reviews of the Week.” Kinematograph Weekly, November 11, 1926. (England) *
— brief review; “Louise Brooks, a modern looking damsel, appeals as the heroine.”
anonymous. “It’s the Old Army Game.” The Bioscope, November 18, 1926. (England) *
— capsule review; “As a low comedy feature this will, no doubt, find its admirers, but the film seems too long for its very slight material.”
anonymous. “It’s the Old Army Game.” Movie Times, December 1, 1926. (Japan) *
— short article in Japanese film magazine
anonymous. “W.C. Fields in It’s the Old Army Game with Louise Brooks.” Movie Times, December 1, 1926. (Japan) *
— one page of text and images in Japanese film magazine
anonymous. “Coliseum ” La Vanguardia, December 28, 1926. (Spain) *
— article in Barcelona newspaper
La Prensa, January 23, 1927. (Argentina) *
— “W.C. Fields, principal interprete de El Boticario rural.” – captioned photo in Buenos Aires newspaper
anonymous. “At the Movies.” Stevens Point Daily Journal, March 17, 1927. *
— “Then there is piquant pert little Louise Brooks, featured along with Mr. Fields. She contributes a performance second only to that given by the star.” – short article in Stevens Point, Wisconsin newspaper
anonymous. “Hudson.” Richmond Palladium and Sun-Telegram, December 17, 1927. *
— article, mostly about Brooks, in Richmond, Indiana newspaper
anonymous. “It’s the Old Army Game, Hudson Play.” Richmond Item, December 18, 1927. *
— article in Richmond, Indiana newspaper
Deschner, Donald. The Films of W. C. Fields. Secaucus, New Jersey: Citadel Press, 1966. *
— includes a three-page illustrated section on the film
Weiler, A.H. “Cheryl Crawford to Make First Film.” New York Times, March 12, 1970. *
— mention that a copy of the film is donated by Paramount to the American Film Institute, in New York City newspaper
Canby, Vincent. “The Fight to Preserve Old Films, Good and Bad.” New York Times, October 30, 1977. *
— briefly discussed in article in New York City newspaper
Everson, William K. “Film Notes – It’s The Old Army Game.” Pacific Film Archive, July 1, 1980. *
— brief program notes from the PFA Film Series entitled “From Silent to Sound: W.C. Fields” – Berkeley, California
Rothstein, Mervyn. “Exhibition Recalls New York’s Silent Film Era.” New York Times, November 4, 1983. *
— mentioned and pictured in article in New York City newspaper
Fields, Ronald J. W.C. Fields: A Life on Film. New York: St. Martins, 1984. *
— includes an illustrated section on the film
Vermilye, Jerry. The Films of the Twenties. Secaucus, New Jersey: Citadel Press, 1985. *
— includes a chapter on the film
Chase, Anthony. “Louise Brooks, a rare film treat.” Buffalo News, April 22, 1990.
— “Assessing the work of Brooks, one of the cinema’s most enduringly enticing enigmas does not become easier with time. It’s the Old Army Game is a case in point.” – Buffalo, New York newspaper
Erickson, Hal. “It’s the Old Army Game.” All Movie Guide, circa 2000. *
— capsule review on film website; “Cult figure Louise Brooks, then the wife of director Eddie Sutherland, plays Elmer’s counter assistant Marilyn.”
Curtis, James. W.C. Fields. New York: Knopf, 2003.
— discussion of Brooks and her role It’s the Old Army Game
Bradberry, Lisa. “On Location in Florida: W.C. Fields and It’s the Old Army Game.” Lompoc Picayune-Intelligencer, Winter 2005. *
— part one of an article in the newsletter of the W. C. Fields Fan Club
Bradberry, Lisa. “On Location in Florida: W.C. Fields and It’s the Old Army Game.” Lompoc Picayune-Intelligencer, Spring 2005. *
— part two of an article in the newsletter of the W. C. Fields Fan Club