by Hal Erickson
synopsis
One suspects that Broadway star George M. Cohan and fiercely independent director Marshall Neilan did not precisely see eye to eye during filming of Hit-the-Trail Holliday. Scripted by Anita Loos and John Emerson, the story didn't really amount to much. It was simply a series of episodes built around life in New York, with the titular hero striking a blow in favor of Prohibition. For the benefit of Cohan's legion of fans, the film included a scene in which the Great George M. was permitted to wave a "Grand Old Flag." Richard Barthelmess, just a year or so away from full stardom, was barely visible in a supporting role.
