What's-His-Name? on AllMovie

This early Cecil B. DeMille film is surprisingly simple and unpretentious. It's the story of small-town inhabitants Harvey (Max Figman) and Nellie (Lolita Robertson). He's the popular manager of the local soda fountain; she's the baker's daughter. They marry and lead a poor but happy existence until a theater troupe comes to town. Nellie's talents as an actress are discovered, and she goes on tour, with Harvey in tow. Eventually he becomes known only as "what's-his-name," and Nellie is romanced by a wealthy man. Harvey takes their daughter Phoebe (Cecilia DeMille) back home, and Nellie goes to Reno to obtain a divorce. When Phoebe suffers a serious illness, it brings the couple back together again.