The Pride of the Fancy

The Pride of the Fancy is a British silent motion picture of 1920 directed by Richard Garrick and Albert Ward, produced by G. B. Samuelson, and starring Rex Davis, Daisy Burrell and Tom Reynolds. A drama, it was based on a novel by George Edgar.

After being discharged from the British Army, Phil Moran struggles to find employment and joins an athletic troupe managed by Professor Bonkish. When Kitty, Bonkish's daughter, is pursued by an unwelcome wealthy admirer, Moran protects her but is assaulted. Meanwhile, the unscrupulous Ireton attempts to court Sir Rufus Douglas's daughter Hilda, who is in love with Oswald Gordon.[1] Moran goes on to become a boxing champion and marries Kitty.[2]

Variety commented that "Daisy Burrell is a charming Kitty, although she is rather inclined to overact. Rex Davis does most of the work as Moran, taking and receiving many a hard blow, but whether fighting or making love, he is an exceptionally manly and convincing hero. Tom Reynolds presents a delightful character study of the old showman. Fred Morgan adds another picture of villainy to his already crowded gallery. Pope Stamper does what is required of him as Gordon quite well, and Dorothy Fane proves herself capable of good work by a sympathetic study of the persecuted Hilda."[1]

Kinematograph Monthly was less kind, commenting "a melodramatic sporting picture with not much detail" and "suitable for uncritical audiences".[3]