For the Love of Mike

For the Love of Mike (1927), originally titled Hell's Kitchen, is a American drama/romance silent film directed by Frank Capra, and starring Claudette Colbert and Ben Lyon. For the Love of Mike is based upon the story "Hell's Kitchen" by John Moroso. Frank Capra himself referred to the film as his first flop. Having recently ended his association as writer for actor Harry Langdon, this became Capra's first opportunity to direct a New York based p... more

For the Love of Mike (1927), originally titled Hell's Kitchen, is a American drama/romance silent film directed by Frank Capra, and starring Claudette Colbert and Ben Lyon. For the Love of Mike is based upon the story "Hell's Kitchen" by John Moroso. Frank Capra himself referred to the film as his first flop. Having recently ended his association as writer for actor Harry Langdon, this became Capra's first opportunity to direct a New York based production. Producer Robert Kane had contracts to provide First National Pictures with 10 films, and had planned each to be be financed with profits from the preceding. For the Love of Mike was the tenth in this package, funding was limited, and agent Leland Hayward convinced Capra into deferring his salary until the end of production. Capra was never paid for his participation. The film is considered a commercial failure despite having what is considered a strong cast and decent production values. The film had distribution problems and is now... less