Phantom of the Range 1928: Two film releases?

One of Tom Tyler’s silent films from FBO which underwent additional filming for its final release was “Phantom of the Range” (1928). While additional filming may seem common for most feature-length silent films produced by major studios, it was relatively rare for “oaters” made by B-film producers. At one point, “Phantom of the Range” was available on Youtube for viewing, this particular copy having originated from Spain, complete with intertitles in Castilian.

Of note on the original release of “Phantom of the Range” was its viewing length of 46 minutes, according to a review in Variety dated February 8, 1928, barely an hour long like the majority of Tom’s silent films made for FBO. Oliver Drake is credited as being the writer of the screenplay, with James Dugan as director. One main difference in the location of where this silent film was reviewed is given as “the projection room”, probably referring to the one located on the FBO studio lot.

Variety, February 8, 1928

In the second review of this silent film in the May 2, 1928 issue of Variety, however, there are a number of differences, perhaps most surprisingly in the writer’s credit: Frank Howard Clark. This may be the case of the story extension added to lengthen the film to 60 minutes. Variety also reports “Phantom of the Range” as having premiered at Stanley Theatre in New York City.

Variety, May 2, 1928

Having been lucky enough to view “Phantom of the Range” when it was on Youtube, I can only make a guess that the additional footage appeared in the final third of this silent film where the story consists of “filler material”. Hopefully the year 2024 will see a more widely available release of “Phantom of the Range” when it enters public domain.