Swell Hogan is an unreleased 1926 American film written by and starring Ralph Graves. A sentimental comedy, it is about a Bowery bum who helps orphans.[1][2][3] It was financed by Howard Hughes and was his first production.[4] Sources differ as to whether Hughes did[3][5] or did not[6] direct it. IMDb credits Graves as the director.[7]
Swell Hogan | |
---|---|
Written by | Ralph Graves |
Produced by | Howard Hughes |
Starring | Ralph Graves |
Country | United States |
Language | Silent |
Budget | $80,000 |
Graves persuaded Hughes to put up the money, claiming that it would only take $40,000.[6] In the end, it was double that amount.[6] After the film was completed, Hughes screened the finished product several times and realized it was a disaster; his uncle Rupert Hughes, a film director and screenwriter, confirmed that opinion.[8] Hughes is believed to have ordered the film to be destroyed.[4][9]