The scenario was written by lead actor William Russell, based on his own experiences as a prizefighter, according to the 30 Jun 1917 Motography. Russell’s character was referred to as “Handsome Jack Bronson,” although he is listed in other sources as “Jack Hastings.” The 7 Jul issue noted that principal photography took place at American Film Co. Studios in Santa Barbara, CA. Joining the cast was boxing champion Al Kaufman, who had once stalemated legendary prizefighter Jack Johnson in a 1909 bout. Principal photography was completed in early Jun 1917, as stated in the 12 Jun 1917 Santa Barbara Daily News and the Independent.
       Pride and the Man was released on 23 Jul 1917, followed by openings on 13 Aug 1917 at the Portola Theatre in Santa Barbara, on 9 Sep 1917 at the Alhambra Theatre in San Francisco, CA, and on 15 Dec 1917 at the Elite Theatre in Los Angeles, CA. A letter in the Feb 1918 Photoplay commented on the fact that Russell’s character emerged from a brutal boxing match without sustaining any apparent injuries.
       The National Film Preservation Board (NFPB) included this film on its list of Lost U.S. Silent Feature Films as of October 2020. ...