Reviews

This film was re-released in 1922 which is the copy I saw on 16mm. Directed by and starring Francis Ford as Custer this is a very well conceived film for it's time. The drama builds from the powerful close up of the Sioux Indian at the opening as he kills 2 'innocent white men' to the climatic scene where Custer and his brother battle against the. odds as one by one they fall. The attitude towards the native American Sioux is as expected for this period but is certainly less offensive than say Griffith's portrayal of Indians as' dog- eaters' in The Battle of Elderbush Gulch released two years later in 1914. Overall the action sequences are fine and the film running approx. 20mins holds the attention well. Recommended

This film was directed by Francis Ford (John's brother) who also stars as Custer. The film opens with Rain-in-the-face, a bloodthirsty killer, an Indian of course in striking close-up killing two white men, he is overheard boasting of this and is imprisoned. On his escape he joins the other sioux who are forced to move from their reservations due to hunger. The rest of the film builds towards a spectacular (for the period) battle. This culminates with a powerfully visual scene with Custer, his brother and officers engulfed with heavy fire and falling one by one . A horse moves in from the left and collapses, very immediate for cinema in this period . Although hardly progressive in its attitudes towards native Americans it is less offensive than say the dog eating indians portrayed in Griffith's Battle at Elderbush Gulch two years later(1914). The film runs approx 20mins, I saw the re-released version (1922) on 16mm of the 1912 film which I believe is the only version that exists. Overall this is very good example of building narrative and visual style form the silent period and highly enjoyable.

This was Lubitsch's first film for Paramount following Rosita with Mary Pickford and sees him in transcendent form.

A highly sophisticated comedy set in Vienna (possibly to allow for the outrageous conduct of the characters)and rich in complex farce scenarios and intelligent narrative twists played by an excellent cast.

Marie Prevost is extraordinary as the relentless pursuer of the happily married Dr Franz Braum, happily married that is to her best friend played by Florence Vidor. Adolphe Menjou offers a characteristically fine performance as the betrayed husband seeking divorce from his wayward wife. His expressions are hysterical as he reveals his caustic feelings towards his spouse. This film explores issues of marriage, commitment, fidelity and temptation in the Lubitsch style. A very funny, touching comedy that displays Lubitsch's talent for understated sophisticated comedy. This stands alongside some of his best films such as The Shop Around the Corner and To Be or Not to be as an equal.

Pickford is impressive as the poor peasant entertainer with whom the King becomes ridiculously obsessed. Having seen some of Pickford's earlier 'little girl', romanticism movies this was a refreshing change and demonstrates how she was able to extend her range given the opportunity, utterly convincing as she is playing the fiesty young rebel as a woman with attitude. She reminded me of our contempory performers such as Madonna. Always amusing and beautifully composed by Lubitsch, whilst not a classic a highly enjoyable film.

Vigo's short Taris is a work of breathtaking beauty. He uses the swimmer's body and movements to portray grace and passion, transcending the pretense that this short is a documentary on a famous swimmer of the 20s/30s. His use of close ups and freeze frames along with underwater beautifully lit scene add to its richness. The Film ends with a deep perhaps ironic twist which is priceless.If you have enjoyed Vigo's features do try and see this mini masterpiece

Having seen only the remaining fragments of this film it is difficult to make a full assessment but what remains is fantastic. Left by his partner to die in the desert Ultus returns 5 years later to avenge himself. This 4 part serial contains great and sophisticated direction from unsung British Director of the silent era George Pearson. His use of light and shadow is progressive for the period and his casting of Aurele Sydney as Ultus is masterful. He is perfect as the mysterious figure having an other wordly quality helped by the clever use of masks and a coffin! The remaining chase between Ultus and his arch enemy Detective Conway Bass is beautifully shot on real rooftops giving the episode a realist feel. What is most suprising is how the tension of wanting to know what happens next or how he will get out of the next situation is so strong with such an old film. Visually stunning and exciting Ultus proceeds Superman,Batman and Zorro as being an avenger with a conscience. Highly recommended if you get a chance to see it.