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BillBarber04
Reviews
Behind the Door (1919)
Shockingly graphic, stunning even through print deterioration
Saw what may be the last exhibition of this film last Saturday (5-8-04) in Rome, NY. Film has been pieced together from several sources. Quality varies from excellent to barely discernible images, with a few scenes entirely missing (Library of Congress Reconstruction).
I was amazed at the intensity of this story. It was very obviously influenced by World War I, the German Submariners are shown to be absolute amoral barbarians, but the film is amazing in its craft and impact.
The print which we saw is said to be the only one outside of Russia (see below), and its condition is such that Library of Congress has pulled it from exhibition. The Rome, NY showing was the last booked.
I understand that a negative was made from this print, however there are no prints available at the present time.
Another complete print of the film is said to exist in Russia, with Russian titles, but no more information was given.
I was amazed at how rapidly the story moved. 70 minutes felt like 45!
If you have a chance to see this film, DO! You won't forget it.