silentmoviefan Review of The Informer

The Informer (1929)

Not a Carbon Copy of the 1935 Verson, But Good Nonetheless

[7/10 · 19 September 2012]

It's been said that this movie is just like the 1935 version, but it really isn't. This movie shows Francis McPhillip killing someone. In the 1935 version, you just see the wanted poster. In this version, Katie is actually McPhillip's girl. In the 1935 version, she was always Gypo's girl and he discovers her practicing prostitution in the latter version. Also, Nancy, Carroll, who I believe played Katie in the 1935 version was much better-looking that Lya de Putti. I understand that the voices of Lya de Putti and Lars Hanson (who plays Gypo) in this version had to be dubbed, but it still would have been nice to her Miss de Putti's voice as she passed away just two years later. I also question the choice of Lars Hanson as Gypo. I guess it's because I saw the 1935 version first, but I picture a bigger, burlier man playing Gypo. Victor McGaglen, who played Gypo in the 1935 version, would be an excellent choice here. This version gives more detail, so if I had to choose between the 1929 and 1935 versions, I would go with this 1929 version. Also, I want to add something. In 1996, when Turner Classic Movies made its wonderful documentary "Cinema Europe", movies from the different countries profiled (Sweden, Germany, France...etc) were shown the night that each of the first five episodes profiled (France, Germany, etc.), but did not show one for the episode dealing with British silent cinema. I really do think this film deserved a viewing then. I do believe it is that good, even though it is a part-talkie.