Horror, Drama
Format: Standard 4:3, B&W, silent
Director: Paul Leni
Starring: Mary Philbin, Conrad Veidt and Olga Baclanova
This one is a creepy, but confusing script, which starts out well, but crashes and burns by the time we get to the end. And, it is a shame too, because there are some really good scenes in the first half of the film. It utilizes excellent costumes and sets, along with a nice original soundtrack and SPFX, that are the highlights of this film. There is are some cleverly designed scenes. There also is a rumor that this character inspired the creation of the Joker, found in Batman comics 12 years later.
The best part of the film is Olga. The Madonna-looking (yes! That Madonna), Olga Baclanova (Docks of New York, 1928), is supreme as the Duchess Josiana and captures a sexiness that probably has not been witnessed to this point in film history. Plus, we see her naked! Which is awesome, because it is again, 1928. The film industry has reached its maturity with the dawn of the sound era. Unfortunately, the film becomes silly by the end and confusing. By the time you get to the end you even hate Homo, the dog.
6.9 (C MyGrade) = 7 IMDB.
This one is a creepy, but confusing script, which starts out well, but crashes and burns by the time we get to the end. And, it is a shame too, because there are some really good scenes in the first half of the film. It utilizes excellent costumes and sets, along with a nice original soundtrack and SPFX, that are the highlights of this film. There is are some cleverly designed scenes. There also is a rumor that this character inspired the creation of the Joker, found in Batman comics 12 years later.
The best part of the film is Olga. The Madonna-looking (yes! That Madonna), Olga Baclanova (Docks of New York, 1928), is supreme as the Duchess Josiana and captures a sexiness that probably has not been witnessed to this point in film history. Plus, we see her naked! Which is awesome, because it is again, 1928. The film industry has reached its maturity with the dawn of the sound era. Unfortunately, the film becomes silly by the end and confusing. By the time you get to the end you even hate Homo, the dog.
6.9 (C MyGrade) = 7 IMDB.