Many praise Anna May Wong for her performance, and justifiably so, but I think the main star of the film is the Cinematography (by Werner Brandes). It's simply breathtaking and unbelievable "modern". There is a lot of influence from German expressionism (and understandably so since Werner Brandes is German) but it's much more than that. The shots are quite long, for a silent film and the movement of the camera resembles what one would see in films a decade later (It even reminded me in many ways of Tarkovsky). The same goes for the subject but the stile of the film. It plays like a Film Noir.
The period 1927 -29 has the best balance between "Movement" and "lingering " by that I mean letting a scene/shot develop. Alas the restrictions imposed by the introduction of sound ment the camera became fixed to the spot and ,as lighting levels escalated to make up for the increase in speed the film was "Cranked " trough the camera ( 19 - 22 by hand went up to 24frames per second with electric motors.) Many great film makers overcame these limitations, but not the majority who struggled on with a rather flatly lit "Stage look". Cameras grew bigger and less portable, and it wasn't till the 60s that things improved.Auters like Orson Wells did try in the late 50s but studios where still entrenched in their ways and blocked most of what would become widely accepted in following decades. But Back in the 20s thing where so much better,and other films to look out for are "Moulon Rouge" (also by E.A. Du Pont) which is full of movement ( and a very interesting car chase) much of Hitchcock s stuff from the period Notably "The Farmers wife"(1928)as the camera moves about the house."A Cottage On Dartmoor" (Asquith 1929) is a remarkable film on many levels but its camera work is exceptional. As you would expect virtually all well known German films (and directors) from this period stand up to this examination - but as for mainstream Hollywood the same cannot be said but there are exceptions and William Wellman stands out for films like "Wings " (1927)with so much movement dramatically and for its aviation elements (Wellman served in the Flying Corps) but one should make some effort to track down his neglected masterpiece, "Beggars Of Life" (1928) a story of hobo life on the road - or more importantly on the Rial- roads of the Mid west. To watch this film one has to keep reminding oneself of its age! For both in its camera work and attitude to its characters it feels like the 1940s although its treatment of the black character allows him to play with stereotypes to his advantage (and his fellow travellers) This is a fascinating period Both artistically & Technologically but also because of what happened (the Wall street Crash, and its effects on America and to the rest of the world)
Thank you for your answer mcgeechan6600. My favorite film decade is the 20s and Germany is my favorite country from this period. I therefore totally agree with you.
I have to dig up Moulon Rouge and A Cottage On Dartmoor. I saw The Farmers wife long time ago and did not like it then but I should maybe give it another try. The copy I had was quite bad.
I'm getting Wings and Beggars Of Life in few days. I really look forward to seeing them.
- This comment is most likely authentic and fairly close to what I intended to say -
The Grapevine copy on DVD-r is a bit dark and the sound track is "Copy right free" muzak. I recommend setting aside about 100 minuets on your media player/I pod / mp3 thingy,play through you stereo,then by good grace and fortune you will find your own music collection carries the story along rather well - try it with more silent movies - you'll never sit through an unrestored soundtrack again.
...and Jasmison Thomas.s performance in "The Farmers Wife" is so far removed from the suave nigh club proprietor in "Piccadilly" you can just hear the comedy Yorkshire accent coming through the inter-titles! And the bleating house maid would fit into a "Carry On" film or dare I say"Emmerdale"
Totally agree about Jameson Thomas's performance in "The Farmer's Wife." He was so adept at comedy, but continued to be typecast as a morally suspect man-about-town even after he'd moved to Hollywood in 1930. Check out "Night Life in Reno" for more evidence of his comic talent.
Thanks for the suggestions on some movies to try to see. I agree the cinematography in "Piccadilly" is great - I especially like the abstract expressionistic titles.