I haven't seen many Douglas Fairbanks movies - just The Thief of Baghdad, When the Clouds Roll By and The Mystery of the Leaping Fish, the last two also courtesy of the San Francisco Silent Film Fest. The hammy qualities overshadow the daring stunt work for me. However, I couldn't pass up an opportunity to view my first Lupe Valez.
You know I'm not easily won over by movie stars but wow, she has a presence. I'd heard about her from friends and its easy to see why she's talked about. Fiery is the best term, and much like Clara Bow especially the eyebrow expressions. Oh Mr. Fairbanks - why walk into a scene when you can do a back flip? Its all so endearing and so much fun.
The best part was the outtakes shown before the feature. The shots of Mary Pickford as the Virgin were not only shot in two-strip technicolor but with a whirling set of metal spikes behind her head lit brightly to replicate the celestial glow. Numerous shots were tried and miraculously those that didn't quite line up just right (as well as those with the technicians making adjustments) have been preserved.
Viewed at the Castro Theatre as part of the San Francisco Silent Film Festival.
The booklets published by the festival feature great articles on each film.
This film was written up by local writer and blogger Brian Darr.
8 comments:
Shahn,
I must say, the still you've chosen for this post looks incredible, there's a sexual dynamic between Fairbanks and Valez that has this film looking very, very intriguing. Love the smiles on the two women in the background, although the older senora in the center looks unmoved, perhaps it's her age that renders her unresponsive (or her morals maybe?).
Guy,
It was such a smoldering tango they were dancing, I'm surprised that the background actors looked as composed as they did.
Shahn,
Your book choices have been included in my round-up of "Reading the Movies" responses. To be found here:
http://thedancingimage.blogspot.com/2009/07/movie-bookshelf.html
Thanks again for participating.
If you like Fairbanks, check out "The Taming Of The Shrew" he made with Mary Pickford. This was a talking film, unique for them. Also, they were in the middle of a bitter divorce at the time, and in the fight scenes they weren't kidding.
JB
MovieMan:
Thanks for the link. And thank you for asking me to participate. The meme has really taken off, I see references to it everywhere. It was fun to be a part of that.
JB:
You know, I'm not sure I actually LIKE Fairbanks, although I do enjoy some of his antics. I can definitely see the appeal he has for most people. I will hunt down that film. Thanks for the recommendation.
Magnifique photo! la scène se trouve ici: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mArs7CMZYtg
You have to see also "Reaching for the Moon"... And this is a good compilation at kino.com:
http://www.kino.com/video/item.php?product_id=722
wow ! what a blog
fantastic blog.
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