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Reviews
The Docks of New York (1928)
Wonderful, engaging film
I thoroughly enjoyed "The Docks of New York." Betty Compson's portrayal of a disillusioned prostitute is riveting and clearly shows why she appeared in as many silent films as she did. She truly was a great silent star. She is good to look at and I found myself very much caring about what happened to her character. It is no wonder her image appeared on so many postcards and photographs from the 1920s. I think she was a bigger star during the silent era than most people today realize.
George Bancroft swaggers convincingly throughout. His is a strong, no-nonsense presence. Clyde Cook, known mostly for his many silent comedy films, is convincing as Bancroft's apprehensive and harried pal. Mitchell Lewis, as the third engineer who desires Compson, is appropriately menacing. Olga Baclanova, as his estranged wife, is also quite good.
The scenes in the boiler room of the ship well evoke the hazards and hardships of what must have been back-breaking labor.
The tavern scenes are raucous and animated and clearly depict the more tawdry aspects of such places. The juxtaposition of this setting, with its boisterous, cynical patrons and the hopeful act of marriage that takes place there, is masterful.
Favorite scene: On the morning after their "marriage" Compson offers to sew Bancroft's torn shirt pocket before he goes off to sea but can't see to thread the needle through her tears. He threads the needle for her; she then kneels between his legs and sews the pocket. The intimacy of this act, and the emotions it generates in both, is far more powerful than what we imagine took place in their bed the night before.
Great stuff!
Tarzan the Tiger (1929)
Cast corrections for Tarzan the Tiger
I would like to set the record straight for two members of the cast of this charming and engaging serial. The part of "Queen La of Opar" was played by Kithnou (aka Mlle. Kithnou) a Hindu actress, and not by Lillian Worth as stated on the video cover and in Buck Rainey's book "Serials and Series: A World Filmography, 1912-1956." As was the custom in many silent films, the title card which announced the first appearance of an important member of the cast included the name of that actor. When you watch this serial you will see that the part of Queen La is played by Kithnou.
And so it is with the character, "Mohammed Bey." Buck Rainey lists Frank Lanning as the actor who portrayed this role. In the actual film however, it is clear that "Bey" was played by the actor Paul Panzer.
Viewers who are used to Johnny Weissmuller and other's loincloth portrayals of Tarzan may be surprised to see all the animal skins that Frank Merrill wears in this role. He looks amusing to say the least. And his interpretation of the famous "Tarzan yell" is more like the drawn out exclamation of a Swiss mountain climber..."Yah! Yah!" I laughed each time he did it. Still, he is stoic and muscular and has an aura of strength about him.
Natalie Kingston, as Jane, is spectacularly sexy and desirable! When I saw her topless swimming scene I re-wound the tape at least three times! In fact, I loved every scene she was in, clothed or not. Not to be missed!