I was completely enthralled by this movie! The story, the characters, everything about it. I particularly enjoyed Ethel Barrymore's performance. Thank you once again Isabella for another first rate film. You can really pick 'em!
Thank you, Miss Ricka, I'm happy you enjoyed it, I was impressed too, there is unexpected depth to the story, and a good job was done telling it by all involved. Thank you for finding so much value in these films.
Wow! A fascinating forgotten gem! How did contemporary film critics get it so wrong. A fascinating film about how childhood circumstances damage the individual and shape his life, as well as what it’s like to be an outcast. Superb performances, direction, cinematography. A good one for film students! Thanks Isabella!😊
Yes, I too was impressed, it's quite profound, and whilst taking many screenshots to choose one, I could see the brilliance of the cinematography. Critics' default is the 'actually...' response, quite annoying! To be fair, it seems the book was well known at the time, and quite something, I will give it a listen or read sometime, but even so, it's a truly wonderful film, and I'm glad you enjoyed it 📽
If you’ve watched Gail Russell in her other pictures, you would have been struck by the sense of innocence with which she plays her roles. I was and still am. This in addition, of course, to her great beauty. She was destined for great things. Unfortunately, a tragic chapter in her life robbed her of the opportunity of fulfilling the enormous promise she showed. I often wonder why somebody at Hollywood did not see fit to produce a biopic of this forgotten star. In “Moonrise”, she delivers another memorable performance. Her acting was always so spontaneous, so seamless - never forced or contrived. Russell is the perfect match for Dane Clark (a gifted and underrated star in my opinion). Clark plays the part of a man tormented by a guilty conscience that threatens to consume him. This he achieves the ease consummate of a seasoned professional. The film, far from being an action-packed noir with twists and turns at every point is, instead, a dark and brooding psychological study. Clark is exceptional. Much has been written about the wonderful cinematography. Observe carefully how the camera, at various angles, pans in on Clark’s facial expressions as he attempts to negotiate the various intensities of conflict. All the subtleties and nuances are there to be seen. He is, in my opinion, one of the early exponents of the critically acclaimed ‘method acting’ technique despite commentators citing Marlon Brando and Montgomery Clift in this regard. There are also great supporting performances from Rex Ingram, Allyn Joslyn, Harry Morgan and the indomitable Ethel Barrymore whose presence always lights up the screen. There is also a rivetting cameo by Lloyd Bridges (clear to see why he went on to become a major star). The material in the hands of veteran direction Frank Borzage (the first ever recipient of the best director academy award in 1927) is expertly handled. All the unfolding drama and the emotional landscape: fate, destiny and retributive justice, is poignantly captured. A memorable film. You will not regret the time spent watching this. Thanks, again, to Isabella, always to be trusted to deliver quality with a capital "Q"!
Thank you, Charlie, I'm happy you enjoyed this one, and I agree, Dane Clark was thoroughly excellent here, and the story has an unexpected narrative, I was truly impressed. I also agree with your view of the cinematography, I'm not sure how they managed this. To make all these unusual shots would have been very expensive at the time, yet I don't believe this was a big-budget movie. I shall investigate Gail Russell further, I'm not currently aware of of her story. The story has such gravity, it reminds me of an epic biblical story. I never fail to be impressed with how much there is to discover, hiding in plain sight. Thank you for all the effort you put into your review, with a capital "E"!
Thank you! I always add all the subtitles I can find, but I'm never sure if they are used! I'm happy they were helpful, and thank you for taking the time to comment :)
Thanks you’ve done it again. Another classic. Very cool seeing Harry Morgan from M*A*S*H in an early role. Again much appreciated you taking time to do this. Great to be subscribed to your channel. 14 January 2024
Thank you, agh yes, I knew I recognized him!... I will add some more info to the description. I'm gratified, I too was impressed with how profound and complex the story is, it's quite a treat, enjoy your Sunday.
Oh, but I posted it already for Christmas, it's the best version I could find, and thoroughly decent, unless I'm pixelated 🤠 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-x4gUhsgWbPU.html
Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it, I was pleasantly surprised as well, it had much more depth than I had expected, and I agree that Dane Clark, along with the rest of the actors, was very well cast. My apologies for taking so long to respond, life gets in the way sometimes!
